Check out the American states that may change legislation in 2026

As the movement to legalize cannabis in the United States continues to progress, 2026 emerges as a key year for new reforms in several states that still prohibit adult use or have ongoing legislative debates. 

So far, nearly half of the states already allow adult cannabis consumption and almost all have some form of medicinal program in place. 

According to the American portal NewsWeed, it is expected that, with the discussion around a possible federal reclassification of cannabis gaining momentum, more states will consider taking significant steps towards legalization in 2026.

Medicinal Cannabis: Growing Pressure in Conservative States

Some historically prohibitionist American states are under pressure to at least authorize medicinal cannabis:

Idaho — a group of advocates is promoting a referendum initiative to create a strictly regulated program, while a legislative proposal seeks to prevent future legalizations led by popular vote.

Kansas — although public support for medicinal cannabis is strong, bills have been repeatedly blocked in the legislature.

North Carolina and South Carolina — governors and legislators in both states show signs that changes may occur, especially in medicinal access, despite significant political resistance.

Some states are among the top candidates to advance with recreational legalization or at least put the issue to a vote:

Florida — a new popular initiative supported by the Smart & Safe Florida group aims to put recreational cannabis legalization on the voters' ballot in 2026, after a similar proposal was narrowly rejected in 2024 for not reaching the necessary vote threshold.

Hawaii — legislative efforts for legalization have been stalled, but with growing support among some political sectors, the issue may be brought to a state vote.

New Hampshire — bills have already been introduced aiming to legalize adult use and potentially submit the issue to a popular vote in 2026.

Pennsylvania — the legalization debate is increasingly linked to fiscal issues and tax revenues, with proposals under review that seek to expand legal adult use.

Virginia — despite already allowing cultivation and possession for adults, retail sales have not yet been regulated. Recent projects may lead to the creation of a commercial market by the end of 2026.

In some states like Wisconsin, the debate on medicinal cannabis remains slow, but with ongoing bipartisan discussion.

In addition to these direct movements:

In states like Idaho and Oklahoma, public initiatives are underway to put legalization or decriminalization measures to a vote in 2026.

States like Nebraska are also advancing campaigns to bring recreational legalization to popular vote. 

In North Carolina, an advisory board has been formed to recommend a regulatory framework that could facilitate future legalization or significant reform. 

Meanwhile, in Florida, a legal battle over the qualification of a constitutional amendment for the 2026 ballot has been in the spotlight in recent weeks.

With information from NewsWeed.