Bermix Studio| Source: Unsplash
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to legalize cannabis in the United States. As of 2023, 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for recreational use, while 36 states have legalized it for medical use. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with 5 more states potentially considering cannabis legalization.
1) Texas
Texas is one of the 5 states that could potentially legalize cannabis in 2023. With a population of almost 30 million people, Texas is one of the largest states in the United States and has a significant impact on the national conversation around cannabis legalization. While cannabis is currently illegal in Texas, there is a growing interest in legalization, both for medical and recreational use.
In recent years, there have been several bills introduced in the Texas legislature to legalize cannabis for medical use, with some lawmakers also advocating for recreational legalization. However, these bills have not yet been successful, and Texas remains one of the few states where cannabis is still fully illegal.
Despite the current legal status, there is a growing movement in Texas to legalize cannabis. In the 2022 election cycle, several candidates for governor have expressed support for cannabis legalization, and polling shows that a majority of Texans support legalization for medical and/or recreational use.
If Texas were to legalize cannabis in 2023, it could have a significant impact on the cannabis industry, both in Texas and across the United States. With a large population and a thriving economy, Texas could become one of the largest cannabis markets in the country, and could also influence other conservative states to consider legalization.
Overall, while the road to cannabis legalization in Texas may still be long, the growing support for legalization suggests that it is only a matter of time before the state joins the growing number of states legalizing cannabis.
2) Pennsylvania
States Voting To Legalize Weed| Source:Forbes
While cannabis is currently legal for medical use in Pennsylvania, there is growing support for legalization for recreational use as well. In recent years, there have been several bills introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature to legalize cannabis for recreational use, but none have been successful so far. However, Governor Tom Wolf has expressed support for legalization and has called on the state legislature to take action on the issue.
If Pennsylvania were to legalize cannabis in 2023, it could have a significant impact on the cannabis industry. With a population of over 12 million people and a thriving medical cannabis market, Pennsylvania could become one of the largest cannabis markets in the country. It could also help to shift the national conversation around cannabis legalization, as Pennsylvania is a large and influential state in the Northeast.
While the road to cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania may still be long, the growing support for legalization suggests that it is only a matter of time before the state joins the growing number of states legalizing cannabis.
3) New Mexico
New Mexico And Their Policies| Source: Addiction Center
In April 2021, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Cannabis Regulation Act into law, legalizing recreational cannabis use for adults over the age of 21. The law also includes provisions for social equity in the cannabis industry, including expungement of past cannabis-related convictions and prioritizing licenses for individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.
The new law in New Mexico is set to take effect on April 1, 2022, and the state is currently in the process of setting up regulations for the new industry. Once the industry is up and running, it is expected to generate significant tax revenue for the state and create new jobs.
While the legalization of recreational cannabis in New Mexico has already been achieved, there are still several issues to be addressed in the coming year, including licensing, regulations, and the establishment of a legal marketplace. There is also the potential for further reform, such as the inclusion of home cultivation or the expansion of the social equity provisions in the law.
The legalization of recreational cannabis in New Mexico represents a significant step forward for the cannabis industry and the state as a whole. The state is poised to become one of the most significant cannabis markets in the Southwest, and the social equity provisions in the law could serve as a model for other states looking to address the harm caused by the war on drugs.
4) Maryland
The Maryland House of Delegates passed a bill |Source:Newsweek
In March 2021, the Maryland House of Delegates passed a bill to legalize cannabis for adult use, but the bill did not advance in the state Senate. However, Governor Larry Hogan has expressed support for legalization, and several lawmakers have vowed to continue pushing for reform.
If Maryland were to legalize cannabis in 2023, it could have a significant impact on the cannabis industry. With a population of over 6 million people and a thriving medical cannabis market, Maryland could become one of the largest cannabis markets in the country. It could also help to shift the national conversation around cannabis legalization, as Maryland is a state with significant political influence.
In addition to the potential economic benefits of legalization, there are also potential social justice implications. The war on drugs has disproportionately affected communities of color, and legalization could help to reduce the harm caused by these policies. The road to cannabis legalization in Maryland may still be long, the growing support for legalization suggests that it is only a matter of time before the state joins the growing number of states legalizing cannabis.
5) Ohio
There is growing support for legalization|Source:Law Office Of Mark Nicholson
While cannabis is currently legal for medical use in Ohio, there is growing support for legalization for recreational use as well.
In recent years, there have been several bills introduced in the Ohio legislature to legalize cannabis for recreational use, but none have been successful so far. However, polling shows that a majority of Ohioans support legalization for recreational use, and there is a growing movement in the state to push for reform.
If Ohio were to legalize cannabis in 2023, it could have a significant impact on the cannabis industry. With a population of over 11 million people, Ohio could become one of the largest cannabis markets in the country. It could also help to shift the national conversation around cannabis legalization, as Ohio is a politically significant swing state. In addition to the potential economic benefits of legalization, there are also potential social justice implications. The war on drugs has disproportionately affected communities of color, and legalization could help to reduce the harm caused by these policies.
Cannabis legalization in Ohio may still be long, the growing support for legalization suggests that it is only a matter of time before the state joins the growing number of states legalizing cannabis.
Key Takeaways!
There is growing support for cannabis legalization in many states across the US,
● That legalization could have significant economic pros
● The road to legalization may still be long in some states, but many are hopeful
● The trend towards legalization is clear, and it is likely that more states will join the growing number of states legalizing cannabis in the coming years.
The potential economic benefits of legalization, such as job creation and tax revenue generation, are also potential public health benefits. Legalization could allow for better regulation of the cannabis industry. Don’t forget to come back to The Happy Campers for more cannabis-related insights, news, and so much more! For all of your latest cannabis news, follow The Happy Campers on Instagram and Twitter.