Cannabis legalization in the United States has evolved significantly over the past decade, with a growing number of states embracing medical and recreational use. This movement reflects changing public attitudes and an acknowledgment of the economic benefits and medicinal properties of cannabis. Here, we take a closer look at the last ten states to legalize medical and/or recreational cannabis, marking a significant shift in policy across the country.

Ohio (2024 Recreational/2016 Medical) On November 7, 2023, a ballot measure to legalize recreational cannabis, passed by a 57–43 margin and the first licensed sales of recreational cannabis started on August 6, 2024. Medical use of cannabis was legalized in 2016 and the first licensed sales of medical cannabis began on January 16, 2019.

Kentucky (2023 – Medical) On March 31, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 into law, legalizing medical cannabis for Kentuckians beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Cannabis consumption outside of the medical​​ cannabis program remains illegal in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Minnesota (2023 – Recreational) The 23rd state in the nation to legalize adult-use cannabis, the new law also created a new state office – the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Licensing and regulations are not yet in place that will allow sales, and it’s not expected until 2025, but there are some sales taking place on reservation land.

Delaware (2023 – Medical and Recreational) In April 2023, the First State became the 22nd state to legalize cannabis after Governor John Carney (D) allowed HB 1 and HB 2 to become law without his signature. HB 1 legalized possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and older.

Rhode Island (2022 – Recreational; 2006 Medical) Rhode Island was the 19th state in the country to legalize the possession, home-growing and sale of small amounts of marijuana for recreational purposes.

Missouri (2022 – Recreational and Medical) A ballot initiative to legalize recreational use, Amendment 3, passed on November 8, 2022. Possession for adults 21 and over became legal on December 8, 2022, with the first licensed sales occurring on February 3, 2023.

Maryland (2022 – Recreational; 2013 Medical) Maryland established a medical cannabis program in 2013, which became operational in 2017 and in 2022, Maryland voters approved Question 4, which legalized recreational cannabis use. This went into effect on July 1, 2023.

New York (2021 – Recreational) In March 2021, New York legalized recreational cannabis through legislation. The law includes provisions for expungement of previous marijuana convictions and aims to allocate a significant percentage of cannabis licenses to minorities and small businesses.

Virginia (2021 – Recreational) Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize recreational marijuana in July 2021. Adults in Virginia can possess and cultivate marijuana, with a state-controlled market set to open in the coming years.

Connecticut (2021 – Recreational) Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis in June 2021. The law provides for possession and home cultivation rights, with a focus on social equity in the industry’s development.

New Mexico (2021 – Recreational) New Mexico passed legislation in April 2021 to legalize recreational cannabis. The state has established provisions for commercial sales and personal cultivation, alongside measures to expunge certain past offenses.

Alabama (2021 – Medical) Alabama, traditionally conservative in its drug policies, approved a medical cannabis program in 2021. The program is tightly regulated, allowing use for specific medical conditions and requiring state-issued ID cards for eligible patients. Alabama remains one of only 19 states that still jails its residents for simple possession of cannabis.

Mississippi (2021 – Medical) In 2021, Mississippi voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana, although it faced legislative hurdles initially. The state now allows medical cannabis for several qualifying conditions, highlighting a significant policy shift in a traditionally conservative region.

South Dakota (2020 – Medical and Recreational) South Dakota made history in the 2020 elections by simultaneously passing measures for both medical and recreational cannabis— a first in the United States. However, the recreational use initiative was struck down after facing challenges in the state’s Supreme Court.

Montana (2020 – Recreational) Montana voters approved a recreational marijuana initiative in November 2020, building on a medical marijuana program that had been expanded in 2016. The state has begun to develop a regulatory framework for cannabis sales and distribution.

Arizona (2020 – Recreational) Arizona, having legalized medical cannabis in 2010, approved Proposition 207 in 2020 to allow recreational use. This law permits adults 21 and older to possess and cultivate cannabis and outlines a regulatory system for the commercial sale of cannabis.

New Jersey (2020 – Recreational) After several failed attempts and much political maneuvering, New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational cannabis in 2020. The state has since been working on establishing a comprehensive regulatory and licensing framework.

These recent legislative actions reflect a broader national and global trend towards the legalization and regulation of cannabis. Each state’s approach varies significantly, influenced by political, cultural, and social factors, illustrating the complex landscape of cannabis policy in the United States. As more states move towards legalization, the federal government faces increasing pressure to reconsider its own policies on cannabis.