Cannabis likely to Be Legalized in These 5 States Next

September 06, 2017

In the United States, legalized cannabis is spreading like wildfire. In some way, the use and sales of cannabis has been legalized by twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, eight states have legalized adult-use for those 21 and over. Billions of dollars of revenue have already been generated by these states through legal cannabis and now more states want in. So, which states are likely to legalize cannabis next? Following is our prediction.

Michigan
In 2008, this Midwest state approved medical marijuana and ever-since then citizens have been calling for adult-use. Previously, there weren’t enough signatures to bring the debate to the voters, but this year there’s been a surge in support. Nearly two-thirds of the required signatures way before deadline have been secured by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, which is leading the way for legalization. The rest of the Midwest is likely to follow suit if Michigan passes adult-use in 2018.

Vermont
In the past, Vermont made headlines for nearly approving recreational marijuana via the state legislature as opposed to voter initiatives. Unfortunately, each bill that made it to the desk of the governor has been vetoed. Though, this year there’s been a positive shift—instead of outright killing the bill, governor Phil Scott sent it back to legislators, requesting additional protections against driving while high and child safety. The governor made it clear that he isn’t ‘philosophically opposed’ to legal cannabis, and recognizes that there’s a ‘clear societal shift in that direction.’

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Connecticut
In the Connecticut legislature, legalizing rec has been considered, but nothing has failed to stick—yet. However, with Massachusetts, the neighbor state, preparing to open adult-use dispensaries, Connecticut will surely want a piece if the pie. As it is facing budgetary issues, Connecticut would benefit from the millions, if not billions, of dollars that recreational marijuana could bring in.

Arizona
In the cannabis industry, the Southwest is another emerging market. California and Nevada have already passed adult-use. In 2011, medical marijuana was legalized by Arizona and there has been widespread support for recreational pot. Though enough signatures for a statewide vote were gained by supporters of a ballot initiative, a new concept known as ‘strict compliance’ may nullify any hopes of legalization.

It is extremely difficult to get ballot initiatives off the ground floor due to the compliance law, a law recently passed by the Arizona legislature. Initiatives can be rejected for inadvertent, technical and inconsequential mistakes like an ink smudge or a coffee stain. Calling the law unconstitutional, a lawsuit is underway. If it’s overturned, adult-use cannabis could easily be passed.

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Minnesota
Known for being an oasis of blue in a sea of red, the land of ten thousand Lakes, Minnesota only recently passed medical cannabis and it is one of the most restrictive programs in the county. The reason for this is the anti-marijuana stance of governor Mark Dayton. However, since he’s stepping down in 2018, it is assumed that the next governor will be more pragmatic about the issue.

Bills that would legalize adult-use have been introduced in the Minnesota legislature, but so far, they’ve gone nowhere. However, it is the beginning of a dialogue and a step in the right direction.

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