The most promising opportunities for cannabis policy reform in 2026

As we continue to consider the implications of the recent move to advance federal cannabis rescheduling, the most promising opportunities to advancing cannabis reform this year remain at the state-level.

As MPP mobilizes with allies across the country to combat a series of troubling attempts by prohibitionist groups to gut and roll back adult-use laws through exploiting the ballot initiative process, we are continuing to press forward in supporting legalization efforts in multiple states.

Hawai’i (adult-use)

In Hawai’i – the only state where Democrats control the executive and legislative branches that has not yet passed an adult-use legalization law – we are making a renewed push on multiple fronts to bring Hawai’i in line with the 24 legalization states.

MPP, as the convener of the Hawai’i Alliance for Cannabis Reform, is working with local partners and policymakers to advance legislation to either directly legalize and regulate cannabis for adults over 21 – or alternatively to put a legalization initiative on the ballot for direct consideration by voters later this year.

New Hampshire (adult-use)

New Hampshire is an outlier in New England — surrounded by legal states, yet still prohibiting adult-use cannabis. While Gov. Ayotte (R) has long been vocally opposed to enacting legalization, momentum is nonetheless building in the legislature to urgently address this untenable contradiction. Lawmakers have already proposed legalization bills this year, and there is also a potential path through a legislatively initiated constitutional amendment that would let voters decide legalization directly.

MPP continues to play a key role by educating legislators, supporting allies, and making the case that legalization is both politically viable and fiscally responsible. With public opinion increasingly supportive, sustained advocacy could finally tip the balance this year.

Pennsylvania (adult-use)

Like New Hampshire, Pennsylvania borders multiple states that have already enacted adult-use cannabis laws. The state House has already passed legalization legislation in previous sessions, and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) has voiced support for enacting a legalization law, but lawmakers have so far been unable to coalesce around a consensus approach to overcome opposition in the Senate.

MPP is actively engaged in Pennsylvania, amplifying the economic and public-safety benefits of legalization, mobilizing advocates, and helping build broad-based support that includes nonprofits, business, and community stakeholders.

Virginia (adult-use sales)

Virginia legalized possession and home cultivation in 2021, but still lacks a legal adult-use sales market — leaving consumers unprotected and unable to access safe and regulated cannabis through licensed retail businesses. Following the recent election of pro-legalization Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), lawmakers are advancing legislation to establish a long-overdue legal retail system, keeping full legalization squarely in play this year.

MPP is supporting efforts in Virginia by providing policy guidance, public education, and advocacy support aimed at completing the legalization process voters were promised. 

Medical Cannabis Opportunities

In Idaho, the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho (NMAI) is launching a campaign to put a medical cannabis initiative on the ballot this year. In order to make the ballot, the campaign will need to collect 70,725 valid signatures, including from at least six percent of registered voters in 18 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts. The campaign is simultaneously putting pressure on lawmakers to move forward with enacting legalization through legislation.

MPP is also monitoring opportunities to move medical cannabis legislation forward in Kansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Looking Ahead

2026 holds both great potential and great peril for cannabis policy reform. Two of the most populous states in the country — one purple and one red — could legalize cannabis for adults. But on the other hand, for the first time, initiatives to reinstate cannabis prohibition may qualify for the ballot in multiple states.

Continued progress will require strategic focus, strong coalitions, and sustained advocacy — and MPP remains at the center of those efforts, helping turn public support into lasting policy change based on the principles of public health, public safety, and public access.