As more and more states legalize marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use, many are wondering which states will be next to jump on the bandwagon. While there is no guaranteed timeline for legalization, there are several states that seem to be moving in that direction. Here are some of the states that may legalize weed in the near future.
Virginia
Virginia recently became the first southern state to legalize marijuana, albeit only for medicinal use. However, there are already discussions about expanding the legalization to include recreational use as well. With neighboring states like Maryland and Washington D.C. already allowing recreational marijuana use, it may only be a matter of time before Virginia follows suit.
New York
New York has been making moves towards legalizing marijuana for several years now, with Governor Andrew Cuomo recently proposing a plan to legalize and regulate the drug for recreational use. The plan would create a new Office of Cannabis Management to oversee the industry and would also expunge the records of those with previous marijuana-related convictions.
New Jersey
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has been a strong advocate for marijuana legalization and has already signed a bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of the drug. The state is now working on legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use and create a regulated market for the drug.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania already allows marijuana for medicinal use, but there are currently efforts to expand the legalization to include recreational use as well. State Senator Daylin Leach has introduced a bill to legalize marijuana and create a regulated market for the drug in Pennsylvania.
Connecticut
Connecticut has been considering marijuana legalization for several years now, with Governor Ned Lamont recently stating that he would like to see the drug legalized for recreational use by the end of the year. The state's legislature is currently working on a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana.
Delaware
Delaware already allows marijuana for medicinal use, but there are currently discussions about expanding the legalization to include recreational use as well. State Representative Ed Osienski has introduced a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana in Delaware.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has been considering marijuana legalization for several years now, with Governor Dan McKee recently stating that he would like to see the drug legalized for recreational use in the state. The state's legislature is currently working on a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana.
Minnesota
Minnesota already allows marijuana for medicinal use, but there are currently discussions about expanding the legalization to include recreational use as well. State Senator Melisa Franzen has introduced a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana in Minnesota.
Ohio
Ohio already allows marijuana for medicinal use, but there are currently discussions about expanding the legalization to include recreational use as well. State Senator Kenny Yuko has introduced a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana in Ohio.
Maryland
Maryland already allows marijuana for medicinal use, but there are currently discussions about expanding the legalization to include recreational use as well. State Delegate Jazz Lewis has introduced a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana in Maryland.
Conclusion
While these states are all showing promising signs of moving towards marijuana legalization, it's important to remember that there are still many challenges and obstacles to overcome. Legalization is a complex issue that involves not only legislation, but also public opinion and perception. However, with more and more states legalizing marijuana, it seems likely that others will follow suit in the near future.