[City, State] – The movement to legalize recreational cannabis is gaining momentum across the United States. Currently, 24 states have already legalized marijuana for adult use, and more states are expected to follow in 2025. With public support growing and lawmakers increasingly open to reform, several states stand out as strong contenders to legalize cannabis this year.

States Most Likely to Legalize Marijuana in 2025

Efforts to end cannabis prohibition are underway in multiple states, but Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin are leading the push. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in these states:

Pennsylvania: Governor Pushes for Legalization

Pennsylvania is one of the most promising states for cannabis legalization in 2025. Earlier this month, Governor Josh Shapiro urged lawmakers to pass a bill that would legalize adult-use marijuana and expunge records for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses.

“I ask you to come together and send to my desk a bill that legalizes adult-use cannabis and expunges the records of people who have been convicted for nonviolent possession of small amounts of marijuana,” said Shapiro during his annual budget address.

Shapiro emphasized that neighboring states like Ohio and Maryland have already legalized cannabis, leaving Pennsylvania behind in both economic opportunities and personal freedoms.

With growing bipartisan support, House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D) expressed confidence in getting the bill passed, stating:

“Yes, our numbers are close, but we are confident that we can get our numbers together and show that there is a path forward on cannabis.”

A recent Change Research poll found that 68% of registered Pennsylvania voters support legalization, including a majority of Republicans. With such strong public backing, Pennsylvania could soon become the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana.

New Hampshire: House Approves Cannabis Reform

In New Hampshire, efforts to legalize marijuana have gained significant traction. Last week, the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved legislation that would remove criminal penalties for possession and use of cannabis for adults 21 and older.

This bill would effectively legalize marijuana, but it still faces a tough challenge in the state Senate, where similar legislation failed in 2024.

Even though Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte has openly opposed marijuana legalization, advocates are hopeful that she won’t veto the bill if it reaches her desk—especially if it has strong bipartisan support.

Polling data released this year shows that 65% of New Hampshire voters are in favor of legalizing marijuana. With public opinion shifting, lawmakers may feel increasing pressure to pass a bill and make New Hampshire the next state to embrace cannabis reform.

Wisconsin: Governor’s Budget Includes Marijuana Legalization Proposal

Wisconsin is another state where marijuana legalization is being seriously considered in 2025. Governor Tony Evers has once again included a proposal to legalize recreational cannabis in his 2025-2027 budget request, marking another major step toward reform.

At the same time, lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation (Assembly Bill 50 and Senate Bill 45) to regulate cannabis for adult use.

The proposed legislation would allow:

Wisconsin residents 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana.

Nonresidents to carry up to a quarter ounce.

ome cultivation of up to six cannabis plants.

The bill also includes tax regulations:

15% wholesale excise tax on marijuana sales.

10% retail excise tax on cannabis purchases.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue would oversee licensing and regulation, while producers and processors would need additional permits from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Although Wisconsin lawmakers have rejected past marijuana bills, the increasing support for legalization—especially among younger voters—could change the outcome in 2025.

What’s Next for Cannabis Legalization in 2025?

With public opinion overwhelmingly in favor of legalization, the U.S. is expected to see major policy shifts in 2025. Lawmakers across different states are under growing pressure to modernize cannabis laws, create new economic opportunities, and eliminate outdated penalties.

As these bills move through legislative processes, advocates are urging voters to stay engaged and push for reform. If any of these states pass legislation this year, the U.S. could soon see a majority of states with legal recreational marijuana.