By Chris Barbieri Photo Credit: Diy1/istockphoto
Written By Chris Barbieri
The legalization of marijuana in the United States has a complex and controversial history. Once having a strong stigmatization at all levels of government, cannabis is now witnessing growing state-by-state acceptance, reflecting a significant shift in public opinion over the past century.
Key factors contributing to this evolution include record-high support among U.S. adults for federal legalization, increasing favorability favorability, and growing efforts to ease regulatory restrictions.
State-by-State Progress
State voters have been instrumental in advancing marijuana reform. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana with Proposition 215, initiating a trend toward expanded access. States such as Oregon, Washington, Maine, and Alaska soon followed with similar medical cannabis laws.
The early 2010s marked a turning point for recreational marijuana legalization. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational use through ballot initiatives, setting a precedent that many other states have since followed. Today, nearly half of all states, along with the District of Columbia, have legalized marijuana for both recreational and medical use.
Even in states where marijuana remains illegal, progress has been made in decriminalization. Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Hampshire, among others, have reduced penalties for possession, often limiting punishment to citations rather than criminal charges. Some cities, such as Atlanta, have implemented local decriminalization measures despite statewide restrictions.
Marijuana and the 2024 Election
The 2024 election underscored the growing prominence of marijuana policy in American politics. Five state included cannabis-related ballot measures, with two initiatives passing. Nebraska voters approved the legalization of medical marijuana and established a regulatory framework. Meanwhile, Florida’s Amendment 3, which sought to legalize recreational marijuana for adults over 21, received 55.9% of the vote but fell short of the 60% supermajority required under state law.
For the first time, both major political parties exhibited increasing alignment on marijuana policy. While neither party officially expressed support for federal legalization, both major presidential candidates supported easing restrictions. Vice President Kamala Harris advocated for nationwide recreational legalization and the decriminalization of possession. President-elect Donald Trump broke with much of his party’s traditional stance by endorsing Florida’s Amendment 3 and emphasizing state autonomy in marijuana regulation.
Federal Reclassification Efforts
In May 2024, the Department of Justice, under the Biden administration, initiated efforts to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule III drug, lowering its classification from Schedule I. This change would recognize marijuana as having lower abuse potential and accepted medical applications, facilitating research and signaling a shift in federal attitudes.
Under the current Schedule I classification, marijuana is grouped with substances such as heroin and methamphetamine, which are deemed to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. While rescheduling would not legalize marijuana federally, it represents a significant policy shift by acknowledging its medical benefits and allowing for easier research by scientists.
Looking Ahead
According to the Pew Research Center, most Americans now live in states where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, a stark departure from nationwide prohibition three decades ago. Public support for legalization continues to grow, but significant opposition remains. Critics argue that legalization may lead to increased drug use and community safety concerns. Adults in opposition, particularly those over 75, are among the least likely to support legalization, with only 31% favoring both recreational and medical use.
Opposition from well-funded anti-marijuana organizations, including police unions, private prison companies, and pharmaceutical corporations, remains strong in Washington, D.C. These groups invest millions in lobbying efforts to prevent national legalization.
The future of marijuana policy at the federal level remains uncertain. While widespread reform faces substantial hurdles, the increasing acceptance of cannabis across the United States suggests that federal policymakers may eventually revisit the issue.