Ongoing Cannabis Legalization Efforts

BY Professor 420 March 28, 2024

United States

Recreational Use

  • Several states are poised to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2024, including Florida, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.
  • Delaware, Minnesota, and Ohio have recently passed legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis.
  • Campaigns are underway in Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota to put adult-use cannabis legalization on the ballot for voters to decide.
  • Legislative efforts that stalled in previous years, such as in Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, are expected to be revived in 2024.

Medical Use

  • Medical cannabis legalization is advancing in states like Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
  • Kentucky’s General Assembly has legalized medical cannabis, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Federal Legislation

  • The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which would federally legalize and regulate cannabis, has been reintroduced in the House.
  • The STATES 2.0 Act aims to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and place regulation under the FDA.
  • The SAFER Banking Act and the CLAIM Act are designed to protect financial institutions and insurers serving state-sanctioned cannabis businesses.
  • The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act and the HOPE Act focus on research and expungement of cannabis offenses.
  • Bills to improve access to medical cannabis for veterans are also being considered.
  • President Biden signed a proclamation pardoning federal marijuana possession offenses and initiated a review of cannabis scheduling under federal law.

Europe

Germany

  • Germany is set to become the largest country in Europe to legalize cannabis, with a bill expected to be introduced that would allow the consumption and sale of cannabis.
  • The move by Germany is anticipated to have a domino effect on cannabis policy reform in Europe.

Other European Countries

  • Malta has legalized cannabis for adult use, becoming the first EU country to do so.
  • Luxembourg has legalized marijuana possession and cultivation.
  • Switzerland has launched a regulated sales pilot program.
  • Italy is promoting a more limited proposal for marijuana legalization after a previous referendum was blocked.
  • Ukraine has legalized medical marijuana nationally.
  • Colombia is making significant progress toward legalizing marijuana.

Global Trends

  • There is a growing momentum for drug policy reform globally, with several countries making strides in legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis for various uses.
  • The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs reclassified cannabis under international law, following a recommendation from the WHO.

Conclusion

The landscape of cannabis legalization is rapidly evolving, with numerous efforts underway across the United States and Europe. These efforts range from state-level ballot initiatives and legislative actions to federal bills aimed at decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use. The potential legalization in Germany is particularly noteworthy, as it could influence broader policy changes throughout Europe. As these efforts progress, they reflect a significant shift in public policy and attitudes towards cannabis.

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