Marijuana Policy Project

Virginia adult-use sales bills pass both chambers, head to conference committee! Five years after possession and home cultivation were legalized in the Commonwealth, it is time to regulate adult-use sales.

The Virginia House and Senate passed competing bills to regulate adult-use cannabis sales! Both chambers have agreed to the principle of adult-use sales, but now a consensus must be reached in a conference committee.
blog.mpp.org/blog/virgini...

Support doubling Iowa’s medical cannabis dispensaries! Pharmacies are widely accessible throughout Iowa, while dispensaries are capped at five locations for thousands of patients.

Doubling the amount of dispensaries will reduce burdens and allow Iowa to better align with the majority of state medical programs across the nation. blog.mpp.org/blog/support...

Celebrating the Women Shaping Cannabis Policy From the early days of grassroots activism, influential women across the country have dedicated themselves to advancing fair and humane cannabis policies.

Whether they are working as entrepreneurs, budtenders, cultivators, advocates, or policymakers, women bring unique perspectives and a deep-seated commitment to justice that is crucial for the cannabis policy reform movement.
blog.mpp.org/blog/celebra...

63% of Massachusetts Voters Oppose Petition to Repeal Adult-Use Cannabis Program Smart Approaches to Marijuana spent $1.55 million, so far, backing a 2026 ballot proposal that just 20% of Bay Staters support, according to a new poll.

"A seven-figure campaign to end Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis program and recriminalize personal cultivation has yet to appeal to the state’s voters, according to a new survey." www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/us-states/ma...

Michigan senator proposes repealing crushing new cannabis tax! In 2018, Michigan voters approved regulating cannabis similarly to alcohol. But Michigan is now taxing cannabis exponentially more than alcohol.

A bipartisan group of senators has proposed repealing Michigan’s crushing new cannabis tax!

The massive cannabis tax hike that took effect on January 1 is already resulting in plummeting sales and is costing Michiganders their jobs.

blog.mpp.org/blog/michiga...

Trump DOJ attacks cannabis consumers’ constitutional rights Cannabis users should have the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else when it comes to their Second Amendment rights.

Whatever your position on gun policy, the eagerness of state and federal government officials to strip cannabis consumers of their constitutional rights is a dangerous and disturbing development that should concern every American.
blog.mpp.org/blog/trump-d...

Legalizing Marijuana In Pennsylvania Would Generate Almost Half A Billion Dollars In Revenue By 2028 Under Governor's Plan, State Analysis Finds - Marijuana Moment Legalizing marijuana in Pennsylvania under the governor’s latest budget plan could bring in nearly half a billion dollars in annual revenue by 2028, according to a new analysis from the state’s…

Federal funds for Pennsylvania have unfortunately become unpredictable, and the economy has begun a downturn. Legalization within Pennsylvania would generate hundreds of millions in new tax revenue each year to support its residents’ wellbeing. www.marijuanamoment.net/legalizing-m...

Neb.: Practitioner protections bill heads to the floor! The bill provides that Nebraska medical practitioners cannot be disciplined solely for recommending medical cannabis as long as they abide by the standard of care.

Under Initiative 437, Nebraska patients can possess medical cannabis with a recommendation from a practitioner from any state. But patients shouldn’t have to seek out an out-of-state provider to use a medicine 71% of voters legalized. blog.mpp.org/blog/neb-pra...

Alabama medical cannabis program is now accepting patient registrations! Last week, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission awarded the last standalone dispensary license, after a state Appeals Court dismissed a lawsuit holding up the awarding of the license.

Almost five years after the medical cannabis bill became law in Alabama, the program is nearing its launch! blog.mpp.org/blog/alabama...

Oklahoma legislature attempting to raise medical cannabis taxes! While the governor's threats to the medical cannabis program appear unlikely to materialize, we are seeing attempts to overly restrict the program.

While the governor's threats to the medical cannabis program appear unlikely to materialize, we are seeing attempts to overly restrict the program in Oklahoma. blog.mpp.org/blog/oklahom...

W.V.: Add edibles and home grow to the medical cannabis program! Most medical marijuana programs in the nation allow edibles with proper labeling and dosage limits. Meanwhile, over half of the programs allow home cultivation.

Patients deserve the flexibility of deciding what form of medication best suits their needs and to grow their own cannabis. These are upgrades West Virginia needs to better align with their neighboring states’ medical programs. blog.mpp.org/blog/wv-add-...

Why understanding Black history is essential to understanding past and present cannabis policy MPP will continue to honor the innumerable contributions of Black leaders and entrepreneurs as we advocate for a legal cannabis reality where no one is left out or left behind.

Black History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on how laws are shaped, and how they shape lives. Cannabis policy is not just about a plant, but about whose voices were heard, whose were ignored, and how history continues to inform present-day.

blog.mpp.org/blog/why-und...

Ariz.: Help defeat a bill that would criminalize smoking on private property! This outrageous bill would not apply to tobacco smoke, which has repeatedly been shown to be more harmful to one's health.

If passed, this bill would deem “excessive” cannabis smoke and odor a public and criminal nuisance — even at private residences! This outrageous bill would not apply to tobacco smoke, which has repeatedly been shown to be more harmful to one's health. blog.mpp.org/blog/ariz-he...

February is now in full swing, and we aren’t far removed from the upcoming November elections. MPP is already mobilizing to defend and advance legalization progress, and you can help us drive cannabis reform forward by picking up some gear at the MPP Online Shop! shop.mpp.org/collections/...

Senators seek pathway to recreational marijuana Supporters of legal recreational marijuana for adults made another push at the state capitol Tuesday, facing fierce opposition even as the final decision may rest with President Trump.

"Adults should not be punished for using a substance that is safer than alcohol and which, for many, is an over-the-counter medicine." -Karen O’Keefe, MPP's director of state policies www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/02/18/s...

Md: Support medical cannabis employment protections for firefighters and EMTs! It is unfair for fire and rescue employees to be denied the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.

First responders put their lives on the line for us, and many develop chronic pain or PTSD from their public service. They should not lose their jobs for alleviating their symptoms and choosing a safer alternative to opiates or alcohol consumption.
blog.mpp.org/blog/md-supp...

Hawaii Senators Take Up Marijuana Legalization Bills After Key House Lawmakers Signal Reform Is Dead For 2026 Session - Marijuana Moment Hawaii senators have taken up a pair of bills to legalize marijuana—with one proposal contingent on federal reform or changes to the state Constitution and the other omitting provisions allowing for…

"While cannabis is not risk-free, it is far less dangerous than alcohol, tobacco and some medications. Hawai’i should treat adults like grown ups who are allowed to make their own decisions about the plant." -Karen O'Keefe, MPP's director of state policies www.marijuanamoment.net/hawaii-senat...

Debate over marijuana legalization continues in North Carolina as lawmakers weigh revenue potential Advocates point to billions in tax revenue nationwide, while legislators study how a legal market could work in the Tar Heel State.

"North Carolina remains one of only a few states that have not legalized marijuana in any form. Supporters argue that legalization could provide a new source of funding at a time when lawmakers are facing budget pressures and growing costs."
www.wcnc.com/article/news...

A Presidents’ Day Retrospective: The Long Road to Cannabis Rescheduling While some past presidents took a hard stance against cannabis, others have called for reform and even acknowledged using it at some point in their lives.

This Presidents' Day, we honor the progress made and the leaders who have listened to the people. But most importantly, we honor the advocates and voters who made it impossible for the White House to stay silent any longer.
blog.mpp.org/blog/a-presi...

New Jersey lawmakers can finally allow home grow! Home cultivation promotes personal freedom and fairness. Adults can brew beer at home. They should not face criminal penalties for growing a limited number of cannabis plants.

New Jersey legalized cannabis for adults, but it still bans home cultivation. That means adults can legally buy cannabis — but they can’t grow it themselves.
blog.mpp.org/blog/new-jer...

Hawaii Marijuana Legalization Bills Are Likely Dead For 2026 Session, Key Lawmakers Say - Marijuana Moment A pair of Hawaii House bills aimed at legalizing marijuana in the state are effectively dead for the 2026 session, key lawmakers say. Despite renewed hopes that the proposals—including one from House…

"Hawai’i voters deserve a chance to legalize cannabis if their lawmakers are unwilling to do so. And they deserve to know which lawmakers are responsible for their continued criminalization." -Karen O'Keefe, MPP's director of state policies
www.marijuanamoment.net/hawaii-marij...

S.D committee kills two bills attacking medical cannabis program! While we are relieved by these votes, it is outrageous that patients are continuing to have to plead with lawmakers not to whittle away — or completely repeal — their legal protections.

Good news! The South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee defeated medical cannabis repeal and potency cap bills. A landslide 70% of voters approved medical cannabis protections in 2020. Legislators need to honor the will of the people.

blog.mpp.org/blog/sd-comm...

Washington Legislature can finally allow home grow! Washington legalized cannabis over a decade ago — but adults are still prohibited from growing it at home. SB 6204 would finally fix that injustice.

Home cultivation promotes personal freedom, reduces unnecessary criminal penalties, and treats cannabis more like other legal adult activities — such as home brewing or gardening. It’s time to finish the job and modernize Washington’s cannabis laws.

blog.mpp.org/blog/washing...

Pennsylvania Governor Should Lead On Marijuana Legalization By Convening Bipartisan Lawmakers For Negotiations, Advocates Say - Marijuana Moment As Pennsylvania’s governor promotes his latest call for marijuana legalization in the Keystone State, a coalition of drug policy and civil liberties organizations are urging him to play a leadership…

A broad coalition of stakeholders, including MPP, sent a letter to Gov. Shapiro urging him to prioritize adult-use cannabis legalization this year by convening formal “five-party” leadership discussions to finally deliver this long-overdue reform.
www.marijuanamoment.net/pennsylvania...

Why understanding Black history is essential to understanding past and present cannabis policy MPP Honors Black History Month

Black History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on how laws are shaped, and how they shape lives. Cannabis policy is not just about a plant, but about whose voices were heard, whose were ignored, and how history continues to inform present-day outcomes.
blog.mpp.org/blog/why-und...

Wisconsin medical cannabis bill on the move! Medical cannabis has 86% popular support in Wisconsin. But the bill’s passage is far from a slam dunk.

It’s past time to allow patients in Wisconsin to relieve their suffering with medical cannabis. blog.mpp.org/blog/wiscons...

Massachusetts 2026: A Year of Progress and Peril! Despite an attempted rollback on adult-use cannabis sales, there are many more opportunities for progress in the Legislature.

This year could prove to be the most decisive in cannabis policy for Massachusetts since cannabis was legalized in 2016. From the fight against a regressive repeal initiative to new positive bills for employment protections and expungement, our work isn't over. blog.mpp.org/blog/massach...

The most promising opportunities for cannabis policy reform in 2026 2026 holds both great potential and great peril for cannabis policy reform.

As MPP mobilizes 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!
blog.mpp.org/blog/the-mos...

Will Florida ever legalize adult-use marijuana? It's an open question after Gov. Ron DeSantis deployed substantial state resources to thwart an MSO-funded marijuana legalization campaign.

"This seems to be a concerted attack on direct democracy by the DeSantis administration. Obviously, we know their opposition to cannabis policy reform and specifically legalization." -Kevin Caldwell, MPP's Southeast Legislative Manager
mjbizdaily.com/news/will-fl...

Washington State Senators Approve Bill To Legalize Marijuana Home Grow For Adults - Marijuana Moment Washington State lawmakers have advanced a bill to expand the state’s voter-approved marijuana legalization law by allowing recreational consumers to grow their own cannabis plants. Weeks after Sens.…

It's been over a decade since Washington legalized adult-use cannabis, and yet home grow remains a felony for anyone except medical patients. It’s time for Washington to finally allow adults to grow their own cannabis without fear of punishment. www.marijuanamoment.net/washington-s...