Game-Changing Votes: Will These 7 States Legalize Cannabis and Psychedelics This Year?

Growing Momentum: Cannabis and Psychedelics on the Ballot in Seven U.S. States

As the nationwide debate over cannabis and psychedelics continues to intensify, voters in seven states will soon cast their ballots to decide the future of drug policy reform. From recreational marijuana to medical cannabis expansion and psychedelic legalization, these measures have the potential to reshape how drugs are regulated in America.

Here’s a breakdown of the key measures on the ballot:

In Arkansas, Issue 3 could significantly expand the state’s medical marijuana program. If approved, the measure would simplify patient access to medical cannabis and legalize home cultivation for those with medical recommendations. However, its fate remains uncertain as a legal battle continues over whether enough valid signatures were collected to bring the measure to voters.

Floridians will vote on Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. Backed by cannabis giant Trulieve, the measure has triggered a split among state Republicans, with Governor Ron DeSantis opposing it while former President Donald Trump supports it. The amendment faces a high hurdle, needing at least 60% voter approval to pass. If successful, it would allow for recreational sales but still prohibit home cultivation.

In Massachusetts, Question 4 proposes to legalize the personal possession and consumption of several psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and mescaline. While large-scale production and commercial sales would remain illegal, licensed healthcare facilities would be permitted to oversee patient use. Home cultivation of some psychedelics would also be allowed. If passed, Massachusetts would become the third U.S. state to legalize psychedelics, following Oregon and Colorado.

Nebraska voters may have the opportunity to decide on two medical cannabis initiatives: Initiative 437 and Initiative 438, which would legalize medical use and establish a regulatory framework for businesses. However, an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud in signature collection may result in the measures being removed from the ballot. Nebraska remains one of the few states without any form of legal cannabis, despite prior efforts in 2020 and 2022.

Measure 5 in North Dakota is the state’s third attempt to legalize recreational marijuana. Previous efforts in 2018 and 2022 failed, but this measure is similar to North Dakota's medical cannabis law passed in 2016. If approved, the state would establish regulations for up to seven growers and 18 retailers by October next year. Home cultivation would also be permitted. Supporters argue the measure will allow law enforcement to focus on more urgent issues, like the opioid crisis.

Oregon’s Measure 119 doesn’t legalize any new substances but aims to support cannabis industry workers by making it easier for them to unionize. If passed, cannabis retailers and processors would need to sign labor peace agreements, which guarantee that companies stay neutral during union organization efforts. The measure is backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers, which has been working to unionize cannabis employees for years.

Initiated Measure 29 in South Dakota marks the state’s third attempt to legalize recreational marijuana. After voters approved a similar measure in 2020, it was overturned by the courts following challenges from Governor Kristi Noem. A second attempt in 2022 failed at the ballot box. This year’s measure would legalize adult-use cannabis and home cultivation, with most regulatory details left to lawmakers.

Should more states follow in the footsteps of Oregon and Colorado by legalizing psychedelics for therapeutic use?