The United States remains divided on the issue of marijuana legalization, with recent political developments potentially leading to greater acceptance of cannabis nationwide. Both major presidential candidates have shown support for changing federal policy to reclassify marijuana to a less dangerous drug. Additionally, voters in several states will have the opportunity to decide on legalization this fall.
While marijuana possession remains illegal under federal law, public approval of the substance has significantly increased. Currently, 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana, representing the majority of the nation’s population. Furthermore, 38 states and D.C. have laws permitting the medical use of marijuana.
The Justice Department proposed reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug, a change backed by Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Trump expressed support for researching the medical uses of marijuana and backed a Florida ballot proposal for recreational legalization.
In Florida, a ballot initiative is underway to legalize recreational marijuana sales to individuals over 21. This initiative, one of nearly 160 measures on state ballots this year, requires at least a 60% vote to pass and could take effect six months after approval.
With about 70% of American adults supporting marijuana legalization according to a Gallup poll, there is a growing acceptance of cannabis across the country. The use of marijuana has increased significantly in recent years, with millions of Americans reporting daily or near-daily use.
As the legalization of marijuana expands, some states are facing challenges with unregulated hemp-derived products containing delta-8 THC. States like South Dakota, Wyoming, and Indiana have implemented restrictions on such products due to concerns about their content and appeal, particularly to children. In Missouri, Governor Mike Parson has launched a task force to address unregulated psychoactive cannabis products in the wake of marijuana legalization.
