Where do things stand?
Cannabis policy in 2026 is moving on two tracks: states continue expanding access while the federal government — after the DOJ's April 23 order moving medical cannabis to Schedule III — heads into a June hearing on rescheduling everything else. Here's the map, the federal picture, and the reporting behind both.
States to watch in 2026
Four states where the next meaningful move could happen this year. Editorial picks based on where bills, ballots, and political will are actually aligned — not a model.
Bipartisan SB 120 is further than any rec bill has ever gone in PA history.
83% of Idahoans support medical — but the legislature placed a counter-measure on the same ballot.
One of 11 states with no medical program. The Senate passed a bill in 2022 — the House never voted.
150,000 medical patients prove the model works. S 350 would open the full market.
How the 50 states break down
Where is cannabis legal?
Click any state for program details, legalization year, dispensary count, senator NORML grades, and the legislation still in motion.
The road to Schedule III
On April 23, the DOJ moved state-licensed medical cannabis to Schedule III via the 1961 treaty exception. A new expedited Phase Two hearing on rescheduling all cannabis opens June 29. The full timeline and current status lives on the home page's Schedule Watch.
View Schedule Watch →