Overview

• Following Ohio's legalization of recreational marijuana, over half of the U.S. population will be residing in states where such use is legal by December 2023.
• Advocates of marijuana legalization are hopeful that Ohio's decision will increase pressure on GOP-dominated states and federal Congress. This optimism comes from the 14 percentage point margin of victory in Ohio, signifying even conservative voters' growing skepticism towards treating marijuana as a public health threat.
• Potential negative public health effects of marijuana, such as addiction and mental health exacerbation, have been a primary concern in states where legalization bills have stalled. This contrasts with advocates' viewpoint that marijuana is safer than alcohol and tobacco.
• Florida may be the next focal point for marijuana legalization discussions if a measure planned for the 2024 ballot overcomes a legal challenge.
• Despite all of the progress at the state level, the federal government still hasn't moved towards decriminalization or legalization of marijuana. Support for marijuana legalization at the national level is at a record 70%, according to a recent Gallup poll.