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Cannabis in 2024 is legal in a total of 38 among the 50 states for scientific and medical use where 24 states have been legalized just for recreational use to the consumers. The legalization of cannabis varies from state to state, there are also certain limitations of the cannabis compound in the legal states.

Cannabis or Marijuana is termed to the dried stems, flowers, seeds and stems of the cannabis plant. It contains Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) which converges to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) after reaction with heat. THC is a psychoactive medical compound that gives the feeling of high to the consumers.

7 states that may legalize cannabis in 2024 are given below:

Florida

Although Florida has legalized cannabis for medicinal use since 2016, it is illegal in Florida for recreational use of cannabis. There are strict punishments if found cannabis being used illegally.

Read: Legal Weed of the USA

There is a high chance of cannabis being recreationally legal as there are positive response from the ballot and it is going to be fixed if approved by voters on the November 5, 2024 ballot, Amendment 3, the Adult Personal Use of Marijuana initiative.

Texas

Cannabis in Texas is illegal recreationally but is legal for medicinal use since 2015. There are strict punishments if found cannabis being used illegally.

The Texas democratic party has been working on complete legalization of cannabis, they previously in 2018, attempted for the legalization but were only able to make certain changes. 

Georgia

Georgia has legalized cannabis for medical use since 2017, but is yet illegal for recreational use. 

Despite the status, voters are still attempting for the complete legalization of cannabis which shows high chances of cannabis being legal completely.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, cannabis is completely illegal. The state has only legalized CBD with low THC levels since 2014.

Consider Reading: Is THCA legal?

However, the legislative sessions of the state have been receiving proposals for legalization of medical cannabis which shows a high chance of its legalization medically in the upcoming days.

Nebraska

Cannabis is completely illegal in Nebraska. Only hemp based CBD is legal in the state with low levels of THC. The state has strict punishments for cannabis.

However, it is almost confirmed for the legalization of medical cannabis as the ballot initiatives to legalize and regulate medical marijuana have officially been certified for the November ballot.

North Carolina

Cannabis in North Carolina is illegal for both recreational use and medical use but it can be used in the medical field in very less quantity. There are strict punishments if found cannabis being used illegally.

Despite the strict laws and restrictions over its legalization attempts have been made by different parties where  the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have lately been working again on its legalization.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, cannabis is completely illegal. The state has only legalized CBD with less than 0.3% THC levels since 2014.

However, on March 31, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 (SB 47) into law, which legalizes medical cannabis for Kentuckians.

Federal legalization of cannabis 2024

The prospects for federal cannabis legalization in 2024 remain uncertain but are being actively discussed by the government. Several factors could influence this, including:

Stakeholders are keen on three main reform prospects at the federal level: the DEA’s pending rescheduling decision, the SAFER Banking Act’s passage, and the Farm Bill’s reauthorization.

More: What is THCA? (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)

Although the legalization from the federal government is not fixed, the power in Congress and the outcome of the November elections could significantly impact the chances for legalization of cannabis in the state.

Federal legalization 2024 update

In 2024, there are certain changes that have been made regarding cannabis and its impacts to the state. 

Here, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking referring to the transfer of cannabis from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) to schedule III (“NPRM”), by recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”).

The Congress has been submitting various Bills like the Safe Banking Act in order to provide financial protections for cannabis and broader legalization efforts. Also the majority of public leads more positive actions 

for the federal government over the legalization of cannabis.