List of 2018 United States cannabis reform proposals

{{United States cannabis reform proposals

| year = 2018

}}

In 2018, U.S. states proposed or are expected to propose cannabis reform legislation for medical marijuana and non-medical adult use. State-level legalization remains at odds with cannabis' status as a Schedule I narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act at the Federal level, and the Cannabis policy of the Donald Trump administration appeared to become more hostile than that of the previous administration, with the early January rescission of the Cole Memorandum.

States expected to be most likely to propose legislation to fully legalize include Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.{{citation|title=Vermont, New Jersey, Michigan? Here are some of the states looking to legalize marijuana in 2018|newspaper=The Los Angeles Times|date=January 8, 2018|author=Kurtis Lee|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-marijuana-legalization-2018-htmlstory.html|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213205019/https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-marijuana-legalization-2018-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}} Other possible full legalization states include Connecticut, Delaware, and Ohio; medical marijuana proposals were under way or expected in Oklahoma, Kentucky, South Dakota, and Utah.{{citation|title=MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION 2018: WHICH STATES MIGHT CONSIDER CANNABIS LAWS THIS YEAR?|author=LINLEY SANDERS|work=Newsweek|date=January 2, 2018|url=http://www.newsweek.com/marijuana-legalization-2018-which-states-will-consider-cannabis-laws-year-755282|access-date=January 9, 2018|archive-date=January 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106132417/http://www.newsweek.com/marijuana-legalization-2018-which-states-will-consider-cannabis-laws-year-755282|url-status=live}}

Federal

In the House of Representatives, Democratic Representatives Barbara Lee of California and Representative Ro Khanna, of the same state, introduced the Marijuana Justice Act, the counterpart of a Senate Bill 1689 which was introduced in 2017 by Senator Cory Booker.{{citation|title=In rebuff to Sessions, federal Marijuana Justice Act filed in House: This is not just any marijuana legalization bill|author=Phillip Smith|work=Salon|date=January 19, 2018|url=https://www.salon.com/2018/01/19/in-rebuff-to-sessions-federal-marijuana-justice-act-filed-in-house/|access-date=January 23, 2018|archive-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121031744/https://www.salon.com/2018/01/19/in-rebuff-to-sessions-federal-marijuana-justice-act-filed-in-house/|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=Marijuana Justice Act of 2017|work=Harvard Law Review|date=January 10, 2018|url=https://harvardlawreview.org/2018/01/marijuana-justice-act-of-2017/|access-date=January 23, 2018|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112072219/https://harvardlawreview.org/2018/01/marijuana-justice-act-of-2017/|url-status=live}} 131 Harv. L. Rev. 926

A bipartisan bill, the Sensible Enforcement Of Cannabis Act, was introduced in February.{{citation|newspaper=The Hill|title=Bipartisan bill offered in House to protect marijuana users in legal weed states|author=Lydia Wheeler|date=February 15, 2018|url=https://thehill.com/regulation/legislation/374130-bipartisan-bill-offered-in-house-to-protect-marijuana-users-in-legal/|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219134033/http://thehill.com/regulation/legislation/374130-bipartisan-bill-offered-in-house-to-protect-marijuana-users-in-legal|url-status=live}}

In late March, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced he would introduce the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. It would expand the experimental hemp production allowed under the 2014 farm bill, removing hemp from Schedule I controlled substances and making it an ordinary agricultural commodity.{{citation|title=McConnell announces hemp legislation with Ky. Ag. Commissioner|publisher=WKYT-TV|location=Lexington, Kentucky|date=March 26, 2018|url=http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Sen-McConnell-and-Ky-Ag-Commissioner-announce-hemp-legislation-477932893.html|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326200420/http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Sen-McConnell-and-Ky-Ag-Commissioner-announce-hemp-legislation-477932893.html|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=McConnell bill would legalize hemp as agricultural product|author=Morgan Gstalter|date=March 26, 2018|work=The Hill|url=https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/380287-mcconnell-bill-would-legalize-hemp-as-agricultural-product/|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326191843/http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/380287-mcconnell-bill-would-legalize-hemp-as-agricultural-product|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=Senator McConnell and Commissioner Quarles Announce Hemp Legislation|date=March 26, 2018|publisher=United States Senate official website|author=Senator Mitch McConnell|type=press release|url=https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=92CD9FA7-C278-4332-B187-745C15F35EFC|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331072701/https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=92CD9FA7-C278-4332-B187-745C15F35EFC|url-status=live}} He introduced the bill on the Senate floor on April 12.{{citation|title=Hemp Farming Act of 2018 introduced by Sen. Mitch McConnell|date=April 12, 2018|author=Alicia Wallace|work=The Cannabist|publisher=The Denver Post|url=https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/04/12/mcconnell-hemp-farming-act-of-2018/103438/|access-date=April 13, 2018|archive-date=April 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413185713/https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/04/12/mcconnell-hemp-farming-act-of-2018/103438/|url-status=live}}

On April 11, President Donald Trump told Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado that he would "support congressional efforts to protect states that have legalized marijuana".{{citation|title=Trump, Gardner strike deal on legalized marijuana, ending standoff over Justice nominees|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Seung Min Kim|date=April 13, 2018|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-gardner-strike-deal-on-legalized-marijuana-ending-standoff-over-justice-nominees/2018/04/13/2ac3b35a-3f3a-11e8-912d-16c9e9b37800_story.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418092926/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-gardner-strike-deal-on-legalized-marijuana-ending-standoff-over-justice-nominees/2018/04/13/2ac3b35a-3f3a-11e8-912d-16c9e9b37800_story.html|url-status=live}} A bill to resolve the state-Federal conflict was still "a work in progress" but seemed to a Colorado cannabis industry group be implicit in Gardner's comments afterwards.{{citation|title=President Trump to Cory Gardner: Colorado's legal marijuana won't be targeted by Jeff Sessions, Justice Department|author1=Mark K. Matthews |author2=Alicia Wallace |newspaper=The Denver Post|date=April 13, 2018|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/04/13/trump-gardner-colorado-marijuana-industry-not-targeted/|quote=Gardner's actions could help ensure a stable business climate for the state’s cannabis industry...his legislation-in-waiting would encapsulate many, if not all, of those issues [banking, business tax deductions, and state regulation] brought to Congress in piecemeal.|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418161251/https://www.denverpost.com/2018/04/13/trump-gardner-colorado-marijuana-industry-not-targeted/|url-status=live}} California Senator Dianne Feinstein made a surprising reversal of her prior stance against state or federal legalization in May and said she was "open to supporting" the Gardner bill.{{citation

|title=Sen. Dianne Feinstein says she no longer opposes legal marijuana

|author=Keith McMillan

|date=May 1, 2018

|newspaper=The Washington Post

|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/05/01/sen-dianne-feinstein-says-she-no-longer-opposes-legal-marijuana/

|access-date=May 3, 2018

|archive-date=May 4, 2018

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504012553/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/05/01/sen-dianne-feinstein-says-she-no-longer-opposes-legal-marijuana/

|url-status=live

}} Gardner and Senator Elizabeth Warren introduced the STATES Act in June to apply Federal prohibition only in states that did not have state-level legalization.{{citation|title=Senators announce bill to protect states' ability to make marijuana laws|author=Ali ROGIN|date=Jun 7, 2018|publisher=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/senators-announce-bill-protect-states-legalization-marijuana/story?id=55719110|access-date=June 8, 2018|archive-date=June 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607205600/https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/senators-announce-bill-protect-states-legalization-marijuana/story?id=55719110|url-status=live}}

State

In summary, Vermont passed legislation legalizing cannabis statewide in January, the first time legalization occurred via legislature, not initiative. Utah legalized medical cannabis without THC restrictions for some patients in March. Industrial hemp laws were passed in Alaska, Kansas and Oklahoma in April, and a New Mexico Supreme Court decision ordered the promulgation of a 2017 hemp bill. Oklahoma legalized medical cannabis in June.

class="wikitable sortable"
scope="col" \| State ! scope="col" class="unsortable" \| Detail
Alaska \|Senate Bill 6, allowing industrial hemp farming, was passed unanimously by both chambers of the state legislature, with passage in the House occurring on February 19, 2018.{{citation\|title=Alaska Legislature passes bill to legalize industrial hemp\|author=Casey Grove\|publisher=Alaska Public Media\|date=February 21, 2018\|url=https://www.alaskapublic.org/2018/02/21/alaska-legislature-passes-bill-to-legalize-industrial-hemp/\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501160533/https://www.alaskapublic.org/2018/02/21/alaska-legislature-passes-bill-to-legalize-industrial-hemp/\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|title=AK House unanimously pass bill to legalize industrial hemp\|publisher=KTVA\|date=February 19, 2018\|url=http://www.ktva.com/story/37541525/ak-house-unanimously-pass-bill-to-legalize-industrial-hemp\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501093940/http://www.ktva.com/story/37541525/ak-house-unanimously-pass-bill-to-legalize-industrial-hemp\|url-status=live}} It was signed into law by the governor on April 13.{{Cite web\|url=https://legiscan.com/AK/bill/SB6/2017\|title=Alaska SB6 \| 2017-2018 \| 30th Legislature\|access-date=2018-05-01\|archive-date=2018-05-01\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501160504/https://legiscan.com/AK/bill/SB6/2017\|url-status=live}}
Arizona \|An initiative to legalize hemp, defined as cannabis with less than 0.4% THC, was listed by the Secretary of State as a potential November, 2018 ballot measure.{{citation\|title=2018 Initiatives, Referendums & Recalls\|publisher=Arizona Secretary of State\|access-date=2018-04-26\|url=http://apps.azsos.gov/election/2018/general/initiatives.htm\|archive-date=2018-04-28\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428032228/http://apps.azsos.gov/election/2018/general/initiatives.htm\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|title=Arizona Industrial Hemp Initiative (2018)\|publisher=Ballotpedia\|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Industrial_Hemp_Initiative_(2018)\|access-date=2018-04-26\|archive-date=2018-11-08\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108110632/https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Industrial_Hemp_Initiative_(2018)\|url-status=live}}
Colorado \|House Bill 1295 passed both houses of the state legislature, unanimously in the Senate, by April. It would "regulate hemp like any other food ingredient". A provision of the bill prohibits pharmaceutical companies from "interfering" with distribution or sale of naturally occurring (CBD-containing) hemp products.{{citation\|title=Pass the hemp: Colorado prepares to regulate the plant like any other food ingredient\|author=Alicia Wallace\|date=April 25, 2018\|work=The Cannabist\|publisher=The Denver Post\|url=https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/04/25/colorado-hemp-food-ingredient-bill/104230/\|access-date=April 26, 2018\|archive-date=April 26, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426053338/https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/04/25/colorado-hemp-food-ingredient-bill/104230/\|url-status=live}}
Connecticut \|In April, HB 5394, a bill to "require multiple state agencies to coordinate and develop a plan to legalize and regulate cannabis sales by October 1" was referred from the Appropriations Committee to the state General Assembly.{{citation\|work=Merry Jane\|title=Connecticut Legislative Committee Advances Recreational Cannabis Bill\|date=April 8, 2018\|author=Chris Moore\|url=https://merryjane.com/news/connecticut-legislative-committee-advances-recreational-cannabis-bill\|access-date=April 9, 2018\|archive-date=April 9, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409110011/https://merryjane.com/news/connecticut-legislative-committee-advances-recreational-cannabis-bill\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|title=Connecticut lawmakers advance marijuana legalization bill\|author=JACQUELINE THOMSEN\|work=TheHill\|date=April 5, 2018\|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/381865-connecticut-lawmakers-to-vote-on-marijuana-legalization/\|access-date=April 9, 2018\|archive-date=April 9, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409105930/http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/381865-connecticut-lawmakers-to-vote-on-marijuana-legalization\|url-status=live}} This was the first time a legalization bill made it out of committee in the Connecticut legislature.{{citation\|newspaper=Hartford Courant\|title=Connecticut Legislative Committee Passes Recreational Marijuana Bill\|date=April 5, 2018\|url=http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-marijuana-legislation-hits-committee-deadline-20180405-story.html\|quote=For the first time in the Connecticut legislature, a recreational marijuana bill has made it out of committee and is headed to the full General Assembly for consideration.\|access-date=April 9, 2018\|archive-date=April 9, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409111511/http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-marijuana-legislation-hits-committee-deadline-20180405-story.html\|url-status=live}}
Georgia \|State senator Curt Thompson introduced SB 344, legislation to legalize cannabis, in January.{{citation\|title=Lawmaker introduces bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Georgia\|author=Richard Elliot\|date=February 6, 2018\|publisher=WSB-TV\|url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/lawmaker-introduces-bill-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-in-georgia/695390271\|access-date=February 22, 2018\|archive-date=February 23, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050818/http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/lawmaker-introduces-bill-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-in-georgia/695390271\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|publisher=Georgia General Assembly\|title=2017-2018 Regular Session - SB 344 'Georgia Retail Marijuana Code'; regulation of the retail sale of marijuana\|url=http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-us/display/20172018/sb/344\|access-date=2018-02-22\|archive-date=2018-02-22\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222225619/http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-us/display/20172018/sb/344\|url-status=live}} Atlanta had decriminalized the substance in 2017.{{citation\|work=Fortune\|title=Atlanta Is The Latest U.S. City to Decriminalize Marijuana. Here's What That Means.\|author=Grace Donnelly\|date=October 3, 2017\|url=http://fortune.com/2017/10/03/list-of-cities-that-decriminalized-marijuana/\|access-date=February 22, 2018\|archive-date=February 17, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217060308/http://fortune.com/2017/10/03/list-of-cities-that-decriminalized-marijuana/\|url-status=live}}
Illinois \|Voters in Cook County answered 68% "yes" on a March referendum on statewide cannabis legalization.{{citation\|title=Chicago Says It Loud and Clear: Legalize It! Cook County voters overwhelmingly backed a marijuana referendum, and the new Democratic nominee for governor is all-in for reform.\|author=John Nichols\|date=21 March 2018\|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/chicago-says-it-loud-and-clear-legalize-it/\|access-date=22 March 2018\|archive-date=22 March 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322205324/https://www.thenation.com/article/chicago-says-it-loud-and-clear-legalize-it/\|url-status=live}} Earlier in March, the state senate had voted 73–13 to approve a bill sponsored by Bill Cunningham, presenting a statewide referendum on legalization in November.{{citation\|title=Illinois Senate Approves Marijuana Ballot Question – The Illinois Senate has approved putting a non-binding question on the November ballot asking voters if Illinois should legalize recreational marijuana.\|publisher=Associated Press\|via=US News\|date=March 1, 2018\|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-03-01/illinois-senate-approves-marijuana-ballot-question\|access-date=2018-03-22\|archive-date=2018-03-23\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323043551/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-03-01/illinois-senate-approves-marijuana-ballot-question\|url-status=live}} Proposed legalized, regulated sales: {{Further\|Cannabis in Illinois#Proposed recreational use (2017)}} SB316 and HB2353, which would create a regulated legalized adult-use system in Illinois, were introduced in 2017 and were still under consideration by the legislature in 2018.{{citation\|newspaper=Chicago Tribune\|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-marijuana-legalize-illinois-cook-county-20180321-story.html\|title=Marijuana referendum could strengthen movement to legalize in Illinois, but naysayers say ballot question unfair\|date=March 22, 2018\|author=Robert McCoppin\|access-date=April 17, 2020\|archive-date=September 22, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922120942/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-marijuana-legalize-illinois-cook-county-20180321-story.html\|url-status=live}}[https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2017-09-06/legislature-hears-pros-cons-on-marijuana-legalization Legislature Hears Pros, Cons on Marijuana Legalization] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324224232/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2017-09-06/legislature-hears-pros-cons-on-marijuana-legalization \|date=2018-03-24 }}, Associated Press, September 6, 2017 Hemp: A hemp bill, SB 2298, passed the state Senate unanimously on April 24. It would remove industrial hemp from the state's legal definition of a drug, and put it under regulation by the state Department of Agriculture.{{citation\|title=Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp Passes Illinois Senate\|author=Alex Ruppenthal\|date=April 30, 2018\|publisher=WTTW\|url=https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/04/30/bill-legalize-industrial-hemp-passes-illinois-senate\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501161817/https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/04/30/bill-legalize-industrial-hemp-passes-illinois-senate\|url-status=live}} The bill passed the state House of Representatives 106–3 on May 25.{{citation\|title=Illinois Governor Gets Bill Legalizing Industrial Hemp\|date=May 23, 2018\|publisher=WJBD\|url=http://www.wjbdradio.com/local-news/2018/05/23/illinois-governor-gets-bill-legalizing-industrial-hemp\|access-date=May 28, 2018\|archive-date=May 28, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528154718/http://www.wjbdradio.com/local-news/2018/05/23/illinois-governor-gets-bill-legalizing-industrial-hemp\|url-status=live}}
Iowa \|The Iowa state Senate passed File 2398, the "Iowa Industrial Hemp Act", 49–0 on April 4.{{citation\|title=Iowa Senate OKs bill opening door to hemp production, marketing\|newspaper=Des Moines Register\|author=William Petroski\|date=April 4, 2018\|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/04/iowa-hemp-production-marketing-iowa-senate-legislation-senate-file-2398/484563002/\|access-date=April 9, 2018\|archive-date=October 28, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004920/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.desmoinesregister.com\|url-status=live}}
Kansas \|In March, Kansas Senate Bill 263, legalizing a hemp research and production pilot under the state's Department of Agriculture in accordance with the Federal 2014 Farm Bill, cleared the state House of Representatives 123 to 1 and the state Senate 36 to 3.{{citation\|title=Kansas House passes industrial hemp bill\|newspaper=High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal\|date=March 28, 2018\|url=http://www.hpj.com/ag_news/kansas-house-passes-industrial-hemp-bill/article_578d7e34-32c4-11e8-98f6-d3ef36abb413.html\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=October 28, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004840/https://secure.adnxs.com/jpt?callback=districtmHeader.ssp.appnexus.handleAppNexusCallback&callback_uid=LRLQpJbyktgxTfshd8801GNnmbabNO~455~ad-645509&psa=0&zone=455&id=12603034&member_id=1908&size=320x50&promo_sizes=300x250,728x90,970x90,970x250&referrer=https://www.hpj.com/ag_news/kansas-house-passes-industrial-hemp-bill/article_578d7e34-32c4-11e8-98f6-d3ef36abb413.html\|url-status=live}} The bill was signed into law by the governor on April 20.{{citation\|title=KDA prepares to oversee industrial hemp in Kansas\|newspaper=High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal\|date=Apr 20, 2018\|url=http://www.hpj.com/crops/kda-prepares-to-oversee-industrial-hemp-in-kansas/article_59886388-44e5-11e8-af75-6be60b4a4071.html\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=April 21, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421040108/http://www.hpj.com/crops/kda-prepares-to-oversee-industrial-hemp-in-kansas/article_59886388-44e5-11e8-af75-6be60b4a4071.html\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|title=KDA Prepares to Oversee Industrial Hemp in Kansas\|publisher=Kansas Department of Agriculture\|type=Press release\|date=April 20, 2018\|url=http://agriculture.ks.gov/AllNewsItems/2018/04/20/kda-prepares-to-oversee-industrial-hemp-in-kansas\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501160949/http://agriculture.ks.gov/AllNewsItems/2018/04/20/kda-prepares-to-oversee-industrial-hemp-in-kansas\|url-status=live}}
Massachusetts \|Although the legalization of cannabis in Massachusetts for recreational use was passed in a 2016 ballot, the purchase of recreation cannabis is still not legal in the state. The Massachusetts state legislature, who opposed the ballot question, have delayed the opening of any recreational dispensaries through additional regulatory means.
Michigan \|As of January, 2018 a group had submitted over 300,000 signatures for the 2018 Michigan Marijuana Legalization Initiative pending certification by the state for the 2018 general election ballot. The state certified the initiative on April 26.{{citation\|title=It's official: Pot legalization will be on the Michigan ballot this November\|author=Violet Ikonomova\|date=April 26, 2018\|newspaper=Detroit Metro Times\|url=https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2018/04/26/its-official-pot-legalization-will-be-on-the-michigan-ballot-this-november\|access-date=April 26, 2018\|archive-date=April 27, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427004345/https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2018/04/26/its-official-pot-legalization-will-be-on-the-michigan-ballot-this-november\|url-status=live}} Proposal 1 was approved by voters on November 6, and the Secretary of State certified the election returns as of November 26, and as such, the proposal must become law in Michigan by no later than December 6.
Missouri \|SB 547 and HB 2034 were introduced to legalize hemp farming. The senate bill passed on March 15.{{citation\|publisher=Associated Press\|title=Missouri Senate passes bill legalizing industrial hemp\|date=March 15, 2018\|via=US News\|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2018-03-15/missouri-senate-passes-bill-for-industrial-hemp-pilot\|access-date=2018-03-17\|archive-date=2018-03-18\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318062018/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2018-03-15/missouri-senate-passes-bill-for-industrial-hemp-pilot\|url-status=live}}{{Cite web\|url=http://www.senate.mo.gov/18info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=69472168\|title=SB547 - Modifies provisions relating to industrial hemp\|access-date=2018-04-01\|archive-date=2018-04-01\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401144547/http://www.senate.mo.gov/18info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=69472168\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch\|title=Industrial hemp, medical marijuana proposals interest Missouri lawmakers\|author=Marie French\|date=April 1, 2018\|url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/industrial-hemp-medical-marijuana-proposals-interest-missouri-lawmakers/article_0c04670f-9a25-5268-b290-01dbef064ce1.html\|access-date=February 20, 2020\|archive-date=August 25, 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825034719/http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/industrial-hemp-medical-marijuana-proposals-interest-missouri-lawmakers/article_0c04670f-9a25-5268-b290-01dbef064ce1.html\|url-status=live}} Several versions of "Missouri Cannabis and Cannabis Hemp Legalization Initiative" were proposed to amend the Missouri state constitution. Initiative 2018-134 would allow prescription of cannabis by veterinarians.{{citation\|title=Missouri Cannabis and Cannabis Hemp Legalization Initiative (2018)\|publisher=Ballotpedia\|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Cannabis_and_Cannabis_Hemp_Legalization_Initiative_(2018)\|access-date=2018-04-01\|archive-date=2018-11-08\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108092005/https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Cannabis_and_Cannabis_Hemp_Legalization_Initiative_(2018)\|url-status=live}} On May 1, the state House passed a bill to allow medical cannabis for conditions including cancer and PTSD.{{citation\|title=Missouri House votes to legalize medical marijuana\|publisher=Associated Press\|via=The Denver Post\|date=May 1, 2018\|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/05/01/missouri-house-medical-marijuana/\|access-date=May 3, 2018\|archive-date=May 4, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504011632/https://www.denverpost.com/2018/05/01/missouri-house-medical-marijuana/\|url-status=live}} On May 3, New Approach Missouri and Find the Cure submitted two initiatives to the state for the November ballot. Each would amend the state constitution to allow medical cannabis. Both groups claimed to have conducted independent verification of over 300,000 signatures against the required 160,000.{{citation\|title=Medical Marijuana Groups Submit Signatures for November Vote: Supporters of legalizing medical marijuana in Missouri have turned in signatures for two ballot initiatives that would let voters decide the issue in November\|date=May 4, 2018\|author=Blake NELSON\|publisher=Associated Press\|via=US News\|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2018-05-04/medical-marijuana-groups-submit-signatures-for-november-vote\|access-date=2018-05-09\|archive-date=2018-05-09\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509153155/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2018-05-04/medical-marijuana-groups-submit-signatures-for-november-vote\|url-status=live}}[https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Medical_Marijuana_and_Veteran_Healthcare_Services_Initiative_(2018) Missouri Medical Marijuana and Veteran Healthcare Services Initiative (2018)] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111041554/https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Medical_Marijuana_and_Veteran_Healthcare_Services_Initiative_(2018) \|date=2018-11-11 }}, Ballotpedia, accessed 2018-05-08{{citation\|title=Medical marijuana advocates get twice the needed signatures for ballot initiative\|author=Sarah FENTEM\|date=May 4, 2018\|publisher=St. Louis Public Radio\|url=http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/medical-marijuana-advocates-get-twice-needed-signatures-ballot-initiative\|access-date=May 9, 2018\|archive-date=May 9, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509155525/http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/medical-marijuana-advocates-get-twice-needed-signatures-ballot-initiative\|url-status=live}}
New Hampshire \|The New Hampshire state House of Representatives voted to legalize recreational marijuana on January 9. The bill, legalizing possession but not sale, was sent to the Ways and Means committee to hold hearings and study implementation.{{citation\|title=New Hampshire House votes to legalize recreational marijuana\|date=January 9, 2018\|author=Polly Washburn\|publisher=The Denver Post\|url=https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/01/09/new-hampshire-marijuana-legalization-bill-2/96320/\|access-date=February 19, 2018\|archive-date=January 13, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113011309/http://www.thecannabist.co/2018/01/09/new-hampshire-marijuana-legalization-bill-2/96320/\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|publisher=New Hampshire Public Radio\|title=Marijuana Legalization Bill Has N.H. House Hearing Today\|author=Dan Tuohy\|date=February 13, 2018\|url=http://nhpr.org/post/marijuana-legalization-bill-has-nh-house-hearing-today\|access-date=February 19, 2018\|archive-date=February 16, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216164619/http://nhpr.org/post/marijuana-legalization-bill-has-nh-house-hearing-today\|url-status=live}}
New Jersey \|On the legislature's opening day, January 9, Senate Bill 830 was introduced by Sen. Nicholas Scutari. It which would create a legal framework for cannabis sales in the state under a Division of Marijuana Enforcement, and allow personal possession of up to one ounce. Assembly Bill 1348, an identical bill, went to the house.{{citation\|title=N.J. legislator plants seeds for recreational marijuana legalization\|author=Justin Auciello\|date=January 11, 2018\|publisher=WHYY\|url=https://whyy.org/articles/n-j-legislator-plants-seeds-for-recreational-marijuana-legalization/\|access-date=March 7, 2018\|archive-date=March 7, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151138/https://whyy.org/articles/n-j-legislator-plants-seeds-for-recreational-marijuana-legalization/\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|title=The Path To Legalization: New Jersey's Pursuit Of Marijuana Reform\|author=Cole Schotz\|date=March 6, 2018\|work=JD Supra\|url=http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-path-to-legalization-new-jersey-s-11601/\|access-date=March 7, 2018\|archive-date=March 6, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306183622/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-path-to-legalization-new-jersey-s-11601/\|url-status=live}} In February, a bill decriminalizing possession of 10 grams of cannabis was introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators.{{citation\|title=NJ lawmakers propose decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana instead of legalization\|date=February 15, 2018\|publisher=Associated Press\|via=KPIX-TV\|url=http://pix11.com/2018/02/15/nj-lawmakers-propose-decriminalizing-small-amounts-of-marijuana-instead-of-legalization/\|access-date=February 19, 2018\|archive-date=February 18, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218150111/http://pix11.com/2018/02/15/nj-lawmakers-propose-decriminalizing-small-amounts-of-marijuana-instead-of-legalization/\|url-status=live}} In March, governor Phil Murphy said he wanted a tax-and-regulate bill passed by the legislature by year's end, and projecting such a measure would pass, included $60 million from cannabis tax revenues in the next year's state budget proposal.{{citation\|title=Phil Murphy wants legal weed law in N.J. by end of year\|date=March 13, 2018\|publisher=NJ.com\|url=http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/03/murphy_wants_legal_weed_in_nj_by_end_of_year.html\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501161730/http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/03/murphy_wants_legal_weed_in_nj_by_end_of_year.html\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|newspaper=Philadelphia Inquirer\|title=Gov. Murphy's proposed N.J. budget would hike taxes by $1.6 billion\|date=March 13, 2018\|author=Andrew Seidman\|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/phil-murphy-tax-plan-budget-new-jersey-20180313.html\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501224827/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/phil-murphy-tax-plan-budget-new-jersey-20180313.html\|url-status=live}}
New Mexico \|In April, the Albuquerque City Council voted to decriminalize possession of one ounce of cannabis.{{citation\|title=Albuquerque City Council votes to decriminalize marijuana\|author=Mary Hudetz\|publisher=Associated Press\|via=Chicago Tribune\|date=April 3, 2018\|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sns-bc-nm--marijuana-albuquerque-20180403-story.html\|access-date=April 17, 2020\|archive-date=October 28, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004758/https://www.chicagotribune.com/pb/resources/images/ct_icons/favicon.ico?v=296\|url-status=live}} In April, the state Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional an earlier governor's veto of two hemp bills that had passed the legislature. It was reported that SB6, which passed 58-8 and 37–2 in the House and Senate respectively, would probably become the basis for state law.{{citation\|title=Industrial Hemp is Coming to New Mexico: State Supreme Court decision legalizes hemp research and cultivation; Ag Department working on rules\|newspaper=Santa Fe Reporter\|author=Aaron Cantú\|date=April 27, 2018\|url=https://www.sfreporter.com/news/2018/04/27/industrial-hemp-is-coming-to-new-mexico/\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501161431/https://www.sfreporter.com/news/2018/04/27/industrial-hemp-is-coming-to-new-mexico/\|url-status=live}}{{Cite web\|url=https://legiscan.com/NM/bill/SB6/2017\|title=New Mexico SB6 \| 2017 \| Regular Session\|access-date=2018-05-01\|archive-date=2018-05-01\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501224605/https://legiscan.com/NM/bill/SB6/2017\|url-status=live}} The state Department of Agriculture commenced rulemaking for a hemp research program at the end of April as authorized by SB6.{{citation\|title=Industrial Hemp Research Program: Senate Bill 6, Industrial Hemp Research\|publisher=New Mexico Department of Agriculture\|date=April 30, 2018\|url=http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/2017/11/industrial-hemp-research-program/\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501224615/http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/2017/11/industrial-hemp-research-program/\|url-status=live}}
North Carolina \|Representative Kelly Alexander introduced House Bill 944 in May, which would raise the threshold for class one misdemeanor possession of cannabis (carrying jail time penalty) to four ounces, and allow expunging records of those previously convicted of that amount.{{citation\|title=Proposed NC bill would allow some marijuana convictions to be expunged\|date=May 25, 2018\|publisher=WTVD "ABC11"\|url=http://abc11.com/proposed-nc-bill-would-allow-some-marijuana-convictions-to-be-expunged-/3521148/\|access-date=May 27, 2018\|archive-date=May 27, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201559/http://abc11.com/proposed-nc-bill-would-allow-some-marijuana-convictions-to-be-expunged-/3521148/\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|title=New Bill Would Allow North Carolinians To Possess Up To 4 Ounces Of Marijuana\|author=Mark Boyle\|date=May 26, 2018\|publisher=WFMY-TV\|url=https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/new-bill-would-allow-north-carolinians-to-possess-up-to-4-ounces-of-marijuana/83-558756849\|access-date=May 27, 2018\|archive-date=May 27, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527015340/https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/new-bill-would-allow-north-carolinians-to-possess-up-to-4-ounces-of-marijuana/83-558756849\|url-status=live}}
Oklahoma \|House Bill 2913, a bill legalizing hemp production under the "Oklahoma Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program", passed the state senate unanimously and with one "nay" vote in the state house on April 17.{{citation\|title=Cash crop? Industrial hemp measure heading to Gov. Fallin's desk\|date=April 17, 2018 \|publisher=KFOR-TV }} It was signed into law by the governor on April 25.{{citation\|title=Fallin Signs Bill Legalizing Hemp Pilot Program\|date=April 25, 2018\|newspaper=Tulsa World\|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/communities/skiatook/news/fallin-signs-bill-legalizing-hemp-pilot-program/article_795ebb5b-75f0-5a56-b224-aefb7e70baaf.html\|access-date=May 1, 2018\|archive-date=October 28, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004757/https://www.zergnet.com/zerg-lk.js?ref=https%3A%2F%2Ftulsaworld.com%2Fcommunities%2Fskiatook%2Fnews%2Ffallin-signs-bill-legalizing-hemp-pilot-program%2Farticle_795ebb5b-75f0-5a56-b224-aefb7e70baaf.html&domain=tulsaworld.com&fb=72508&u=57683\|url-status=live}} State Question 788, a statutory initiative creating a legal medical cannabis program, was passed by voters during the June 26, 2018 primary.{{citation\|title=Key Questions And Answers On SQ 788, Oklahoma's Vote On Medical Marijuana\|author1=Joe Wertz \|author2=Jackie Fortier \|date=May 3, 2018\|publisher=KOSU\|url=http://kosu.org/post/key-questions-and-answers-sq-788-oklahomas-vote-medical-marijuana\|access-date=May 23, 2018\|archive-date=May 24, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524081816/http://kosu.org/post/key-questions-and-answers-sq-788-oklahomas-vote-medical-marijuana\|url-status=live}} In April, two other initiatives, SQ 796 and SQ 797, qualified for signature gathering in advance of the general election. The latter would legalize adult-use (recreational) cannabis in Oklahoma. Both are proposed constitutional amendments and could not be changed by the state legislature.{{citation\|title=Okla. group cleared to collect signatures to put recreational pot on ballot\|publisher=MSN\|date=April 30, 2018\|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/news/okla-group-cleared-to-collect-signatures-to-put-recreational-pot-on-ballot/\|access-date=May 24, 2018\|archive-date=May 24, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524082348/https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/news/okla-group-cleared-to-collect-signatures-to-put-recreational-pot-on-ballot/\|url-status=live}}
Tennessee \|On March 21, the Tennessee House of Representatives{{'}} Criminal Justice Committee voted 9–2 to approve the Medical Cannabis Only Act of 2018.{{citation\|title=Legalization Bill Passes House Committee\|author=Lisa Warren\|newspaper=Greenville Sun\|date=March 29, 2018\|url=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/legalization-bill-passes-house-committee/article_1879f22a-bf8d-5044-97ba-b9ddf58fb844.html\|access-date=May 24, 2018\|archive-date=October 28, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004802/https://timber.sendtonews.com/timber/data_stn_l.php?CMD=INV&ESG_key=wXC8a3gI&ES_key=wXC8a3gI&ES_ID=27073&S_RKEY=JOrCoJY8Pf&USR_ID=100338366&ST_usrKey=qkBgbB1hlM187Gv4&SM_ID=1583719&C_ID=10542&C_companyName=Adams%20Publishing%20Group&version=650210040&sC_ID=9519&AC_ID=2008&TYPE=FLOAT&EXTREF=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/legalization-bill-passes-house-committee/article_1879f22a-bf8d-5044-97ba-b9ddf58fb844.html&REF=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/legalization-bill-passes-house-committee/article_1879f22a-bf8d-5044-97ba-b9ddf58fb844.html&PLAYERWIDTH=725&PLAYERCODE=LVFDLN&OGSET=1&REFONLY=0&STRIPQUERY=1\|url-status=live}} The state senate killed the bill before the legislature adjourned. An issue of concern was there was no taxation or regulatory system in place under the house proposal.{{citation\|title=Medical Cannabis Bill Dies In State Senate\|author=Lisa Warren\|newspaper=Greenville Sun\|date=April 4, 2018\|url=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/medical-cannabis-bill-dies-in-state-senate/article_abde79a4-76d0-5338-9d38-62b7df0d4875.html\|access-date=May 24, 2018\|archive-date=October 28, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004857/https://timber.sendtonews.com/timber/data_stn_l.php?CMD=INV&ESG_key=wXC8a3gI&ES_key=wXC8a3gI&ES_ID=27073&S_RKEY=JOrCoJY8Pf&USR_ID=150061700&ST_usrKey=Mp_jG1vQxHAYhvwU&SM_ID=1583719&C_ID=10542&C_companyName=Adams%20Publishing%20Group&version=650210040&sC_ID=9519&AC_ID=2008&TYPE=FLOAT&EXTREF=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/medical-cannabis-bill-dies-in-state-senate/article_abde79a4-76d0-5338-9d38-62b7df0d4875.html&REF=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/medical-cannabis-bill-dies-in-state-senate/article_abde79a4-76d0-5338-9d38-62b7df0d4875.html&PLAYERWIDTH=1025&PLAYERCODE=LVFDLN&OGSET=1&REFONLY=0&STRIPQUERY=1\|url-status=live}} In June two Republican state senators introduced Tennessee Responsible Use of Medicinal Plants (TRUMP) Act to legalize medical cannabis in Tennessee.{{citation\|title=Tennessee's TRUMP Act aimed at Republican medical cannabis doubters\|author=Chris Bundgaard\|date=June 29, 2018\|publisher=WKRN-TV\|url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/political-news/tennessee-s-trump-act-aimed-at-republican-medical-cannabis-doubters/1274304791\|access-date=July 1, 2018\|archive-date=July 1, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701055121/https://www.wkrn.com/news/political-news/tennessee-s-trump-act-aimed-at-republican-medical-cannabis-doubters/1274304791\|url-status=live}}{{citation \|title=Tennessee lawmakers name medical marijuana bill after Trump \|author=Morgan GSTALTER \|work=The Hill \|date=June 28, 2018 \|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/394570-tennessee-lawmakers-name-medical-marijuana-bill-after-trump/ \|access-date=July 1, 2018 \|archive-date=July 1, 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701055010/http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/394570-tennessee-lawmakers-name-medical-marijuana-bill-after-trump \|url-status=live }}
Utah \|{{further\|Utah Medical Cannabis Act initiative}} A group called Utah Patients Coalition filed the {{vanchor\|Utah Medical Cannabis Act}} initiative in June, 2018.{{citation\|title=Utah Group Files 2018 Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative – A group of activists and Utah residents with chronic conditions has launched a ballot initiative to ask voters next year to pass a broad medical marijuana law.\|author=Michelle L. Price\|date=June 26, 2017\|via=US News\|publisher=Associated Press\|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/utah/articles/2017-06-26/utah-group-files-2018-medical-marijuana-ballot-initiative\|access-date=2018-03-28\|archive-date=2018-03-29\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054055/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/utah/articles/2017-06-26/utah-group-files-2018-medical-marijuana-ballot-initiative\|url-status=live}} By the beginning of the year, the group had gathered more than half of the 113,000 signatures required to get an initiative for medical cannabis on the November ballot.{{citation\|title='I think it's gonna happen' Governor Herbert says of medical marijuana in Utah\|publisher=KSTU-TV\|location=Salt Lake City\|date=January 3, 2018\|url=http://fox13now.com/2018/01/03/i-think-its-gonna-happen-governor-herbert-says-of-medical-marijuana-in-utah/\|access-date=February 22, 2018\|archive-date=February 23, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051229/http://fox13now.com/2018/01/03/i-think-its-gonna-happen-governor-herbert-says-of-medical-marijuana-in-utah/\|url-status=live}} The initiative allows for topicals, cannabis oil, cannabis edibles and vaping,{{citation\|title=Yes to medical marijuana in Utah, no to smoking it: Here's what Utahns may vote on in 2018\|author=Kelly Gifford\|newspaper=Salt Lake Tribune\|date=June 26, 2017\|url=http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5432195&itype=CMSID\|access-date=February 22, 2018\|archive-date=February 23, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223110828/http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5432195&itype=CMSID\|url-status=live}} but not smoking. Polls in the second half of 2017 showed up to 78% support for the initiative.{{citation\|publisher=Ballotpedia\|title=Utah Medical Marijuana Initiative (2018)\|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Utah_Medical_Marijuana_Initiative_(2018)\|access-date=2018-02-22\|archive-date=2018-11-11\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111021509/https://ballotpedia.org/Utah_Medical_Marijuana_Initiative_(2018)\|url-status=live}} In February, the state house passed HB 197 as an alternative to the initiative. Under HB 197, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food would grow and supply cannabis to patients.{{citation\|title=House passes medical marijuana bill that lets Utah grow weed for terminally ill patients\|publisher=KSTU-TV\|location=Salt Lake City\|date=February 13, 2018\|author=Ben WINSLOW\|url=http://fox13now.com/2018/02/13/house-passes-medical-marijuana-bill-that-lets-utah-grow-weed-for-terminally-ill-patients/\|access-date=February 22, 2018\|archive-date=February 22, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222044847/http://fox13now.com/2018/02/13/house-passes-medical-marijuana-bill-that-lets-utah-grow-weed-for-terminally-ill-patients/\|url-status=live}} A matching bill, HB 195, is a right-to-try law for terminally ill patients.[https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/HB0195.html HB 195 bill status] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051218/https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/HB0195.html \|date=2018-02-23 }}, Utah legislature, accessed March 17, 2018 On March 7, the bills were passed "easily" by the state senate,{{citation\|title=Here's What Utah Lawmakers Did In 45 Days\|author1=Julia Ritchey \|author2=Nicole Nixon \|date=March 9, 2018\|publisher=KUER\|location=Salt Lake City\|url=http://kuer.org/post/heres-what-utah-lawmakers-did-45-days#stream/0\|access-date=March 17, 2018\|archive-date=March 18, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054552/http://kuer.org/post/heres-what-utah-lawmakers-did-45-days#stream/0\|url-status=live}}{{citation\|publisher=Associated Press\|via=The Seattle Times\|title=Utah lawmakers end busy session as ballot initiatives loom\|date=March 8, 2018\|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/utah-lawmakers-get-schools-deal-but-drop-some-divisive-bills/\|access-date=March 17, 2018\|archive-date=March 18, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318055208/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/utah-lawmakers-get-schools-deal-but-drop-some-divisive-bills/\|url-status=live}} and on the 15th and 16th the bills were sent to the governor to be signed into law.[https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/HB0197.html HB 197 bill status] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054952/https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/HB0197.html \|date=2018-03-18 }}, Utah legislature, accessed March 17, 2018 On March 21, the governor signed HB 195 but not 197.{{citation\|publisher=KSL-TV\|title=Utah governor signs bill allowing medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients\|author=Ben Lockhart\|date=March 21, 2018\|url=https://www.ksl.com/?sid=46285459&nid=148\|access-date=March 22, 2018\|archive-date=March 23, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031130/https://www.ksl.com/?sid=46285459&nid=148\|url-status=live}} On March 26, the Lieutenant Governor's office validated 117,000 signatures on the Utah Medical Cannabis Act initiative, enough for it to get on the November ballot.{{citation\|title=It looks like medical marijuana will be on the November ballot in Utah\|date=March 26, 2018\|author=Ben Winslow\|publisher=KSTU News\|location=Salt Lake City\|url=http://fox13now.com/2018/03/26/it-looks-like-medical-marijuana-will-be-on-the-november-ballot-in-utah/\|access-date=March 28, 2018\|archive-date=March 28, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328231442/http://fox13now.com/2018/03/26/it-looks-like-medical-marijuana-will-be-on-the-november-ballot-in-utah/\|url-status=live}}
Vermont \|{{main\|Cannabis in Vermont}} Vermont legalized cannabis possession by an act of the state legislature, and signed by the governor, on January 22, 2018.

class="wikitable sortable"

scope="col" | State

! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Detail

Alaska

|Senate Bill 6, allowing industrial hemp farming, was passed unanimously by both chambers of the state legislature, with passage in the House occurring on February 19, 2018.{{citation|title=Alaska Legislature passes bill to legalize industrial hemp|author=Casey Grove|publisher=Alaska Public Media|date=February 21, 2018|url=https://www.alaskapublic.org/2018/02/21/alaska-legislature-passes-bill-to-legalize-industrial-hemp/|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501160533/https://www.alaskapublic.org/2018/02/21/alaska-legislature-passes-bill-to-legalize-industrial-hemp/|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=AK House unanimously pass bill to legalize industrial hemp|publisher=KTVA|date=February 19, 2018|url=http://www.ktva.com/story/37541525/ak-house-unanimously-pass-bill-to-legalize-industrial-hemp|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501093940/http://www.ktva.com/story/37541525/ak-house-unanimously-pass-bill-to-legalize-industrial-hemp|url-status=live}} It was signed into law by the governor on April 13.{{Cite web|url=https://legiscan.com/AK/bill/SB6/2017|title=Alaska SB6 | 2017-2018 | 30th Legislature|access-date=2018-05-01|archive-date=2018-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501160504/https://legiscan.com/AK/bill/SB6/2017|url-status=live}}

Arizona

|An initiative to legalize hemp, defined as cannabis with less than 0.4% THC, was listed by the Secretary of State as a potential November, 2018 ballot measure.{{citation|title=2018 Initiatives, Referendums & Recalls|publisher=Arizona Secretary of State|access-date=2018-04-26|url=http://apps.azsos.gov/election/2018/general/initiatives.htm|archive-date=2018-04-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428032228/http://apps.azsos.gov/election/2018/general/initiatives.htm|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=Arizona Industrial Hemp Initiative (2018)|publisher=Ballotpedia|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Industrial_Hemp_Initiative_(2018)|access-date=2018-04-26|archive-date=2018-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108110632/https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Industrial_Hemp_Initiative_(2018)|url-status=live}}

Colorado

|House Bill 1295 passed both houses of the state legislature, unanimously in the Senate, by April. It would "regulate hemp like any other food ingredient". A provision of the bill prohibits pharmaceutical companies from "interfering" with distribution or sale of naturally occurring (CBD-containing) hemp products.{{citation|title=Pass the hemp: Colorado prepares to regulate the plant like any other food ingredient|author=Alicia Wallace|date=April 25, 2018|work=The Cannabist|publisher=The Denver Post|url=https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/04/25/colorado-hemp-food-ingredient-bill/104230/|access-date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426053338/https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/04/25/colorado-hemp-food-ingredient-bill/104230/|url-status=live}}

Connecticut

|In April, HB 5394, a bill to "require multiple state agencies to coordinate and develop a plan to legalize and regulate cannabis sales by October 1" was referred from the Appropriations Committee to the state General Assembly.{{citation|work=Merry Jane|title=Connecticut Legislative Committee Advances Recreational Cannabis Bill|date=April 8, 2018|author=Chris Moore|url=https://merryjane.com/news/connecticut-legislative-committee-advances-recreational-cannabis-bill|access-date=April 9, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409110011/https://merryjane.com/news/connecticut-legislative-committee-advances-recreational-cannabis-bill|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=Connecticut lawmakers advance marijuana legalization bill|author=JACQUELINE THOMSEN|work=TheHill|date=April 5, 2018|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/381865-connecticut-lawmakers-to-vote-on-marijuana-legalization/|access-date=April 9, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409105930/http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/381865-connecticut-lawmakers-to-vote-on-marijuana-legalization|url-status=live}}

This was the first time a legalization bill made it out of committee in the Connecticut legislature.{{citation|newspaper=Hartford Courant|title=Connecticut Legislative Committee Passes Recreational Marijuana Bill|date=April 5, 2018|url=http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-marijuana-legislation-hits-committee-deadline-20180405-story.html|quote=For the first time in the Connecticut legislature, a recreational marijuana bill has made it out of committee and is headed to the full General Assembly for consideration.|access-date=April 9, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409111511/http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-marijuana-legislation-hits-committee-deadline-20180405-story.html|url-status=live}}

Georgia

|State senator Curt Thompson introduced SB 344, legislation to legalize cannabis, in January.{{citation|title=Lawmaker introduces bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Georgia|author=Richard Elliot|date=February 6, 2018|publisher=WSB-TV|url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/lawmaker-introduces-bill-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-in-georgia/695390271|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050818/http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/lawmaker-introduces-bill-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-in-georgia/695390271|url-status=live}}{{citation|publisher=Georgia General Assembly|title=2017-2018 Regular Session - SB 344 'Georgia Retail Marijuana Code'; regulation of the retail sale of marijuana|url=http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-us/display/20172018/sb/344|access-date=2018-02-22|archive-date=2018-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222225619/http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-us/display/20172018/sb/344|url-status=live}} Atlanta had decriminalized the substance in 2017.{{citation|work=Fortune|title=Atlanta Is The Latest U.S. City to Decriminalize Marijuana. Here's What That Means.|author=Grace Donnelly|date=October 3, 2017|url=http://fortune.com/2017/10/03/list-of-cities-that-decriminalized-marijuana/|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217060308/http://fortune.com/2017/10/03/list-of-cities-that-decriminalized-marijuana/|url-status=live}}

Illinois

|Voters in Cook County answered 68% "yes" on a March referendum on statewide cannabis legalization.{{citation|title=Chicago Says It Loud and Clear: Legalize It! Cook County voters overwhelmingly backed a marijuana referendum, and the new Democratic nominee for governor is all-in for reform.|author=John Nichols|date=21 March 2018|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/chicago-says-it-loud-and-clear-legalize-it/|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322205324/https://www.thenation.com/article/chicago-says-it-loud-and-clear-legalize-it/|url-status=live}} Earlier in March, the state senate had voted 73–13 to approve a bill sponsored by Bill Cunningham, presenting a statewide referendum on legalization in November.{{citation|title=Illinois Senate Approves Marijuana Ballot Question – The Illinois Senate has approved putting a non-binding question on the November ballot asking voters if Illinois should legalize recreational marijuana.|publisher=Associated Press|via=US News|date=March 1, 2018|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-03-01/illinois-senate-approves-marijuana-ballot-question|access-date=2018-03-22|archive-date=2018-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323043551/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2018-03-01/illinois-senate-approves-marijuana-ballot-question|url-status=live}}

Proposed legalized, regulated sales:

{{Further|Cannabis in Illinois#Proposed recreational use (2017)}}

SB316 and HB2353, which would create a regulated legalized adult-use system in Illinois, were introduced in 2017 and were still under consideration by the legislature in 2018.{{citation|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-marijuana-legalize-illinois-cook-county-20180321-story.html|title=Marijuana referendum could strengthen movement to legalize in Illinois, but naysayers say ballot question unfair|date=March 22, 2018|author=Robert McCoppin|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922120942/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-marijuana-legalize-illinois-cook-county-20180321-story.html|url-status=live}}[https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2017-09-06/legislature-hears-pros-cons-on-marijuana-legalization Legislature Hears Pros, Cons on Marijuana Legalization] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324224232/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2017-09-06/legislature-hears-pros-cons-on-marijuana-legalization |date=2018-03-24 }}, Associated Press, September 6, 2017

Hemp:

A hemp bill, SB 2298, passed the state Senate unanimously on April 24. It would remove industrial hemp from the state's legal definition of a drug, and put it under regulation by the state Department of Agriculture.{{citation|title=Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp Passes Illinois Senate|author=Alex Ruppenthal|date=April 30, 2018|publisher=WTTW|url=https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/04/30/bill-legalize-industrial-hemp-passes-illinois-senate|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501161817/https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/04/30/bill-legalize-industrial-hemp-passes-illinois-senate|url-status=live}} The bill passed the state House of Representatives 106–3 on May 25.{{citation|title=Illinois Governor Gets Bill Legalizing Industrial Hemp|date=May 23, 2018|publisher=WJBD|url=http://www.wjbdradio.com/local-news/2018/05/23/illinois-governor-gets-bill-legalizing-industrial-hemp|access-date=May 28, 2018|archive-date=May 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528154718/http://www.wjbdradio.com/local-news/2018/05/23/illinois-governor-gets-bill-legalizing-industrial-hemp|url-status=live}}

Iowa

|The Iowa state Senate passed File 2398, the "Iowa Industrial Hemp Act", 49–0 on April 4.{{citation|title=Iowa Senate OKs bill opening door to hemp production, marketing|newspaper=Des Moines Register|author=William Petroski|date=April 4, 2018|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/04/iowa-hemp-production-marketing-iowa-senate-legislation-senate-file-2398/484563002/|access-date=April 9, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004920/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.desmoinesregister.com|url-status=live}}

Kansas

|In March, Kansas Senate Bill 263, legalizing a hemp research and production pilot under the state's Department of Agriculture in accordance with the Federal 2014 Farm Bill, cleared the state House of Representatives 123 to 1 and the state Senate 36 to 3.{{citation|title=Kansas House passes industrial hemp bill|newspaper=High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal|date=March 28, 2018|url=http://www.hpj.com/ag_news/kansas-house-passes-industrial-hemp-bill/article_578d7e34-32c4-11e8-98f6-d3ef36abb413.html|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004840/https://secure.adnxs.com/jpt?callback=districtmHeader.ssp.appnexus.handleAppNexusCallback&callback_uid=LRLQpJbyktgxTfshd8801GNnmbabNO~455~ad-645509&psa=0&zone=455&id=12603034&member_id=1908&size=320x50&promo_sizes=300x250,728x90,970x90,970x250&referrer=https://www.hpj.com/ag_news/kansas-house-passes-industrial-hemp-bill/article_578d7e34-32c4-11e8-98f6-d3ef36abb413.html|url-status=live}} The bill was signed into law by the governor on April 20.{{citation|title=KDA prepares to oversee industrial hemp in Kansas|newspaper=High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal|date=Apr 20, 2018|url=http://www.hpj.com/crops/kda-prepares-to-oversee-industrial-hemp-in-kansas/article_59886388-44e5-11e8-af75-6be60b4a4071.html|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421040108/http://www.hpj.com/crops/kda-prepares-to-oversee-industrial-hemp-in-kansas/article_59886388-44e5-11e8-af75-6be60b4a4071.html|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=KDA Prepares to Oversee Industrial Hemp in Kansas|publisher=Kansas Department of Agriculture|type=Press release|date=April 20, 2018|url=http://agriculture.ks.gov/AllNewsItems/2018/04/20/kda-prepares-to-oversee-industrial-hemp-in-kansas|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501160949/http://agriculture.ks.gov/AllNewsItems/2018/04/20/kda-prepares-to-oversee-industrial-hemp-in-kansas|url-status=live}}

Massachusetts

|Although the legalization of cannabis in Massachusetts for recreational use was passed in a 2016 ballot, the purchase of recreation cannabis is still not legal in the state. The Massachusetts state legislature, who opposed the ballot question, have delayed the opening of any recreational dispensaries through additional regulatory means.

Michigan

|As of January, 2018 a group had submitted over 300,000 signatures for the 2018 Michigan Marijuana Legalization Initiative pending certification by the state for the 2018 general election ballot. The state certified the initiative on April 26.{{citation|title=It's official: Pot legalization will be on the Michigan ballot this November|author=Violet Ikonomova|date=April 26, 2018|newspaper=Detroit Metro Times|url=https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2018/04/26/its-official-pot-legalization-will-be-on-the-michigan-ballot-this-november|access-date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427004345/https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2018/04/26/its-official-pot-legalization-will-be-on-the-michigan-ballot-this-november|url-status=live}} Proposal 1 was approved by voters on November 6, and the Secretary of State certified the election returns as of November 26, and as such, the proposal must become law in Michigan by no later than December 6.

Missouri

|SB 547 and HB 2034 were introduced to legalize hemp farming. The senate bill passed on March 15.{{citation|publisher=Associated Press|title=Missouri Senate passes bill legalizing industrial hemp|date=March 15, 2018|via=US News|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2018-03-15/missouri-senate-passes-bill-for-industrial-hemp-pilot|access-date=2018-03-17|archive-date=2018-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318062018/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2018-03-15/missouri-senate-passes-bill-for-industrial-hemp-pilot|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.senate.mo.gov/18info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=69472168|title=SB547 - Modifies provisions relating to industrial hemp|access-date=2018-04-01|archive-date=2018-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401144547/http://www.senate.mo.gov/18info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=69472168|url-status=live}}{{citation|newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|title=Industrial hemp, medical marijuana proposals interest Missouri lawmakers|author=Marie French|date=April 1, 2018|url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/industrial-hemp-medical-marijuana-proposals-interest-missouri-lawmakers/article_0c04670f-9a25-5268-b290-01dbef064ce1.html|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825034719/http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/industrial-hemp-medical-marijuana-proposals-interest-missouri-lawmakers/article_0c04670f-9a25-5268-b290-01dbef064ce1.html|url-status=live}}

Several versions of "Missouri Cannabis and Cannabis Hemp Legalization Initiative" were proposed to amend the Missouri state constitution. Initiative 2018-134 would allow prescription of cannabis by veterinarians.{{citation|title=Missouri Cannabis and Cannabis Hemp Legalization Initiative (2018)|publisher=Ballotpedia|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Cannabis_and_Cannabis_Hemp_Legalization_Initiative_(2018)|access-date=2018-04-01|archive-date=2018-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108092005/https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Cannabis_and_Cannabis_Hemp_Legalization_Initiative_(2018)|url-status=live}}

On May 1, the state House passed a bill to allow medical cannabis for conditions including cancer and PTSD.{{citation|title=Missouri House votes to legalize medical marijuana|publisher=Associated Press|via=The Denver Post|date=May 1, 2018|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/05/01/missouri-house-medical-marijuana/|access-date=May 3, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504011632/https://www.denverpost.com/2018/05/01/missouri-house-medical-marijuana/|url-status=live}}

On May 3, New Approach Missouri and Find the Cure submitted two initiatives to the state for the November ballot. Each would amend the state constitution to allow medical cannabis. Both groups claimed to have conducted independent verification of over 300,000 signatures against the required 160,000.{{citation|title=Medical Marijuana Groups Submit Signatures for November Vote: Supporters of legalizing medical marijuana in Missouri have turned in signatures for two ballot initiatives that would let voters decide the issue in November|date=May 4, 2018|author=Blake NELSON|publisher=Associated Press|via=US News|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2018-05-04/medical-marijuana-groups-submit-signatures-for-november-vote|access-date=2018-05-09|archive-date=2018-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509153155/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2018-05-04/medical-marijuana-groups-submit-signatures-for-november-vote|url-status=live}}[https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Medical_Marijuana_and_Veteran_Healthcare_Services_Initiative_(2018) Missouri Medical Marijuana and Veteran Healthcare Services Initiative (2018)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111041554/https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Medical_Marijuana_and_Veteran_Healthcare_Services_Initiative_(2018) |date=2018-11-11 }}, Ballotpedia, accessed 2018-05-08{{citation|title=Medical marijuana advocates get twice the needed signatures for ballot initiative|author=Sarah FENTEM|date=May 4, 2018|publisher=St. Louis Public Radio|url=http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/medical-marijuana-advocates-get-twice-needed-signatures-ballot-initiative|access-date=May 9, 2018|archive-date=May 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509155525/http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/medical-marijuana-advocates-get-twice-needed-signatures-ballot-initiative|url-status=live}}

New Hampshire

|The New Hampshire state House of Representatives voted to legalize recreational marijuana on January 9. The bill, legalizing possession but not sale, was sent to the Ways and Means committee to hold hearings and study implementation.{{citation|title=New Hampshire House votes to legalize recreational marijuana|date=January 9, 2018|author=Polly Washburn|publisher=The Denver Post|url=https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/01/09/new-hampshire-marijuana-legalization-bill-2/96320/|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=January 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113011309/http://www.thecannabist.co/2018/01/09/new-hampshire-marijuana-legalization-bill-2/96320/|url-status=live}}{{citation|publisher=New Hampshire Public Radio|title=Marijuana Legalization Bill Has N.H. House Hearing Today|author=Dan Tuohy|date=February 13, 2018|url=http://nhpr.org/post/marijuana-legalization-bill-has-nh-house-hearing-today|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216164619/http://nhpr.org/post/marijuana-legalization-bill-has-nh-house-hearing-today|url-status=live}}

New Jersey

|On the legislature's opening day, January 9, Senate Bill 830 was introduced by Sen. Nicholas Scutari. It which would create a legal framework for cannabis sales in the state under a Division of Marijuana Enforcement, and allow personal possession of up to one ounce. Assembly Bill 1348, an identical bill, went to the house.{{citation|title=N.J. legislator plants seeds for recreational marijuana legalization|author=Justin Auciello|date=January 11, 2018|publisher=WHYY|url=https://whyy.org/articles/n-j-legislator-plants-seeds-for-recreational-marijuana-legalization/|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=March 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151138/https://whyy.org/articles/n-j-legislator-plants-seeds-for-recreational-marijuana-legalization/|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=The Path To Legalization: New Jersey's Pursuit Of Marijuana Reform|author=Cole Schotz|date=March 6, 2018|work=JD Supra|url=http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-path-to-legalization-new-jersey-s-11601/|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=March 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306183622/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-path-to-legalization-new-jersey-s-11601/|url-status=live}}

In February, a bill decriminalizing possession of 10 grams of cannabis was introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators.{{citation|title=NJ lawmakers propose decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana instead of legalization|date=February 15, 2018|publisher=Associated Press|via=KPIX-TV|url=http://pix11.com/2018/02/15/nj-lawmakers-propose-decriminalizing-small-amounts-of-marijuana-instead-of-legalization/|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218150111/http://pix11.com/2018/02/15/nj-lawmakers-propose-decriminalizing-small-amounts-of-marijuana-instead-of-legalization/|url-status=live}}

In March, governor Phil Murphy said he wanted a tax-and-regulate bill passed by the legislature by year's end, and projecting such a measure would pass, included $60 million from cannabis tax revenues in the next year's state budget proposal.{{citation|title=Phil Murphy wants legal weed law in N.J. by end of year|date=March 13, 2018|publisher=NJ.com|url=http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/03/murphy_wants_legal_weed_in_nj_by_end_of_year.html|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501161730/http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/03/murphy_wants_legal_weed_in_nj_by_end_of_year.html|url-status=live}}{{citation|newspaper=Philadelphia Inquirer|title=Gov. Murphy's proposed N.J. budget would hike taxes by $1.6 billion|date=March 13, 2018|author=Andrew Seidman|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/phil-murphy-tax-plan-budget-new-jersey-20180313.html|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501224827/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/phil-murphy-tax-plan-budget-new-jersey-20180313.html|url-status=live}}

New Mexico

|In April, the Albuquerque City Council voted to decriminalize possession of one ounce of cannabis.{{citation|title=Albuquerque City Council votes to decriminalize marijuana|author=Mary Hudetz|publisher=Associated Press|via=Chicago Tribune|date=April 3, 2018|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sns-bc-nm--marijuana-albuquerque-20180403-story.html|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004758/https://www.chicagotribune.com/pb/resources/images/ct_icons/favicon.ico?v=296|url-status=live}}

In April, the state Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional an earlier governor's veto of two hemp bills that had passed the legislature. It was reported that SB6, which passed 58-8 and 37–2 in the House and Senate respectively, would probably become the basis for state law.{{citation|title=Industrial Hemp is Coming to New Mexico: State Supreme Court decision legalizes hemp research and cultivation; Ag Department working on rules|newspaper=Santa Fe Reporter|author=Aaron Cantú|date=April 27, 2018|url=https://www.sfreporter.com/news/2018/04/27/industrial-hemp-is-coming-to-new-mexico/|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501161431/https://www.sfreporter.com/news/2018/04/27/industrial-hemp-is-coming-to-new-mexico/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://legiscan.com/NM/bill/SB6/2017|title=New Mexico SB6 | 2017 | Regular Session|access-date=2018-05-01|archive-date=2018-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501224605/https://legiscan.com/NM/bill/SB6/2017|url-status=live}} The state Department of Agriculture commenced rulemaking for a hemp research program at the end of April as authorized by SB6.{{citation|title=Industrial Hemp Research Program: Senate Bill 6, Industrial Hemp Research|publisher=New Mexico Department of Agriculture|date=April 30, 2018|url=http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/2017/11/industrial-hemp-research-program/|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501224615/http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/2017/11/industrial-hemp-research-program/|url-status=live}}

North Carolina

|Representative Kelly Alexander introduced House Bill 944 in May, which would raise the threshold for class one misdemeanor possession of cannabis (carrying jail time penalty) to four ounces, and allow expunging records of those previously convicted of that amount.{{citation|title=Proposed NC bill would allow some marijuana convictions to be expunged|date=May 25, 2018|publisher=WTVD "ABC11"|url=http://abc11.com/proposed-nc-bill-would-allow-some-marijuana-convictions-to-be-expunged-/3521148/|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-date=May 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201559/http://abc11.com/proposed-nc-bill-would-allow-some-marijuana-convictions-to-be-expunged-/3521148/|url-status=live}}{{citation|title=New Bill Would Allow North Carolinians To Possess Up To 4 Ounces Of Marijuana|author=Mark Boyle|date=May 26, 2018|publisher=WFMY-TV|url=https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/new-bill-would-allow-north-carolinians-to-possess-up-to-4-ounces-of-marijuana/83-558756849|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-date=May 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527015340/https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/new-bill-would-allow-north-carolinians-to-possess-up-to-4-ounces-of-marijuana/83-558756849|url-status=live}}

Oklahoma

|House Bill 2913, a bill legalizing hemp production under the "Oklahoma Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program", passed the state senate unanimously and with one "nay" vote in the state house on April 17.{{citation|title=Cash crop? Industrial hemp measure heading to Gov. Fallin's desk|date=April 17, 2018 |publisher=KFOR-TV }} It was signed into law by the governor on April 25.{{citation|title=Fallin Signs Bill Legalizing Hemp Pilot Program|date=April 25, 2018|newspaper=Tulsa World|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/communities/skiatook/news/fallin-signs-bill-legalizing-hemp-pilot-program/article_795ebb5b-75f0-5a56-b224-aefb7e70baaf.html|access-date=May 1, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004757/https://www.zergnet.com/zerg-lk.js?ref=https%3A%2F%2Ftulsaworld.com%2Fcommunities%2Fskiatook%2Fnews%2Ffallin-signs-bill-legalizing-hemp-pilot-program%2Farticle_795ebb5b-75f0-5a56-b224-aefb7e70baaf.html&domain=tulsaworld.com&fb=72508&u=57683|url-status=live}}

State Question 788, a statutory initiative creating a legal medical cannabis program, was passed by voters during the June 26, 2018 primary.{{citation|title=Key Questions And Answers On SQ 788, Oklahoma's Vote On Medical Marijuana|author1=Joe Wertz |author2=Jackie Fortier |date=May 3, 2018|publisher=KOSU|url=http://kosu.org/post/key-questions-and-answers-sq-788-oklahomas-vote-medical-marijuana|access-date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524081816/http://kosu.org/post/key-questions-and-answers-sq-788-oklahomas-vote-medical-marijuana|url-status=live}}

In April, two other initiatives, SQ 796 and SQ 797, qualified for signature gathering in advance of the general election. The latter would legalize adult-use (recreational) cannabis in Oklahoma. Both are proposed constitutional amendments and could not be changed by the state legislature.{{citation|title=Okla. group cleared to collect signatures to put recreational pot on ballot|publisher=MSN|date=April 30, 2018|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/news/okla-group-cleared-to-collect-signatures-to-put-recreational-pot-on-ballot/|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524082348/https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/news/okla-group-cleared-to-collect-signatures-to-put-recreational-pot-on-ballot/|url-status=live}}

Tennessee

|On March 21, the Tennessee House of Representatives{{'}} Criminal Justice Committee voted 9–2 to approve the Medical Cannabis Only Act of 2018.{{citation|title=Legalization Bill Passes House Committee|author=Lisa Warren|newspaper=Greenville Sun|date=March 29, 2018|url=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/legalization-bill-passes-house-committee/article_1879f22a-bf8d-5044-97ba-b9ddf58fb844.html|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004802/https://timber.sendtonews.com/timber/data_stn_l.php?CMD=INV&ESG_key=wXC8a3gI&ES_key=wXC8a3gI&ES_ID=27073&S_RKEY=JOrCoJY8Pf&USR_ID=100338366&ST_usrKey=qkBgbB1hlM187Gv4&SM_ID=1583719&C_ID=10542&C_companyName=Adams%20Publishing%20Group&version=650210040&sC_ID=9519&AC_ID=2008&TYPE=FLOAT&EXTREF=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/legalization-bill-passes-house-committee/article_1879f22a-bf8d-5044-97ba-b9ddf58fb844.html&REF=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/legalization-bill-passes-house-committee/article_1879f22a-bf8d-5044-97ba-b9ddf58fb844.html&PLAYERWIDTH=725&PLAYERCODE=LVFDLN&OGSET=1&REFONLY=0&STRIPQUERY=1|url-status=live}} The state senate killed the bill before the legislature adjourned. An issue of concern was there was no taxation or regulatory system in place under the house proposal.{{citation|title=Medical Cannabis Bill Dies In State Senate|author=Lisa Warren|newspaper=Greenville Sun|date=April 4, 2018|url=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/medical-cannabis-bill-dies-in-state-senate/article_abde79a4-76d0-5338-9d38-62b7df0d4875.html|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028004857/https://timber.sendtonews.com/timber/data_stn_l.php?CMD=INV&ESG_key=wXC8a3gI&ES_key=wXC8a3gI&ES_ID=27073&S_RKEY=JOrCoJY8Pf&USR_ID=150061700&ST_usrKey=Mp_jG1vQxHAYhvwU&SM_ID=1583719&C_ID=10542&C_companyName=Adams%20Publishing%20Group&version=650210040&sC_ID=9519&AC_ID=2008&TYPE=FLOAT&EXTREF=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/medical-cannabis-bill-dies-in-state-senate/article_abde79a4-76d0-5338-9d38-62b7df0d4875.html&REF=https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/medical-cannabis-bill-dies-in-state-senate/article_abde79a4-76d0-5338-9d38-62b7df0d4875.html&PLAYERWIDTH=1025&PLAYERCODE=LVFDLN&OGSET=1&REFONLY=0&STRIPQUERY=1|url-status=live}}

In June two Republican state senators introduced Tennessee Responsible Use of Medicinal Plants (TRUMP) Act to legalize medical cannabis in Tennessee.{{citation|title=Tennessee's TRUMP Act aimed at Republican medical cannabis doubters|author=Chris Bundgaard|date=June 29, 2018|publisher=WKRN-TV|url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/political-news/tennessee-s-trump-act-aimed-at-republican-medical-cannabis-doubters/1274304791|access-date=July 1, 2018|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701055121/https://www.wkrn.com/news/political-news/tennessee-s-trump-act-aimed-at-republican-medical-cannabis-doubters/1274304791|url-status=live}}{{citation |title=Tennessee lawmakers name medical marijuana bill after Trump |author=Morgan GSTALTER |work=The Hill |date=June 28, 2018 |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/394570-tennessee-lawmakers-name-medical-marijuana-bill-after-trump/ |access-date=July 1, 2018 |archive-date=July 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701055010/http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/394570-tennessee-lawmakers-name-medical-marijuana-bill-after-trump |url-status=live }}

Utah

|{{further|Utah Medical Cannabis Act initiative}}

A group called Utah Patients Coalition filed the {{vanchor|Utah Medical Cannabis Act}} initiative in June, 2018.{{citation|title=Utah Group Files 2018 Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative – A group of activists and Utah residents with chronic conditions has launched a ballot initiative to ask voters next year to pass a broad medical marijuana law.|author=Michelle L. Price|date=June 26, 2017|via=US News|publisher=Associated Press|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/utah/articles/2017-06-26/utah-group-files-2018-medical-marijuana-ballot-initiative|access-date=2018-03-28|archive-date=2018-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054055/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/utah/articles/2017-06-26/utah-group-files-2018-medical-marijuana-ballot-initiative|url-status=live}} By the beginning of the year, the group had gathered more than half of the 113,000 signatures required to get an initiative for medical cannabis on the November ballot.{{citation|title='I think it's gonna happen' Governor Herbert says of medical marijuana in Utah|publisher=KSTU-TV|location=Salt Lake City|date=January 3, 2018|url=http://fox13now.com/2018/01/03/i-think-its-gonna-happen-governor-herbert-says-of-medical-marijuana-in-utah/|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051229/http://fox13now.com/2018/01/03/i-think-its-gonna-happen-governor-herbert-says-of-medical-marijuana-in-utah/|url-status=live}} The initiative allows for topicals, cannabis oil, cannabis edibles and vaping,{{citation|title=Yes to medical marijuana in Utah, no to smoking it: Here's what Utahns may vote on in 2018|author=Kelly Gifford|newspaper=Salt Lake Tribune|date=June 26, 2017|url=http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5432195&itype=CMSID|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223110828/http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5432195&itype=CMSID|url-status=live}} but not smoking. Polls in the second half of 2017 showed up to 78% support for the initiative.{{citation|publisher=Ballotpedia|title=Utah Medical Marijuana Initiative (2018)|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Utah_Medical_Marijuana_Initiative_(2018)|access-date=2018-02-22|archive-date=2018-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111021509/https://ballotpedia.org/Utah_Medical_Marijuana_Initiative_(2018)|url-status=live}}

In February, the state house passed HB 197 as an alternative to the initiative. Under HB 197, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food would grow and supply cannabis to patients.{{citation|title=House passes medical marijuana bill that lets Utah grow weed for terminally ill patients|publisher=KSTU-TV|location=Salt Lake City|date=February 13, 2018|author=Ben WINSLOW|url=http://fox13now.com/2018/02/13/house-passes-medical-marijuana-bill-that-lets-utah-grow-weed-for-terminally-ill-patients/|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222044847/http://fox13now.com/2018/02/13/house-passes-medical-marijuana-bill-that-lets-utah-grow-weed-for-terminally-ill-patients/|url-status=live}} A matching bill, HB 195, is a right-to-try law for terminally ill patients.[https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/HB0195.html HB 195 bill status] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051218/https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/HB0195.html |date=2018-02-23 }}, Utah legislature, accessed March 17, 2018 On March 7, the bills were passed "easily" by the state senate,{{citation|title=Here's What Utah Lawmakers Did In 45 Days|author1=Julia Ritchey |author2=Nicole Nixon |date=March 9, 2018|publisher=KUER|location=Salt Lake City|url=http://kuer.org/post/heres-what-utah-lawmakers-did-45-days#stream/0|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-date=March 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054552/http://kuer.org/post/heres-what-utah-lawmakers-did-45-days#stream/0|url-status=live}}{{citation|publisher=Associated Press|via=The Seattle Times|title=Utah lawmakers end busy session as ballot initiatives loom|date=March 8, 2018|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/utah-lawmakers-get-schools-deal-but-drop-some-divisive-bills/|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-date=March 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318055208/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/utah-lawmakers-get-schools-deal-but-drop-some-divisive-bills/|url-status=live}} and on the 15th and 16th the bills were sent to the governor to be signed into law.[https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/HB0197.html HB 197 bill status] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054952/https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/HB0197.html |date=2018-03-18 }}, Utah legislature, accessed March 17, 2018 On March 21, the governor signed HB 195 but not 197.{{citation|publisher=KSL-TV|title=Utah governor signs bill allowing medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients|author=Ben Lockhart|date=March 21, 2018|url=https://www.ksl.com/?sid=46285459&nid=148|access-date=March 22, 2018|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031130/https://www.ksl.com/?sid=46285459&nid=148|url-status=live}}

On March 26, the Lieutenant Governor's office validated 117,000 signatures on the Utah Medical Cannabis Act initiative, enough for it to get on the November ballot.{{citation|title=It looks like medical marijuana will be on the November ballot in Utah|date=March 26, 2018|author=Ben Winslow|publisher=KSTU News|location=Salt Lake City|url=http://fox13now.com/2018/03/26/it-looks-like-medical-marijuana-will-be-on-the-november-ballot-in-utah/|access-date=March 28, 2018|archive-date=March 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328231442/http://fox13now.com/2018/03/26/it-looks-like-medical-marijuana-will-be-on-the-november-ballot-in-utah/|url-status=live}}

Vermont

|{{main|Cannabis in Vermont}}

Vermont legalized cannabis possession by an act of the state legislature, and signed by the governor, on January 22, 2018.

Territory

The CNMI Cannabis Act of 2018 was introduced to the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature in 2017, and was passed by the Senate in May, 2018.

References

External links

[https://ballotpedia.org/Marijuana_on_the_ballot#By_year Marijuana on the ballot] at Ballotpedia

Cannabis reform proposals 2018

Cannabis reform 2018

2018 United States

Reform proposals 2018