It's safe to say 2018 was an exceptional year for the cannabis industry. And the excitement surrounding the sector will not dissolve in 2019. In fact, many are forecasting 2019 to be the year more medical marijuana states appear in the country. If not for medical use, we may see more recreational use states appear as well.
Will There Be More Medical Marijuana States in 2019?
According to an article published on The Boston Globe, 33 states allow medical cannabis use, while ten have legalized recreational adult use. That is as of the 2018 midterm elections. And while those numbers are worth celebrating, the Globe writes, citing Mason Tvert, Marijuana Policy Project spokesman, that "2019 could be a banner year for legalization." Tvert adds that several states across the country are "strongly considering ending prohibition," which means more medical marijuana states, or recreational use states, could appear on the map.
Here are three US states that may transform into medical marijuana states, as well as recreational use states, in 2019.
1. New Mexico
Things are looking good for New Mexico now that Michelle Lujan Grisham is the next governor. Grishman is pro-legalization, stating in a debate that legalizing cannabis will improve the state's economy by bringing in "hundreds of millions of dollars."
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2. New Jersey
Not a medical marijuana state, but New Jersey is very likely to legalize recreational cannabis use this year. Why? Because in November, New Jersey's Assembly and Senate voted to move forward the 'Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act.' The bill is expected to pass, sending it to the Governor's desk.
3. Illinois
J.B. Pritzker is leading Illinois to become a medical marijuana state, as well as a recreational use state, stating that legal cannabis will bring numerous benefits for Illinois. And he believes these benefits go beyond medical use. "We need to legalize marijuana," reads a statement on his website.
The Takeaway
How do you feel about the possibility of more medical marijuana states in the US? If you're OK with that, how do you feel about legalizing recreational use? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image: Depositphotos © JanPietruszka
