The dust is settling on the 2024 election, and Americans are preparing for big changes in 2025. While voters across the political spectrum disagreed on most issues, the topic of cannabis was thought to be a unifying subject. Post-election polling shows that 70 percent of Americans favor weed reform, achieving bipartisan support for the first time in history.
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Despite this, the plant had a seemingly poor showing on election night, leaving many wondering: are we any closer to change? From presidential pot politics to state and community ballot measures, here’s how cannabis fared.
White House leads national weed effort
Both major party presidential candidates favored changing the federal cannabis policy. Vice President Kamala Harris was seen by many as the pot progressive, as she promised to legalize marijuana if elected. Former President Donald Trump, who ultimately won the election, said he backed easing restrictions but failed to promise any concrete plan. Trump previously stated that cannabis is an issue for the states, not the feds.
Many cannabis industry professionals expressed uncertainty about the future. Still, they agreed that some progress would likely be made, but questions remain on the impact.
“The President-elect has publicly supported the need for cannabis reform—time will tell exactly what that means for our industry,” Jon Levine, CEO of multi-state cannabis operator MariMed, told GreenState. He added their business is prepared for any possible solution that may come down the pike.
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Marc Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Green Leaf Business Solutions, believes the presidential election results could lead to more of the same for the marijuana industry.
“A Trump administration may continue to leave cannabis legalization largely to individual states, with limited federal intervention,” Rodriguez said via email. “This approach could slow the pace of federal cannabis reform, creating uncertainty that may limit cannabis-related employment and job growth, especially in states that have yet to legalize cannabis or in banking and interstate commerce sectors that rely on clear federal guidelines.”
The presidential election may have been the lead story in the headlines, but local measures also drew attention.
State-specific pot initiatives lead to setbacks
While ambivalence about the future of federal reform was widespread among cannabis insiders, the defeat of adult-use legalization in Florida seemed to be more concerning. Many operators were hopeful that reform in the Sunshine State would reinvigorate the green rush. Disappointment was widespread when the measure failed to reach the required 60 percent supermajority to pass.
Despite this loss, there was a glimmer of hope, given that 57 percent of Floridians voted “yes” on Amendment 3. The results indicated that support for reform remains widespread and that change could still be on the horizon.
“That was not a referendum on legalization itself,” Levine argued. “In fact, a majority of voters in Florida said they want legalization. It was definitely a setback for the industry, but the momentum of the cannabis movement won’t be derailed.”
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The results were less promising in the Dakotas, where adult-use legalization failed by a wider margin. More than 56 percent of voters in South Dakota opposed reform despite a similar measure passing in 2020. Pot fared slightly better in North Dakota, where 53 percent of people voted “no.”
Paul Dunford, co-founder of cannabis banking firm Green Check, is pessimistic about the potential for pot reform in these Midwestern states.
“It does not seem that there is much appetite for adult-use legalization in either of these states, so barring the expansion of their medical programs, I would not expect any significant changes in these markets in 2025,” he told GreenState.
Small weed wins celebrated
While cannabis measures failed in these markets, progress was made elsewhere. Deeply conservative Nebraska, one of the last hold-outs for cannabis reform, saw two medical cannabis measures approved. The legislation is pending a court challenge, but the news was still encouraging.
John Mueller, co-founder and CEO of multi-state operator Greenlight, was excited to see overwhelming support for medical marijuana in the state. He hopes to expand into Nebraska if the legislation holds up in court.
“(The) decision by Nebraska voters marks the end of unnecessary delays and the beginning of a modern medical cannabis program rooted in proven healthcare practices,” Mueller previously told GreenState. “This program will transform lives in Nebraska, creating professional opportunities while ensuring patients receive thoroughly tested, regulated medicine.”
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Meanwhile, three cities in Texas passed cannabis decriminalization measures. Voters in Dallas, Lockhart, and Bastrop approved ballot measures meant to free the plant. The communities join Austin and several other Texas towns that have already enacted local reform. The state has a restrictive medical marijuana program, but the green wave taking over may see a progressive shift in the coming months and years.
The 2024 election outcomes may not have been what every cannabis voter hoped for, but it wasn’t all bad news. Many advocates are hopeful that rescheduling could bring progress by 2025 and that the continued societal shift indicating widespread support for reform will only bode well for pro-pot initiatives moving forward.
For now, many are looking for ways to take small steps forward to benefit the greater good.
“Lasting change begins with the choices we make in our communities and the support we offer one other,” said Lauren Carpenter, co-founder and CEO of cannabis retailer Embarc. “While national and legislative shifts certainly impact our industry, our commitment to providing relief, education, and a safe space that is welcoming to all remains unwavering. We are more determined than ever to foster unity, bridge divides, and create meaningful connections—knowing that the care we offer locally holds great power.”
