The year 2023 has been pivotal for the cannabis industry in the United States. This year, marked by significant legislative advancements, changes in consumer behavior, and shifts in the business landscape, has seen a transformative shift in how Cannabis is perceived, regulated, and consumed in the country. Let’s look at fundamental changes and developments in the U.S. cannabis industry throughout 2023 and what is on the horizon for 2024.
Cannabis Legalization Milestones
Opening a Recreational Cannabis Dispensary
The most notable change in 2023 was the legalization of recreational Cannabis in several states. Ohio, Maryland, Minnesota, and Delaware joined the growing list of states where Cannabis is legal for adult recreational use. Ohio’s move came following a voter-approved ballot initiative, while Maryland legalized it after a strong public vote in favor. Minnesota and Delaware, on the other hand, passed the legislation through their state legislatures, reflecting a significant shift in political attitudes toward Cannabis.
2023 Review: New States Legalize Recreational Use
In 2023, several U.S. states legalized Cannabis for recreational use. This is pivotal because some of the newest states to legalize the recreational use of Cannabis are quite conservative, or at least “red-leaning”:
- Ohio: Ohio legalized marijuana for recreational use following a voter-approved ballot initiative.
- Maryland: Maryland residents voted in favor of legalization in November, with legal possession set to go into effect from July 1, 2023.
- Minnesota: The Minnesota legislature approved legal Cannabis in the summer of 2023.
- Delaware: Along with Minnesota, Delaware was also one of the latest U.S. states to legalize recreational marijuana through their state legislatures in 2023.
Looking Ahead to Cannabis in 2024
For 2024, several states are considering or have plans to legalize Cannabis for recreational use potentially:
- Florida: A measure to legalize Cannabis in Florida has earned enough signatures to land on the 2024 election ballot. However, the state Supreme Court will ultimately decide if the bill will reach the voters.
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma will vote on marijuana legalization in 2024.
- Other states, including Ohio, Wyoming, Nebraska, and potentially Idaho, Mississippi, and Utah, have filed or might file initiatives targeting the 2023 and 2024 ballots for marijuana legalization.
These developments indicate a continuing trend of states in the USA moving towards more liberal cannabis policies, even in traditionally conservative states.
Live in a State that Legalized Cannabis?
If you live in a state that has recently legalized recreational Cannabis, there is a lot to think about, and you undoubtedly have questions:
- “When will dispensaries open?”
- “What does it mean to any cannabis-related criminal history?”
- “How do I go about obtaining a cannabis sale or production license?”
- “What does it mean for state taxation coffers?“
You may have many questions from a personal, professional, or even political point of view. Only time will tell how all of these different components play out, so keep watching.
If you’re considering Opening a Recreational Cannabis Dispenasary, you’ll need reputable POS (Point of Sale) machines, Cash management systems, employee training, and more. Give us a call, and let’s discuss what options you have now and what path forward is the smartest when storefronts can start opening.
