Listen up, folks! It’s midterms once again, and that means it’s all hands on deck for America’s weed lovers. I’m not gonna lie to you; we’re mostly playing defense this year, so it’s more important than ever to lock in with our 2026 cannabis midterm voter guide for the upcoming elections on November 3rd.
Between the hemp ban and some particularly ugly state initiatives, there’s a chance we may be starting 2027 with less legal weed available than the previous year. That’s the first time that’s been true since the legalization wave began, and if we want to keep the ball rolling, we’re going to need to fight for it.
There have been two failed efforts to overturn existing legalization measures in Arizona and Maine, plus one that made it to the ballot in Massachusetts. The danger is real, and if we don’t want to lose the gains in cannabis access we’ve made, we need to take these efforts seriously.
Here’s the good news: this is the only battle plan you’ll need to cast your ballot to do your best to keep your cannabis access intact.
First, make sure you REGISTER TO VOTE if you haven’t, and then click down to your state to see what’s on the ballot where you are and which candidates support legalization measures. Then, either vote early where you can or get to the polls on November 3 to do your part to ensure that cannabis stays legal and accessible in the future.
Federal
While there’s nothing voters can do to influence either the federal legalization of cannabis or the rescheduling process this year, there is still time for voters to make a stand opposing the upcoming hemp ban. The lion’s share of the new restrictions go into effect on December 11.
That means there’s still time for Congress to act. Right now there are four bills in the US House that could soften, delay, or even repeal the ban. While all of these bills are currently stuck in committee, if you want to save intoxicating hemp, then it’s worth your time to call or write your local representative. Let them know that you want legal, regulated hemp products to stay where they are, and your rep may just listen.
My sense is that, even still, this is a pretty poorly understood issue in both the chambers of government and the public at large. That means the ball is still up in the air and could still tip to either side. While the hour is late and it’ll take a significant effort to save hemp, true weed lovers never say die. Call or write TODAY.
Arkansas
In AR, incumbent governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) is hoping to hang onto her family’s traditional office and fend off a challenge from Fred Love (D). Neither of these folks is a friend to weed, and both oppose any measures to legalize recreational consumption, but Love has signaled being open to a voter-approved measure. That’s daylight that could matter a lot further down the line, so keep hope alive for helping Arkansas join the ranks of the rec legal states by voting for Fred Love.
Florida
Even though 56% of Florida voters cast their vote to legalize adult-use cannabis in the Sunshine State in 2024, you can still be arrested if you’ve got weed in FL due to the ballot measure needing 60% to pass. That sucks out loud and shows that the Florida government is actively out of step with where most of the voters want to go.
You can help bring the government closer to alignment with the will of the citizenry by voting for David Jolly (D) over his opponent, Byron Donalds (R). Jolly is hoping to get adult-use cannabis legalized through the Florida legislature in his term, unlike Donalds. He wants to keep it medical only despite having been allegedly busted for having a dime bag in ‘97, and CBS has reported that Donalds admitted to dealing as well. While normally catching a charge for weed could help earn our endorsement, Donalds loses points for being a bit of a traitor. Vote for Jolly.
Idaho
While Idaho won’t have the opportunity to legalize cannabis medicinally or recreationally this year, the state is set to decide on one of the most consequential ballot measures for cannabis access in this midterm cycle. On November 3, Idaho voters will have the opportunity to vote on HJR 4, a constitutional amendment that would take away their right to put citizen-sponsored initiatives legalizing cannabis or any other psychoactive substance on the ballot, reserving that right solely for the state legislature.
This comes on the heels of failed attempts by Idaho voters to get cannabis access on the ballot, none of which were able to collect enough signatures. Now, the legislature wants to make sure no petition can even be considered for ballot access.
In crimson red Idaho, leaving the choice to legalize cannabis solely up to the Republican-controlled legislature could mean that Idaho may never manage to legalize cannabis statewide. Furthermore, here’s a democracy pro tip: Anytime a government wants to take away your right to vote on something, anything at all, tell ‘em to go screw. Keep the power with the people and keep the door open to legal cannabis in the future by voting no, or even hell no, on HJR 4.
Iowa
One of the sharpest cannabis contrasts in this midterm cycle is between Rob Sand (D) and Zach Lahn (R). Sand has a detailed adult-use plan on the books that he wants to put into practice, and Lahn totally opposes adult use. Sand’s plan is pretty good, and if he comes out on top, there’s a decent chance that Iowa will have legal adult-use cannabis in the near future. The choice is clear; Sand is the best choice for weed enthusiasts in Iowa.
Kansas
Somewhere around 70% of Kansas residents support legalizing cannabis medicinally, with a smaller majority supporting recreational legalization as well. The news has not reached Republican candidate for governor Ty Masterson, who opposes all legalization efforts. The same isn’t true for his opponent, Cindy Holscher (D). She’s all for both medical and recreational legalization and deserves your vote if you want to see Kansas’ policy reflect the will of the voters.
Massachusetts
This year, Massachusetts may become the first state in the union to repeal a legalization effort. While Massachusetts residents currently have both recreational and medical use, Question 8 seeks to repeal the ability to purchase recreational cannabis in a dispensary that Massachusetts has enjoyed for years.
While adults could still legally possess up to an ounce of weed, Question 8 would essentially close down the state’s recreational industry, impacting jobs and Massachusetts citizens’ access to a plant. While the polling on this measure seems to show that it’s doomed to fail, don’t get complacent. Make sure you vote no on Question 8 and keep the industry how you want it to be.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, Cinde Warmington (D) is trying to unseat incumbent governor Kelly Ayotte (R). Ayotte is no friend to cannabis: she’s vetoed expansion of the state’s medical program in her term (though the legislature overrode it) and has said she won’t sign any legalization efforts. Send her packing with a vote for Warmington, who supports recreational legalization, along with some robust taxing and regulation efforts.
Pennsylvania
Incumbent governor Josh Shapiro (D) is a leading light for cannabis legalization in purple states. Shapiro has been trying to get adult-use cannabis on the books since his term started, and even wants to expunge past convictions for possession. He’s a lion and deserves another term to see his plans through. Vote for him over his opponent, Stacy Garrity (R), who’s still parroting the same old prohibition propaganda that we’ve all grown tired of. Shapiro’s the clear choice.
Texas
While Texas’ hotly contested Senate race is gaining nationwide press, it’s the governor’s race that will most impact how Texans consume hemp and cannabis going forward. Incumbent governor Greg Abbott (R) has been somewhat inconsistent on the issue; he vetoed a hemp ban last year, but his administration banned much of it anyway. He also opposes full cannabis legalization. Furthermore, his Lt. Governor, Dan Patrick (R) (not the sportscaster, the other one), was the driving force behind a previous attempt at a THC ban.
The pair of Abbott and Patrick will be squaring off against Gina Hinojosa (D) and Vikki Goodwin (D), respectively. Hinojosa wants to put the issue of THC to Texas voters, and Goodwin backs decriminalizing the plant. If you want Texas to find a way back to legal THC, then vote for the Democrats for Governor and Lt. Governor and unseat the incumbents.
If you’re a Houston resident, you’ve got an additional chance to help cannabis access. Houston Prop A (aka the Houston Freedom Act) would make misdemeanor possession of under four ounces of cannabis the lowest possible police priority. Cops couldn’t search you based on a smell alone, and it would limit no-knock warrants as well. It’s not legalization, nor even decriminalization, but it’s the closest thing to a wink and a nudge the law will allow. Give it your support.
Tennessee
In the open gubernatorial race in Tennessee, Marsha Blackburn (R) is hoping to defeat the candidate from the Democratic Party, Jerri Green (D). Green supports both recreational and medical legalization, while Blackburn opposes adult use. Either candidate would have to work with the state’s Republican-controlled legislature, which may mean any cannabis effort would face an uphill battle, but Green is the clear winner from a cannabis perspective. With a name like that, I’d certainly hope so!
Wisconsin
Wisconsinites can breathe a small sigh of relief this year; both candidates for governor, David Crowley (D) and Tom Tiffany (R), support the state starting a medical cannabis program. However, David Crowley wants to take it a step further, legalizing adult-use cannabis as well. That gives him the edge over Tom Tiffany if you support broad access to the plant. No matter what, though, Wisconsin will likely be expanding cannabis access, at least partially, in the near future. Congrats!
Additional resources
While this guide gives you everything you need to decide about the most consequential cannabis questions in this midterm’s cycle, there are plenty more races at both the state and local levels which could have an impact on how your community taxes and regulates cannabis. These are some resources that will give you more details on the big races and help you zoom in on the local races that may be on your ballot.
NORML— NORML’s “Smoke the Vote” guide is one of the most comprehensive out there. Either put in your full ZIP code or go state-by-state for the full breakdown.
Marijuana Policy Project— MPP’s Election Central 2026 is another awesome source for an in-depth look at the races and ballot initiatives that could shape cannabis access going forward.
Additionally, there is going to be some other, non-weed-related stuff on your ballot as well this year. Crazy, I know. Get informed about what you’ll be voting on here:
Ballotpedia—Just put in your current address at Ballotpedia to see a detailed breakdown of the ballot where you’re registered to vote. You are REGISTERED TO VOTE, right?
For hemp access, there are a few groups at both the national and state level that are advocating against restrictions on hemp. This is just a small selection; find one near your state or check out how you can help the national orgs.
Nationwide — U.S. Hemp Roundtable
Arizona —Hemp Industry Trade Association of Arizona
Texas —Texas Hemp Business Council
Michigan — iHemp Michigan
North Carolina —North Carolina Responsible Business Association