In 2026, voters in six states may decide on marijuana and psychedelic-related ballot measures. One measure has been certified to appear on the Idaho ballot next November. There are seven other potential measures in Alaska, Idaho, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, and Washington.
As of 2025, 40 states have medical marijuana programs, and 24 have legalized the possession and use of marijuana for recreational purposes. According to Psychedelic Alpha, as of 2025, three states (Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico) allow the use of psychedelics for medical purposes.
In Idaho, voters will decide HJR 4. If approved, the measure would create a subject restriction for Idaho initiatives. Idaho voters would be unable to use the initiative process to alter state statutes surrounding marijuana and other psychoactive substances; only the Idaho State Legislature would have the power to make or change such laws.
Two citizen initiatives in Idaho may also appear on the 2026 ballot. One would create a legal system for the cultivation and sale of marijuana in the state for medical use for individuals with a substantial health condition. The other would decriminalize the possession and use of marijuana for all purposes for people aged 21 and older.
Five other potential ballot measures concerning marijuana and psychedelic substances may appear on the ballot in five states:
- Alaska Decriminalization and Regulation of Psychedelic Substances Initiative: Would decriminalize and regulate the use, possession, and cultivation of specified psychedelic substances.
- Missouri Marijuana Regulations Amendment: Would recognize the right of individuals to use, possess, and cultivate marijuana.
- Nebraska Marijuana Legalization Initiative: Would establish a right to the use of marijuana for recreational purposes for individuals 21 years of age or older.
- Washington Reduce Cannabis Excise Tax Initiative: Would reduce the state cannabis excise tax from 37% to 7%.
- Massachusetts Alter Marijuana Regulation Laws Initiative: Would repeal laws that permit the sale, cultivation, and use of marijuana in the state.
The initiative in Massachusetts would repeal the majority of a 2016 initiative that legalized the use and possession of recreational marijuana. If the proposed 2026 initiative passes, the retail sale of recreational marijuana would be illegal. However, the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana would still be permitted, and the possession of between one and two ounces of marijuana would be punishable by civil penalties and fines instead of criminal penalties.
If the initiative is placed on the 2026 ballot, Massachusetts would become the second state to vote on criminalizing marijuana, after Alaska in 1990. Additionally, if the measure passes, it would be the first initiative to repeal a voter-approved marijuana legalization measure.
Between 1972 and 2025, voters decided 83 measures related to marijuana and three measures related to psychedelics.
No initiatives concerning marijuana or psychedelics were on the ballot on November 4, 2025.
Between 2020 and 2025, the average number of measures on the ballot concerning marijuana and psychedelic substances each year was four. When considering only even-numbered years, the average was more than seven.