The 2024 election marked the first time in US history that both major parties’ presidential candidates vocally supported cannabis reform up to and including full legalization. Reading the tea leaves following President-elect Trump’s victory shows us that the US may be on the cusp of a major shakeup regarding federal cannabis legislation.
The 2024 U.S. election was a watershed moment for cannabis policy, with significant implications for hemp. While marijuana took center stage in high-profile referendums and political shifts, these developments also ripple through the hemp industry. Changes in state-level legalization, federal appointments, and evolving public sentiment all shape the outlook for hemp’s future.
State-Level Marijuana Referendums in 2024
The 2024 general election featured several key marijuana-related ballot measures, revealing a diverse patchwork of voter sentiment across the United States.
- Florida: Efforts to legalize recreational marijuana for adults fell short in Florida. Amendment 3, which required a supermajority (60%) to pass, garnered significant support but only achieved 55.9% of the vote. This measure faced strong opposition, as critics accused the legislation of being monopolistic in nature. Governor Ron DeSantis, who unexpectedly became a champion of hemp when he vetoed an industry-killing bill earlier in 2024, played a vocal role in defeating the measure.
- Nebraska: Voters in Nebraska took a significant step by approving measures to legalize and regulate medical marijuana. Initiative measures 437 and 438 passed with 70% and 67% support respectively. This marks a milestone for the state, which had previously struggled with legal challenges to similar initiatives. Implementation details are still being worked out, but this victory is a major shift for cannabis reform in the region.
- North Dakota: A recreational marijuana legalization measure, Measure 5, was once again rejected, continuing the state's pattern of resistance to broader cannabis reform. North Dakota voters have already voted to legalize medical marijuana, but recreational use remains a step too far for the electorate it seems, as 53% of voters rejected Measure 5.
- South Dakota: Similar to its northern neighbor, South Dakota voters rejected a recreational marijuana initiative, known as Initiated Measure 29, with 55% of voters voting against it. This marks the third time in recent years that such a measure has failed, underscoring persistent legal and public resistance despite some local advocacy.
- Texas: While no statewide cannabis reform measures were on the ballot, several Texas cities—including Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart—passed local ordinances to decriminalize minor marijuana possession. These efforts reflect a grassroots movement that could influence future statewide policy discussions.
These mixed outcomes highlight the varied pace of cannabis reform in the U.S., where some states are advancing bold initiatives while others remain cautious. The results underscore that cannabis policy remains highly localized, with voters carefully weighing cultural, political, and economic factors in their decisions.
Donald Trump’s Evolving Stance on Cannabis
President-elect Donald Trump’s unexpected shift on cannabis policy made the news in the weeks leading up to the election, with the announcement that he personally supported Florida’s Amendment 3 and would be voting “yes” on it. Trump himself said, “As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state authorized companies, and supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens...”. This position was surprising to most and indicated that even historically anti-cannabis political sentiments are starting to erode.
Trump’s evolving views reflect broader political realignments. Both Trump and VP Kamala Harris advocated for cannabis reform in their platforms this election. While both previously avoided explicit support for cannabis reform, their rare alignment suggests a growing recognition of cannabis as a winning political issue, or at least not a losing one.
Hemp in the Shadow of Marijuana
Hemp occupies a unique position in the cannabis world, being federally legal but often overshadowed by marijuana. The election results emphasize the importance of distinguishing hemp’s legal and economic potential. For instance:
- Economic Contributions: Hemp supports industries ranging from textiles to wellness. Election outcomes that favor broader cannabis reform could unlock new markets for hemp, particularly in states that previously imposed restrictive regulations.
- THC Thresholds and Federal Policy: With marijuana reform gaining traction, hemp advocates may push for revisiting the 0.3% THC limit, which many see as outdated. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul has sponsored legislation which would raise the legal THC limit from 0.3% to 1%. Raising this threshold could streamline farming and manufacturing, allowing the hemp industry to compete more effectively and offer a wider variety of hemp products to consumers.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these opportunities, challenges remain. The hemp industry must navigate overproduction, market saturation, and public misconceptions. While federal reforms could alleviate some issues, they may also introduce stricter oversight, potentially increasing compliance costs.
Conclusion
The 2024 U.S. election marks a turning point for cannabis policy, with significant implications for hemp. From state-level referendums to Trump’s support for Matt Gaetz as attorney general, the political landscape is shifting in ways that could redefine hemp’s role in the cannabis ecosystem. As the nation grapples with cannabis reform, hemp stands to benefit from greater normalization and clearer regulatory frameworks.
However, the path forward is far from certain. The hemp industry must advocate for policies that promote its unique value while addressing regulatory and market challenges. With strategic action, hemp could emerge as a cornerstone of America’s evolving cannabis culture.
