A coalition that supports marijuana legalization has released a poll showing that more than two-thirds of Pennsylvania voters from across the political spectrum back the change.
According to ResponsiblePA, the poll conducted by Change Research found that 68% of the state’s voters support marijuana legalization. Slightly more than 1,100 registered voters were polled in late January.
In a statement, ResponsiblePA said that 85% of Democrats, 62% of independents and 53% of Republicans said they support marijuana legalization.
After voters were told more about legalization, the group said overall support went from 68% to 74%, and from 53% to 62% among Republicans. Sixty-three percent of Republicans under 50 support legalization, the poll found.
Legalization was supported by voters in all age groups and different parts of the state. Support in Philadelphia was 79% and 74% in Allegheny County, while 61% back legalization in central Pennsylvania.
“This poll illustrates in no uncertain terms that Pennsylvanians, irrespective of their political views, want Pennsylvania to legalize adult-use cannabis and they strongly support doing it right now,” said ResponsiblePA spokesperson Brittany Crampsie.
Sixty-three percent of voters said the state should move toward legalization this year, a policy championed by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who included $536.5 million in projected revenue just in the first six months of legalization in his proposed 2025-26 state budget.
Shapiro noted in his budget address that Ohio and Maryland are just the two latest Pennsylvania neighbors to legalize marijuana.
While the Democratic-controlled House might be more welcoming to legislation, the Republican majority Senate presents a challenge to Shapiro and legalization proponents.
Earlier this month, Senate Appropriations Chairman Scott Martin, R-Lancaster County, told reporters, “I don’t see any path whatsoever” on getting legalization through the Senate.
Pro-marijuana coalition’s poll shows nearly 70% of Pa. voters back legalization. Read More
