Opposition to recreational marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania has plummeted over the last 12 years according to the latest Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion survey.
Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, becoming the 24th US state to do so. As at November 2024, there were 440,733 patients registered in the state.
While medical marijuana has been legal for a long time, recreational cannabis is still illegal at a state level – although possession of small amounts is decriminalized in some cities. With Pennsylvania surrounded by legal states, pressure is on to follow suit; but a legislative solution in a divided government is yet to emerge.
Among Pennsylvania residents, there is strong support according to the Muhlenberg College Public Health Program 2025 Pennsylvania Health Survey; which was carried out among 521 adult residents between March 10 and March 26, 2025.
When respondents were asked if they favored, opposed or neither favored nor opposed the complete legalization of the use of marijuana for any purpose, the results were:
Favor: 52%Oppose: 21%Neither Favor or Oppose: 22%Not sure: 5%
Looking back to the year of medical legalization, 2016, 39% were in favor, and 38% were opposed.
The 2025 results found the lowest percentage of residents opposing legalization since the question was first asked in 2013. That year, 33% were in favor and 40% opposed. So, opposition has nearly halved in 12 years.
But will legalization happen?
Earlier in April, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers flagged an upcoming bill to legalize marijuana for adult use. In a related co-sponsorship memo from Reps. Emily Kinkead (D) and Abby Major (R), the representatives stated it was well past time for Pennsylvania to move in a similar direction to its neighbours – and their proposed legislation offers a bipartisan path to legalization.
“And perhaps most importantly, this bill is not just about legalization, it’s about setting up a stable, well-regulated market that prioritizes public safety and public health, protects children from exposure, promotes social justice, and fosters economic opportunity,” the memo states.
The representatives state legalization would create 30,000 new jobs and generate a new revenue stream for government coffers that could be reinvested in essential services.
Opposition to recreational marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania has plummeted over the last 12 years according to a recent survey. Read More
