Survey shows voters in swing states overwhelmingly support cannabis legalization

This week, former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the legalization of cannabis in Florida, underscoring the growing role that cannabis reform is playing in this election campaign.

Now that President Joe Biden has passed the torch to Kamala Harris and with it his push for reform, it’s clear that both parties see cannabis as a vote-catcher, especially among younger voters.

A new Ragnar Research Partners survey of 1,000 likely voters in key swing states (Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan) conducted in August 2024 provides additional data to support this assertion, finding strong support for legalizing cannabis, particularly for adult medical and recreational use.

READ MORE: Cannabis Reform Gains Ground in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin Ahead of 2024 Elections

In total, 84% of respondents support legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes, while only 9% are against. 62% support legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and older, with individuals being allowed to possess up to 85 grams.

Additionally, 79% of voters agree that cannabis should only be legal for those 21 or older unless prescribed by a doctor. A significant 82% of respondents disagree with the federal classification of cannabis as more dangerous than fentanyl or methamphetamines.

Among key voter groups, persuadable voters (those who are undecided or open to changing their vote) show 83% support for medical cannabis and 56% for adult-use legalization. Soft Trump supporters, while generally supportive of medical cannabis legalization at 79%, show less support for recreational use, with 50% supporting it. In contrast, soft Harris supporters strongly support both medical (95%) and recreational (72%) cannabis legalization.

The study also highlights the broader economic and health care impacts voters associate with cannabis reform. Seventy-five percent of respondents support legalizing U.S. cannabis production, seeing it as a way to create jobs for American farmers and reduce dependence on foreign imports.

Voters believe that legalizing cannabis production domestically would weaken the influence of Mexican drug cartels. 58% of soft Trump voters and 75% of soft Harris voters support this position.

Additionally, 73% of voters see legalizing cannabis as a way to reduce health care costs, especially benefiting vulnerable groups like seniors, veterans, and low-income families.