New polling suggests that there is widespread support for cannabis reform among voters in the key swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The research, conducted by The Tarrance Group and commissioned by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, comes as cannabis becomes an increasingly vital issue for the US presidential hopefuls.
According to Marijuana Moment, who first reported the findings, 83% of voters in Michigan and Wisconsin, and 79% in Pennsylvania, support medical cannabis legalization. Additionally, 58-64% favor adult-use legalization, while 67-71% back banking reforms for cannabis businesses. Only 14-20% believe cannabis should remain a Schedule I drug under federal law.
In Michigan, where both medical and adult-use cannabis are already legal, 83% of voters back medical cannabis, and 64% support recreational use. The state also saw 67% in favor of cannabis banking reforms, highlighting a desire for safer, regulated financial services for the industry.
Pennsylvania, which currently only allows medical cannabis, has 79% of voters supporting medical legalization and 58% favoring adult-use. The state also showed strong support (70%) for giving cannabis businesses access to banking, aligning with Governor Josh Shapiro’s ongoing efforts to expand cannabis reform.
Wisconsin, the most restrictive of the three states with no comprehensive cannabis program, shows 83% support for medical cannabis and 62% for adult-use legalization. Despite these figures, Wisconsin’s legislature has yet to pass significant reforms, though the polling data suggests growing voter impatience. Additionally, 71% of Wisconsin voters favor allowing cannabis businesses access to banking services.
It comes as US cannabis stock prices continue to rally, as both Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz have become the first such duo to both openly support cannabis reform.
Last week, Business of Cannabis reported that North American cannabis stocks have rallied following former President Donald Trump’s apparent indications that he is warming to the idea of federal reform.
On August 08, Trump hinted at supporting cannabis decriminalization during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, marking a stark shift in his rhetoric on the subject.
Meanwhile, his increasingly unpopular running mate, JD Vance, claimed at a Wisconsin campaign event that ‘marijuana bags’ are being laced with fentanyl, endangering youth, including his own children, who might experiment with cannabis.
Vance linked this issue to Biden administration border policies, though advocates argue such claims are exaggerated and underscore the need for regulated cannabis markets with testing to prevent contamination.
Despite opposing legalization, Vance supports state rights to set cannabis laws but voted against cannabis banking reform.
In response to his remarks, David Culver, US Cannabis Council (USCC) SVP of Public Affairs, said: “The only way to ensure that cannabis is safe and out of reach for teens is legalization and regulation.
“We urge Senator Vance to reconsider how to best address his concerns about cannabis. The drug war has failed, and a majority of states have adopted a new approach that works.”
The post Cannabis Reform Gains Ground in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin Ahead of 2024 Election appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
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