Over 68% of Pennsylvania voters support legalizing adult-use cannabis according to a new poll. Its support can be found across all age groups and political affiliations.
A new poll conducted by ResponsiblePA, a pro-cannabis legalization organization, found that 68% of Pennsylvania voters support legalizing adult-use cannabis, and that number increases to 74% when voters learn more about the issue.
“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,” Brittany Crampsie, a spokesperson for ResponsiblePA said in a statement.
”Public opinion in Pennsylvania has moved significantly and all segments of the electorate are now strongly onboard, clearing the pathway for meaningful reform that reflects the desire of Pennsylvanians.”
The poll found that 85% of Democrats, 62% of Independents and 53% of Republicans support the initiative.
Support for legalization is at its highest with young voters. 78% of voters between the ages of 18 to 34 support legalization efforts, while 77% of those between the ages of 35-49 and 75% of those between 50-64 support legalization. Seniors over 65 support for the measure is at 69%.
With adult-use cannabis legalized in five of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states, Gov. Josh Shapiro explained during his budget address how Pennsylvania residents are flocking to dispensaries across the commonwealth’s border.
“I’ve talked to the CEOs of the companies right across the border in New Jersey, Maryland, and New York who tell me that 60 percent of their customers in those shops are Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said.
“We’re losing out on revenue that’s going to other states instead of helping us here. We’re losing out on an industry that over the first five years will bring in $1.3 billion in revenue.”
Shapiro’s administration is proposing a 20% tax on the wholesale price of all cannabis products sold, hoping to generate $536.5 million for the next fiscal year.
