February 22, 2023
New Poll: 68 Percent of Conservative Voters Support Federal Cannabis Reform
Survey Shows 10-Point Increase Among Republicans in Past Year
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) released original polling showing an overwhelming majority (68 percent) of likely 2024 Republican presidential primary and caucus voters support ending the federal prohibition of cannabis. The survey also shows an overwhelming majority – 70 percent of these GOP voters – support a state’s right to deal with the issue of cannabis legalization on their own terms.
“This polling confirms momentum for cannabis reform is gaining speed,” said Andrew Freedman, CPEAR executive director. “It is very encouraging to see significant growth in support among conservatives, and it is not difficult to understand why these numbers are going up. Federal cannabis reform would protect states’ rights, provide veterans access to potential medical benefits, empower law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes, and set clear labeling, safety standards, and reduce use among America’s youth. We are hopeful these numbers will boost efforts being led by congressional champions of reform to advance much-needed legislation rooted in science and data.”
“The polling is clear: federal cannabis prohibition is in direct contradiction to the overwhelming will of the American electorate, including a notable majority of conservative voters. I hope more of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will heed the call of their constituents and join me in working towards a safe and effectively regulated legal marketplace that respects the rights of the over 40 states that have enacted some varying degree of legality. Continued inaction is no longer tenable” said United States Representative David Joyce (R-OH).
“This isn’t surprising, conservatives believe in states’ rights. At its core, cannabis is a state issue, and that’s what I’ll continue to advocate for: commonsense federal policy that lets 50 states decide on 50 solutions that are best for their constituents” said United States Representative Brian Mast (R-FL).
“Once again, it appears the only place where Cannabis reform is unpopular is in Washington, D.C. It is time we give states the power to make decisions around cannabis without fear of federal consequences. The provisions found in the SRA strike a balance between what voters are asking for and what regulatory framework exists for other industries. The ball is in our court as members of Congress to bring this legislation across the finish line” said United States Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC).
This latest round of polling indicates that 68 percent of likely 2024 Republican presidential primary and caucus voters nationally support federal cannabis reform (40 percent strongly support), while only 29 percent oppose (19 percent strongly oppose). This is an increase of 10 percent in support over CPEAR’s 2022 polling, which showed 58 percent of conservative voters nationally support federal cannabis reform.
Fifty-two percent of respondents said they would be more likely to support a candidate for the Republican nomination for president who favored legislation to end the prohibition of adult-use cannabis at the federal level and allow individual states to decide whether it would be legal in their own state.
On behalf of CPEAR, FTP Insights conduced an online survey of N=600 likely 2024 Republican Presidential Primary and Caucus Voters ages 21+ nationwide. The survey was conducted between January 20 – January 25, 2023.
Click here to see the latest polling results.
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About the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation
A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) works to advance comprehensive policy solutions for cannabis legalization and regulation. The Coalition strives to be a trusted, science-driven resource for lawmakers and the larger stakeholder community, developing responsible policies that provide access to cannabis while protecting consumers and patients, barring underage use, upholding public health and safety, and promoting social equity. Comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, the Coalition brings unique perspectives to the table to thoughtfully address what a national, legal cannabis industry should look like. To learn more, visit www.CPEAR.org and follow us on Twitter.