Today, ResponsiblePA released polling showing the popularity and preference of utilizing Pennsylvania’s successful existing medical marijuana infrastructure, as opposed to a state-run cannabis retail dispensary model. The poll was conducted January 25-30, 2025 among 1,129 registered voters.
When voters were given the option and provided information between utilizing PA’s existing medical marijuana retail infrastructure or selling cannabis through a state store system, which is how PA currently sells alcohol, support for a private business model surged to 57%, while selling cannabis through a state-run system remained unpopular at 25% — voter sentiment is shared across party lines.
Utilizing Pennsylvania’s Existing Medical Marijuana Dispensary System for Adult-Use Legalization
Just under two-thirds (61%) of voters support allowing existing medical dispensaries to immediately begin recreational sales upon legalization. This support transcends party lines with 69% of Democrats, 66% of Independents, and 53% of Republicans agreeing for immediate expansion of Pennsylvania’s current medical retail dispensary system to include recreational sales.
Clear Preference for Private Retail Model
Pennsylvania voters reject a state store model owned by the state in favor of private businesses. When first asked, 51% supported private retail while 25% favored state control. After learning more about both models, support for private business grew to 57%, while state store support remained stagnant at 25%. These views transcend party lines, with majorities of Democrats (49%), Independents (54%), and Republicans (67%) all favoring private retail implementation.
Additionally, 68% of voters believe a private model would keep more money in local communities, and 68% worry a state monopoly would restrict business opportunities.
A State-Store System is “Fundamentally Defective and Would be Preempted by Federal Law”
While the legislature is expected to evaluate a state store model soon, a recent legal memo authored by Kleinbard LLC, highlights the Federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA) and its preemptive effect. Specifically, Pennsylvania would become the only state in the country to adopt a state-run model for marijuana legalization. Unlike private sector markets, which simply regulate and tax businesses, a state-run model puts state workers and PA’s Liquor Control Board in direct conflict with federal law by having state workers and agencies involved in the sale of marijuana. The Kleinbard LLC memo concludes that “a statutory role for LCB in the legalization of cannabis is fundamentally defective and would be preempted by federal law.”
Said Responsible PA spokesperson Brittany Crampsie:
“Pennsylvania’s cannabis jobs are good paying jobs with benefits, healthcare, paid time off, and create economic opportunity. An adult-use program utilizing Pennsylvania businesses will add upwards of 33,500 new jobs to the Commonwealth, and Pennsylvanians prefer a private model as opposed to a federally preempted state-run cannabis retail system. The private model is the only model for real, commonsense reform.”
Background Materials:
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ResponsiblePA is a coalition with the goal to help support the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2025. With 90 percent of PA’s neighboring states already legalizing cannabis and a robust medical operation in Pennsylvania for nearly a decade – the ResponsiblePA coalition believes now is the time to legalize cannabis.
