(Harrisburg, Pa., Oct.,10) — ResponsiblePA today released independent polling by the national firm, CYGNAL, showing support for the legalization of adult-use cannabis in two key Republican House districts: HD18 (Rep. K.C. Tomlinson) and HD44 (Rep. Gaydos). The 2024 elections in Pennsylvania’s House districts will be closely contested, with cannabis legalization emerging as a key issue with strong support.
The generic ballot in HD44, Allegheny County which includes Pittsburgh, is polling competitive at 48% Republican, 47% Democrat. The presidential ballot shows are similarly competitive at 49% Trump, 47% Harris. There is strong support for adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania at 62% support, 25% oppose. Support is even higher for legal and regulated cannabis (defined as voters recognizing cannabis is already widely available and therefore should be legal and regulated) at 67% support, 25% oppose. Support for adult-use cannabis increases 6% after messaging, bringing the ballot to 68% support, 26% oppose.
The generic ballot in HD18, which covers parts of Bucks County, polls at a 3% Democrat advantage at 45% Republican, 48% Democrat. The Democrat advantage widens on the presidential ballot with Harris leading 51% to Trump at 44%. Support for adult-use cannabis is high with support from two-thirds of voters (67%). Only one-in-four (24%) oppose adult-use cannabis. Legal and regulated cannabis (defined as voters recognizing cannabis is already widely available and therefore should be legal and regulated) sees similar numbers at 68% support, 24% oppose. After messaging, adult-use cannabis increases 6% to 73%, with opposition dropping to 22%.
Said Responsible PA spokesperson Brittany Crampsie:
“The polls consistently show voters want full cannabis legalization now. We know support for the issue crosses party lines and regions. Voters across the political spectrum favor regulated cannabis for its economic benefits and potential to advance criminal justice reform. The message from voters is clear: it’s time for action on cannabis legalization. As lawmakers stare down re-election campaigns and a dwindling budget surplus, it has never been a better time to adopt a popular, fiscally responsible program,” said Responsible PA spokesperson Brittany Crampsie.
TOPLINE FINDINGS
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Of the messages tested, Judicial Fairness is the highest rated and sees the highest number of voters saying they strongly agree with it.
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Nearly half of voters (48%) say that legalizing marijuana during this legislative session is crucial to stimulate economic growth.
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Nearly a third would vote for a candidate that supports non-medical cannabis (32%), while a similar 35% would vote for someone else if a candidate opposed non-medical cannabis.
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The highest rated messages are Judicial Fairness and Economy. Judicial Fairness sees the most voters say they strongly agree.
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More than half of voters (53%) say that legalizing marijuana during this legislative session is crucial to stimulate economic growth.
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More voters would vote for a candidate that supports non medical cannabis (34%) than those who would vote for someone who opposed it (28%).
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View the full poll summaries here for HD 44 and HD18.
A separate poll, conducted by Change Research, shows majority support for the proposal in competitive PA House districts that have elected members of both parties and are considered “toss-ups” in the 2024 cycle. More than 60 percent of voters in each political toss-up district (HD16, HD72, HD118, HD144, and HD151) favored regulated cannabis sales, demonstrating widespread public approval for legalization as a way to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce the reliance on illegal markets.
ResponsiblePA recently launched an advertising campaign, featuring a billboard which is live in Harrisburg for legislators to see as they are back for the fall session. The campaign highlights a point upon which presidential candidate Donald Trump, presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Gov. Josh Shapiro all agree on – cannabis legalization.
ResponsiblePA also released an economic study conducted by the national consulting firm FTI Consulting, showcasing an addition of $2.1 billion in tax revenue as a result of an adult-use market in Pennsylvania in year one. This economic forecast also predicts the creation of more than 30,000 jobs in a year, an additional $4.2 billion in economic output, $2.6 billion in state GDP for the state, and $420 million in recurring tax revenue.
A bipartisan proposal – House Bill 2500 – was recently introduced to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania. Both chambers of Pennsylvania’s legislature have returned to the state Capitol for the fall session.
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ResponsiblePA is a coalition with the goal to help support the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2024. 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. We must create a solid social equity structure in Pennsylvania to be prepared for cannabis legalization.
