Strong Cross-Party Public Support with Voters Supporting Lawmakers to Act Without Delay as PA Budget Negotiations Begin

(Harrisburg, PA., Feb. 20) — Today, ResponsiblePA released independent polling showing 68% support among Pennsylvania voters, which rises to a whopping 74% of Pennsylvania when voters learn more about the issue— a voter sentiment shared across party lines.

This new statewide survey from Change Research reveals strong support and diverse support for cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania, with backing that crosses traditional political and demographic boundaries. The poll, conducted January 25-30, 2025 among 1,129 registered voters, demonstrates widespread backing for legislative action.

Broad-Based Support Transcends Party Lines

68% of Pennsylvania voters support legalization, particularly Democrats (85%) and Independents (62%). Over half of Republicans (53%) support legalization. This support strengthens as voters learn more about the issue, with final overall support reaching 74%. The increase is most dramatic among Republicans, whose support grows to 62% after learning more about implementation options. Younger Republicans show particularly strong support, with 63% of those under 50 backing legalization – a clear generational change in conservative views on cannabis. Supporting legalization not only carries little political risk, it provides electoral advantages across party lines.

Support for legalization is consistent across age groups, with younger voters showing the strongest enthusiasm. Among voters aged 18-34, 78% support legalization, while 77% of those aged 35-49 and 75% of those aged 50-64 back the measure. Even among seniors 65 and older, support reaches 69%.

Geographic support transcends Pennsylvania’s urban-rural divide. Philadelphia City leads with 79% support, matched by 74% support in Allegheny County. Central Pennsylvania shows solid majority support at 61%.

Urgency for Legislative Action

A majority (63%) believe Pennsylvania should move forward with cannabis legalization in 2025, rather than delay the process. Only 30% suggested taking more time for evaluation, while 7% remained unsure. This sense of urgency is particularly strong in urban areas, with 79% of Philadelphia City residents and 74% of Allegheny County voters supporting swift implementation.

A Call for Action

Change Research’s conclusion is that a combination of strong public support and a desire for swift action creates a compelling case for 2025 implementation. The breadth of support – spanning party lines, age groups, and geographic regions – shows cannabis reform could unite Pennsylvanians behind a common goal.

Said Responsible PA spokesperson Brittany Crampsie:

“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. 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,”  said ResponsiblePA spokesperson Brittany Crampsie.

“At a time when the Commonwealth is watching critical funding for education, infrastructure, and public safety — Pennsylvanians are going across state lines to buy cannabis. In addition to being an extremely popular policy, regulated adult-use cannabis market is the best shot to generate and realize additional recurring revenue for Pennsylvania. . This isn’t just about what Pennsylvanians want—it’s about what the state needs. We are encouraging lawmakers to take note and heed the will of voters.”

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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.