A new poll reveals that two-thirds or more of Pennsylvania voters support legalizing marijuana.
Franklin & Marshall College published a survey on Thursday that showed 63 percent (of registered Pennsylvania voters) agreeing that “the recreational use of marijuana should be legalized.” Of those, 44 percent said that they “definitely support” the policy change.
Since the same institute surveyed voters in 2021 , support for legalization is up by three percentage points. But despite the majority’s support for comprehensive cannabis reform, it has stalled so far in the legislature.
The latest poll included interviews with 1 006 voters between January 17 and 28. There was a +/-3,6 percentage point error margin.
The advocates are hoping for a change in the status quo. On Monday, lawmakers are taking another step to advance the issue by holding a third hearing for information in the House Health Subcommittee on Health Care.
In December, members heard from witnesses and asked questions on various aspects of marijuana oversight. These included promoting social equality and business opportunities, lab testing, and the public or private operation of an industry that is legal in each state.
There are no details yet about the guests invited to testify at next week’s hearing.
Rep. Dan Frankel, D., chair of the full Health Committee who had previously sponsored cannabis legalization laws circulated last year a co-sponsorship memorandum previewing his plans to file another reform measure this session.
Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1,000 cannabis and drug policy bills that have been introduced in state legislatures, and Congress. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.
Discover more about our marijuana bills tracker. Become a Patreon supporter to gain access.
—
Frankel, during the first meeting of the subcommittee on marijuana legalization in Pennsylvania, said that he is “certainly” considering state-run shops, like what New Hampshire Governor. Chris Sununu made a recommendation for the state last year . However, a state commission later rejected that plan.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, (D), has been a long-time advocate for marijuana legalization, and urged members of the divided Keystone State legislature to come together to deliver a reform measure to his desk. He repeated that call after Ohio voters passed a legalization initiative on the ballot in November.
John Fetterman, a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania (D), also complained recently that Pennsylvania was being “lapped”, on marijuana policy while other states in the area legalized it.
Pennsylvania legislators recently introduced a pair bills that would prohibit police from charging medical marijuana patients with impaired driving even without proof of intoxication.
The governor signed into law a bill in December that allows all licensed medical marijuana grower/processors to act as retailers, and sell their cannabis directly to patients. Independent dispensaries can also begin cultivating marijuana.
GOP lawmakers team up with marijuana prohibitionists on a resolution calling for research into high potency THC products
Photo by Mike Latimer.
The post New Poll: Two-thirds Of Pennsylvania Voters Are In Favor Of Marijuana Legalization As Lawmakers Prepare Cannabis Hearing Next week appeared on Marijuana Moment.
