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Survey Shows Majority of Cannabis Consumers Will Vote for Pro-Cannabis Candidate Regardless of Party Affiliation
According to a recent survey conducted by NuggMD, a medical marijuana telehealth platform, a majority of cannabis consumers who are likely to vote in this fall’s general election are willing to vote for a pro-cannabis candidate, regardless of their political party.
NuggMD’s 2024 Election Poll
The survey, which polled 755 cannabis users, aimed to gather opinions on the relevance of cannabis reform in the upcoming presidential election. The results showed that 59% of respondents would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports pro-cannabis policies, regardless of their party affiliation. Only 14% of respondents said they are already committed to voting for their preferred party or candidate.
Pro-Cannabis Policies Can Sway Voters
Deb Tharp, head of legal and policy research at NuggMD, stated in a company statement that this poll demonstrates the potential for pro-cannabis policies to sway voters from either party. With a voting population of approximately 35 million cannabis users nationwide, this demographic is quickly changing and could have a significant impact on the election.
Democrats Lead Among Regular Cannabis Users
The survey also showed that among regular cannabis users, the Democratic candidate, President Joseph Biden, is leading in the November election with 43% of respondents planning to vote for him. In comparison, 36% said they would vote for Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee. Biden also polled higher than a generic Republican candidate, while Trump was roughly tied with a generic Democratic candidate.
Democrats Seen as Better for Cannabis Policy
When asked about cannabis policy in general, a majority of respondents (56%) said they believe the Democratic Party has better ideas, while only 16% said the same of the Republican Party. However, the survey also revealed that both parties could do a better job of supporting cannabis policy reform. Nearly 40% of respondents believe Democrats want to suppress the legal use of cannabis, while 68% said the same of Republicans.
Understanding Cannabis Culture is Key for Effective Legislation
The survey also found that 88% of respondents believe understanding cannabis culture is crucial for writing and passing effective cannabis legislation. However, 73% said elected officials in general currently lack this understanding.
Democrats Have Opportunity to Gain Votes from Cannabis Community
Overall, the survey suggests that Democratic candidates in the upcoming election have an opportunity to gain votes from the cannabis community by prioritizing weed reform. This move could potentially set them apart from their Republican opponents.
Policy Commitments and Wins Motivate Voters
Tharp concluded by stating that the survey results show that voters are motivated by policy commitments and wins, rather than “grievance politics, outrage, or red meat.” This highlights the importance of candidates understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of the cannabis community.
