According to the 2023 Pennsylvania Health Survey conducted by Muhlenberg College’s Public Health Program, support for cannabis legalization in the state has experienced a notable decline from 56% last year to 50% this year. This marks the first time in a decade that the survey has recorded a decrease in support for cannabis reforms.
The survey revealed that 38% of respondents opposed cannabis legalization, with 18% expressing neither support nor opposition, and 1% unsure. Comparing historical data, the poll indicated that in 2013, only 33% were in favor of broad cannabis legalization, with 40% opposed. In 2021, support for the reforms reached its peak with 58% of respondents backing cannabis legalization.
The poll highlighted that the decline in support for cannabis legalization “may simply be the product of a sampling error.” While the decrease is noteworthy, it is essential to consider potential fluctuations in survey results due to various factors.
The survey also shed light on concerns regarding the rise in cannabis use among young adults aged 18 to 22 years old. 22% of respondents stated they were “very concerned,” and 33% expressed being “somewhat concerned” about the issue. In contrast, 27% were “not too concerned,” and 18% reported being “not at all concerned.”
Amid changing public sentiment, Democratic State Sen. Sharif Street and Republican State Sen. Dan Laughlin introduced a measure to legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania. The proposal is currently under consideration in the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
As attitudes toward cannabis legalization evolve in Pennsylvania, it is essential to recognize the complexity of public opinion and its potential fluctuations.
