Does marijuana influence the election?

Since 2016, the slow legalization of cannabis has begun across Canada and the United States. According to recent research, almost 90% believe it should be legalized. Additionally, “California Sober” has become a trend, beer sales have declined, and even the AARP has joined respected medical organizations in saying cannabis should be recognized for its health benefits. States generate huge tax revenue, but the industry still struggles without any federal recognition. But does marijuana influence the election?

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Voters' top concerns include the economy, healthcare, the Supreme Court and abortion, with over 60% of voters considering these to be very important. And although cannabis use is generally seen as more of a habit among Democrats than Republicans, some Republicans are fans. Some larger influencers in the industry were staunch supporters of the Republican candidate. A recent poll found that 42% of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents support legalizing marijuana for both recreational and medical use, compared to 72% of Democrats. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is fighting to prevent the passage of an expanded cannabis ballot initiative in Florida. But are voters really considering marijuana when voting?

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While there are many bros in the industry who believe they have influence in elections and Congress, the numbers don't add up. For most voters, it is not a crucial issue. Biden has delayed any action on marijuana until the latter part of this term, despite his 2020 promise. That's why even if he manages to get the drug enforcement deal done, it will take until 2025 for help to arrive. The Republican candidate has come out in favor of the Florida initiative against his old foe DeSantis, but his party's leaders oppose any legal form of marijuana. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has made it clear that cannabis is taboo.

A recent YouGov poll found that voters trust the Democratic candidate to implement cannabis laws (27 percent), compared to the Republican Party candidate (20 percent). But more Trump supporters say marijuana issues are important to them (17 percent) than Harris supporters (11 percent). It could mean that older conservatives believe the GOP will reverse the marijuana trend.

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The good news is that alcohol is a key partner of cannabis, having invested over $13 billion in the industry and having a longer-term relationship with Congress. Constellation, one of the largest purveyors of spirits, wine and beer, reported $22 billion in sales last year, compared with $33 billion brought in by all marijuana.

Does the industry have a say in the election, necessarily through support, donations and campaigns? But on average, marijuana isn't a big issue for most voters.