Cannabis reform is no longer a bipartisan issue. The vast majority of Americans support legalization, including most Republican voters. President Trump has hinted that a decision on rescheduling is coming soon, with many stakeholders predicting the administration will finalize the move. However, the delay on pot policy reform has many consumers frustrated, and could cost the GOP votes in the midterms and beyond.
According to a new poll from NuggMD and Marijuana Moment, the majority of respondents (57 percent) would view the Trump administration more favorably if it were to reschedule or legalize cannabis. Roughly 43 percent of those polled said it would not change their view of the administration. Fewer than one percent said they’d support the administration “a bit less” if reform were enacted.
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The lack of action on cannabis may also be affecting Trump’s favorability among members of his own party. When asked about their stance on the president’s cannabis policy, Trump’s net approval/disapproval rating plummeted from 57.2 percent in Q2 to -1.9 percent in Q3. A net approval/disapproval rating is the difference between the percentage of people who approve of the president’s policy and the percentage who disapprove.
“The data shows inaction on cannabis policy is costing the president significant political capital,” Andrew Graham, NuggMD’s head of communications, told Marijuana Moment.
Despite the disappointment among Republican voters, the poll revealed a slight increase in approval of the president’s cannabis policy among Democrats and politically unaffiliated individuals.
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The poll of 561 consumers who live in states with legal cannabis was conducted shortly before a pro-CBD video appeared on Trump’s social media. A separate flash poll of 415 consumers indicated roughly half felt the video doesn’t convey any meaningful information when it comes to potential rescheduling.
More Americans are using cannabis products than ever before, with most wanting to see reform. While it may not be as big a political issue as the economy, immigration, or conflict in the Middle East, the president’s stance on pot may cost him and the GOP come election season.
