When it comes to the issue of cannabis reform, the vast majority of Americans are on board. But what if you break it down by political party? The recent news that the Trump administration is considering reclassifying marijuana on the federal level revealed a flurry of opinions among conservative pundits. Some argue the plant hurts America more than it helps—but others believe pot could actually unite the party.
Overall, the majority of Republicans are in favor of loosening weed laws. A recent survey showed 43 percent of GOP voters support legalizing cannabis for both recreational and medicinal uses. Another 38 percent said they supported legalizing medical only. A separate poll conducted in 2023revealed more than two-thirds of Republican voters think the United States should end the federal prohibition of marijuana.
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Rep. Nolan West, a Republican lawmaker in Minnesota, believes his party needs to get behind cannabis reform as it reflects the beliefs of the broader voter base.
“Republicans need to move into the future,” West told GreenState. “The new style of the Republican Party that is working class, younger than it traditionally is, is evident in the results of the election.”
West noted a “massive shift” of younger voters moving toward Republican candidates. He added that the party actually seemed to lose steam with some older voters, demonstrating a clear need to recognize the potential pot has politically.
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz argued this week that cannabis reform could be a silver bullet for the GOP.
“If President Trump does this, the game is over for Democrats at the ballot box,” he said this week. “We could be the party that allows people to safely use marijuana without pretending it’s for your glaucoma-ridden cat. It’s populism meets practicality.”
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The one-time nominee for attorney general added that legalization could be a strategic move for the president to help his party’s chances in the midterm elections and beyond.
“The New York Times will run an op-ed titled ‘Is Trump doing this just to win?’ And the answer will, of course, be yes—and that’s because it is the right thing to do,” Gaetz added.
West pushed back on the notion of Trump specifically using marijuana as a political pawn.
“I wish Republicans were more tactical, as this was a calculated move by Republican leadership to secure long-term victories, but Republicans don’t really do that. We’re way too individualistic,” he said, insisting cannabis reform is simply what the people want and that political influence is often swayed more by money than individual issues.
Where do career Republicans stand on weed?
Despite a majority consensus, many Republicans remain torn on the topic of pot. Trump himself has said he supports some type of change, but the extent of which remains to be seen. His administration is mixed, with some recent appointees seeming to be on the anti-side.
Meanwhile, GOP members of Congress are also split. Republican Representative Greg Staube of Florida reintroduced a bill to reschedule marijuana this week. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) and David Joyce (R-OH) are both outspoken members of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. However, more prominent GOP lawmakers like Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) are staunchly on the side of prohibition.
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On social media, popular MAGA pundits like Charlie Kirk and Matt Walsh lashed out at the concept of cannabis reform this week. This comes on the heels of a seemingly coordinated pro-rescheduling campaign by a number of Republican influencers pushing rescheduling. The wide divide is apparent.
Despite in-fighting on the topic, cannabis is more popular than ever. While it may be popular with constituents, it’s unclear if the plant could position Republicans as a united front. More will likely be revealed once the Trump administration makes its final decision on reform.
