GOP Support for Federal Cannabis Legalization Slips — Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

After years of upward momentum in public opinion, the latest numbers reveal a sharp shift in the cannabis conversation—particularly on the right. A recent Gallup poll shows that support for federal cannabis legalization among Republican voters has dropped to just 40% in 2025, down from 55% in 2023. That’s a 15-point dive in just two years. Meanwhile, overall adult support across the U.S. remains at 64%, which is still solid but marks the lowest national average since 2019.

What does that mean? On the surface, it’s easy to dismiss as a partisan fluctuation. But for anyone paying attention to federal policy—especially around cannabis banking, interstate commerce, and rescheduling—it’s a flashing yellow light. Because if support within one major party base is softening, it could stall or reshape reform efforts heading into the 2026 election cycle.

State-level legalization is still thriving. More than half the country now lives in a state where adult-use cannabis is legal. New York is surging ahead, expanding licensing, community reinvestment grants, and opening new dispensaries every month. But federal backing remains crucial for unlocking safe banking, reducing tax burdens under 280E, and clearing the path for interstate supply chains.

So why the drop among Republicans?

Part of it may be linked to political signaling during a polarized election cycle. Some conservative voices are linking cannabis to broader culture war narratives, which can dampen support even among previous legalization-friendly voters. Others may be reacting to concerns about crime, youth access, or local oversaturation in retail markets—whether grounded in data or not.

For New York-based cannabis operators, entrepreneurs, and consumers, this shift matters. If federal reform gets kicked further down the road, that means more time operating under complex, patchwork rules. It means staying hyper-local, finding workarounds for payments, and navigating a market where scale is limited by regulation rather than demand.

Bottom line: The green wave is still rolling—but it’s hitting new political headwinds.

Whether you’re running a dispensary, building a cannabis brand, or advocating for equity and access in your borough, this is the moment to stay informed and flexible. The landscape is still expanding, but the forecast just got a little cloudier.