Public support for cannabis reform continues to grow in the United States, with a new national survey highlighting strong bipartisan backing for federal policy changes and state-level autonomy. The findings suggest that Americans are increasingly aligned in favor of modernizing outdated cannabis laws—and that lawmakers face mounting pressure to act.
The poll, conducted in May 2025 by the bipartisan public affairs firm Forbes Tate Partners and commissioned by the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR), surveyed 2,051 registered voters aged 21 and older across the country. The results underscore a key message: Americans want cannabis reform, and they want it now.
Key Poll Findings
- 70% of respondents support federal cannabis reform, including 44% who say they strongly support it—a level of enthusiasm that cuts across party lines.
- 69% believe states should have the authority to determine their own cannabis laws without federal interference, with only 22% expressing opposition to this approach.
- 48% say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports cannabis reform—a significant data point as the 2024 presidential election cycle intensifies.
- 45% say they would view the Trump Administration more favorably if it adopted a more reform-oriented stance on federal cannabis laws.
“These findings make one thing abundantly clear: voters across the political spectrum continue to support commonsense cannabis reforms that respect state decisions, enhance public safety, and reflect evolving attitudes,” said CPEAR in a public statement accompanying the survey results.
The poll adds to a growing body of research indicating that Americans are not only comfortable with legal cannabis—they increasingly expect elected officials to act accordingly.
STATES 2.0 Act: A Federal Solution to a Fragmented System
At the heart of the current debate is the STATES 2.0 Act, a bipartisan bill reintroduced in April 2025 by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Dina Titus (D-NV). The legislation seeks to protect state and tribal cannabis programs from federal interference, allowing local governments to regulate cannabis as they see fit, without fear of legal conflicts with federal authorities.
“The STATES 2.0 Act offers a pragmatic path forward—balancing individual liberty with responsible regulation,” said CPEAR. “As the national conversation around cannabis policy progresses, lawmakers have a clear mandate from the public to modernize federal law in a way that empowers states and protects communities.”
Unlike earlier iterations of cannabis reform legislation, STATES 2.0 represents a more measured and realistic approach that acknowledges the complexities of transitioning away from prohibition. It provides a framework for reconciling state laws with federal oversight, without imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.
The bill builds on the original STATES Act, introduced in 2018, and expands its scope to address challenges such as interstate commerce, banking, tax policy, and federal enforcement priorities. By recognizing cannabis programs at the state and tribal levels, it aims to create stability for patients, businesses, regulators, and law enforcement alike.
CPEAR’s Push for a National Framework
Founded to promote responsible cannabis policy, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) advocates for the development of a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for cannabis. Their mission is not to encourage legalization in every state but to ensure that, where cannabis is legal, it is regulated in a manner that protects public health and safety.
“Continued state-by-state expansion without federal oversight and coordination creates intractable problems for consumers, patients, regulators, law enforcement, and the public,” CPEAR noted. “Federal reform isn’t about endorsing cannabis use—it’s about creating smart, safe, and enforceable policies.”
CPEAR has emphasized that gaps between state and federal law create a patchwork system that confuses consumers, complicates law enforcement efforts, and undermines access to financial services for legitimate cannabis businesses.
The Trump Administration’s Stance
The Trump Administration, which reentered office in January 2025, has yet to make substantial progress on federal cannabis reform, despite past statements suggesting support for certain policy shifts. In 2024, Trump voiced tentative backing for reform, emphasizing a medical and states’ rights focus.
“As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug,” Trump said on September 9, 2024. “We’ll work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state-authorized companies, and supporting states’ rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens.”
However, critics argue that the administration’s rhetoric has yet to translate into meaningful policy. Rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III—something the Biden Administration initiated in 2023 but left incomplete—would acknowledge the drug’s medical potential but still impose tight federal controls and fail to resolve banking or tax barriers faced by legal cannabis operators.
In the absence of bold federal action, legislation like the STATES 2.0 Act has become even more critical for addressing the disjointed state-federal dynamic that defines cannabis law in the U.S. today.
Growing Political Pressure
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, cannabis reform is expected to remain a prominent issue in campaign platforms and voter outreach. With nearly half of voters saying they’d be more likely to support a reform-minded candidate, cannabis policy could prove a deciding factor in close races.
The overwhelming public support reflected in the new poll may also embolden centrist lawmakers who have traditionally remained cautious on the issue. With a clear majority of voters demanding change—and with economic, public health, and criminal justice implications all in play—federal cannabis reform may no longer be a matter of if, but when.
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