Why it matters: The Department of Health & Human Services’ recommendation to reschedule cannabis on the federal Controlled Substances Act could have an impact on President Biden’s favorability leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
What they are saying: A new survey conducted by Lake Research Partners shows that if cannabis were to move from Schedule I to Schedule III, Biden could increase his favorability by 11% among younger voters. The survey found that 58% of registered voters support rescheduling cannabis, with strong support across age demographics. Democrats and independents showed strong support, while Republicans were more divided.
The big picture: The survey suggests that rescheduling cannabis would not only be the right move from a policy perspective but also politically beneficial for Biden, particularly among younger voters. Concrete talks of rescheduling began in 2022, and the FDA recently expressed support for reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III substance.
What to watch: The DEA has the final authority to make a decision on rescheduling cannabis and is currently conducting its review. There is no specific timeframe for when the decision will be made. Additionally, the findings of the survey align with a recent Gallup poll that found record-high support for legal cannabis among all adults in the US, with the highest levels of support in the youngest age cohort.
Take: The survey highlights the potential political benefits for Biden if cannabis is rescheduled. Younger voters, in particular, show strong support for rescheduling, and this could help boost Biden’s favorability as he prepares for the 2024 presidential election. The increasing support for cannabis legalization among the general population also indicates a shifting public opinion on the issue.
