Who Should Be Your Governor? Marijuana Policy Project Has Some Ideas

Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) released Tuesday their voter guide to 2022 governors’ races and cannabis policy reform. 

In 36 states, voters will be choosing their next governor on Election Day. In many of these races, there is a stark contrast between where major party gubernatorial candidates stand on cannabis policy reforms. To help inform voters, MPP’s voter guide includes public statements on cannabis policy and lawmakers’ votes on cannabis-related legislation, when applicable. 

Governors have a tremendous impact on cannabis policies in their states, including signing or vetoing bills, pardoning past convictions, and overseeing agencies that can implement, expand, or obstruct existing cannabis laws. 

“The impact and influence that governors have on cannabis policy reform are undeniable, and unfortunately, not always positive,” Toi Hutchinson, president and CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project stated. “With Election Day quickly approaching, voters across the country will soon have an opportunity to elect governors, thus shaping the future of cannabis policy reform in their states. Our goal is simple — to empower voters so that they can cast informed votes,” said

According to Gallup polls, more than two-thirds of Americans support legalizing cannabis for adults’ use. State-by-state polling shows majority or plurality support in every single state.

To date, 19 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. Voters in five additional states will consider legalization initiatives or referrals on Election Day: Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 

The full voter guide for 2022 can be found here.

Photo: Benzinga Edit; Sources: Cyrus Crossan and Shelby Ireland on Unsplash