Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day for the Pennsylvania Governor, House of Representatives, and half of the state Senate. This election will be critical for determining whether Pennsylvania will finally enact a cannabis legalization law in the next few years. Marijuana Policy Project is proud to release its 2026 voter guide ahead of the general election.
Our voter guide shows the responses of candidates who answered our survey on legalization for the primary. We have also used the voting record on last year’s legalization bill (HB1200), and added a section on sponsors of other legalization bills that did not get a floor vote. Additionally, we have provided a handy guide to the differences between the proposed legislation. Pennsylvania averages 11,000 arrests annually for possession.
An April 2026 poll shows 69% of Pennsylvanians support the legalization of cannabis. This includes a majority of Democrats (72%), Republicans (67%), and Independents (64%).
You can confirm your status as a registered voter or register to vote (you have until October 19th, 2026), and you can find your state legislative districts on the state legislature site. You can find your sample ballot, as each county provides its own sample ballot in Pennsylvania. Early voting varies by county but ends on October 27, 2026. On Election Day, the polls are open from 7:00am - 8:00pm.
State legislative races have been so close that some have tied. Don’t miss out on this chance to determine who represents you in Harrisburg. Here is the question asked in the MPP candidate questionnaire:
1) Twenty-four states — including five of Pennsylvania’s six border states — have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. Do you support making it legal for adults 21 and older to use, possess, and purchase cannabis in Pennsylvania, while imposing health and safety regulations and taxes on sales?
The gubernatorial race will decide the future of cannabis policy in the Keystone State. All legislation that passes will end up on the governor’s desk, and what they decide to do with that legislation will decide the future.
Governor
Josh Shapiro (D) currently serves as the Governor of Pennsylvania. He has been a vocal advocate for the legalization of cannabis throughout his first term. His efforts at legalization have been stymied by the Republican dominated state Senate. He has included adult-use cannabis tax revenue in his annual budget submitted to the legislature.
Ken Krawchuk (Libertarian) currently is the founder and President of an IT firm. He has been a vocal advocate in ending the drug war in general, including the criminalization of cannabis.
The lieutenant governor runs with the governor on the same ticket. The Lt. Governor is the president of the state Senate. The role is limited to tie-breaking votes on legislation in the Senate. The officeholder also chairs the state Board of Pardons, which makes recommendations to the governor on clemency and commutations.
Austin Davis (D) currently is the Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania. As chair of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, Davis has worked alongside Governor Josh Shapiro to expand and promote the "Expedited Review" clemency process for non-violent marijuana convictions and other minor offenses to give individuals a clean slate.
Jason Richey (R) is currently an attorney in Pennsylvania. He recently stated “legalizing marijuana would be “catastrophic” for the state, claiming it would increase the illegal market, undermine job creation, and harm public health.
John Thomas (Libertarian) is currently an educator in Meyersdale, PA. We could not find any public statements on cannabis legalization; however, his running mate has voiced his support for legalization.