A large majority of Americans think that the federal government should stop enforcing its marijuana laws on states that have passed contradictory reforms, a recent Gallup poll shows.
Where federal law on cannabis stricter than state law — as is now the case in Colorado and Washington — 64 percent of respondents said that the feds should leave the states alone. Only 34 percent said that the feds should get involved.
Interestingly, the poll showed that even among those who oppose legalized marijuana, support for states’ rights is strong: 43 percent said the states should work it out without the federal government. Support for marijuana reform was highest among young people, 18–29, and among Democrats. In both demographics, support is around 60 percent.