Weed the People: Why Michigan’s cannabis voters hold the key to the November election

Michiganders made history in 2018 when we voted to legalize weed—finally giving stoners the greenlight to blaze. But that victory wasn’t just a win for personal freedoms. It was proof that when we show up at the polls, our voices are heard.

Do you remember how good it felt in 2018 when we legalized weed? 

Michiganders voted, and the next thing we knew, dispensaries were cropping up all over the state—offering everything from edibles to pre-rolls. And over the last six years, the market for our locally grown cannabis has evolved into an ultra-premium, multi-billion-dollar industry that has raked in hundreds of millions of dollars to support our local schools and fix the damn roads.

It’s been a true win-win. And it’s also a striking example of what happens when Michiganders can unite around a common-sense issue, show up at the polls, and make our voices heard.

Because here’s the thing: Legalization didn’t happen by accident. It happened because people like us got off the couch, showed up to vote, and made it happen. And now, with another critical election around the corner, the question is—will we be able to do it again? Because this time, it’s not just about cannabis; it’s about the future of Michigan and the direction our country is headed.

This year, your vote matters more than ever.

From Ballot to Blunt

To understand the real influence that Michigan stoners could have in this year’s election, look no further than the raw numbers. In 2018, nearly 56% of Michiganders—or about 2.4 million people—voted in support of Proposal 1 to legalize cannabis for adult use. That’s a truly massive slice of the electorate, and one that’s capable of tipping the scales in tightly contested races.

In fact, about 58% of registered voters participated in the 2018 election, marking record turnout in a midterm election. Every Michigan county saw at least 7% more voters at the polls compared to the prior midterm election in 2014. And we’ve been on a hot streak ever since, data shows.

Of course, broad enthusiasm for pro-marijuana Democratic candidates like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and US Rep. Elissa Slotkin may have naturally contributed to those numbers. But the data effectively disproves those outdated stereotypes about lazy stoners, and clearly demonstrates when we’re motivated on an issue, we can show up to vote. And when we show up to vote, well, as Whitmer likes to say, we get shit done. 

High on Democracy

With recreational marijuana now fully integrated into the state’s economy, its culture, and its tax base, the question facing Michiganders this November isn’t about voting to legalize weed—but rather whether you’re willing to vote to protect the values that led to that victory in the first place.

With voter turnout expected to be crucial again in November, particularly in battleground states like Michigan, cannabis voters can once again play a pivotal role in deciding the election results.

And whether you’re passionate about keeping Michigan green (both literally and figuratively) or making sure that healthcare and education stays accessible, this year’s election is an opportunity to show that the state’s cannabis community is still as engaged as ever.

While weed may no longer be on the ballot for Michiganders, there are still broader freedoms at stake this year—like reproductive rights, protections for the LGBTQ community, and a slew of federal investments that have ushered in thousands of new job opportunities across the state.

We cannot make the mistake of thinking those recent gains are guaranteed.

In a political landscape that feels more divided than ever, every election cycle could redefine what progress looks like. Are we moving toward a more inclusive, fair economy that embraces modern ideas like cannabis legalization, or will we see a pushback that threatens to roll back our hard-won victories? The outcome is literally in your hands—or, more specifically, your ballot.

Puff, Puff, Vote

So, what can you do? The answer is simple: Show up. 

Democracy, like a good joint, is a shared experience, and it works best when everyone participates. If you were among the Michiganders who were passionate enough to vote for cannabis legalization in 2018, there’s simply no reason to sit this one out. With early voting, absentee ballots, and Election Day voting options, it’s easier than ever to get the job done.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Make sure you’re registered to vote, remind your friends to do the same, and, most importantly, show up when it counts. Michigan’s cannabis voters have already lit up the polls once, and together we can keep blazing a path to a brighter future.

Check your voter registration status, see who is on your ballot, and make a voting plan.