As Marijuana Support Grows, Election Worries Mount

The 2016 Presidential race is shaping up to become one of the most closely watched in history as candidates have worked to capture the attention of the public from the very start. The millennial vote is something that has caused candidates to rework their PR and address social issues important to that generation.

However, one issue remains up in the air for many candidates, but its importance to millennials is likely to make it a hot-button in the race to the White House: marijuana.

Marijuana Supporters Diverse

Support for marijuana not only comes from millennials, but from other generations as well. Much of America's elderly population has rallied to legalize the drug for medical purposes and others who have no interest in using marijuana see it as a great way to increase funding to state programs. This support has made marijuana a key issue for Presidential hopefuls, as much of the cannabis industry's future depends on the new administration's attitude on the drug.

Related Link: Surprised? Marijuana Use On The Rise At College Campuses

A Key Issue

While many political analysts say that marijuana on its own isn't likely to sway most voters one way or another, it is worth noting that polls from several swing states suggest that candidates should back states' right to set their own marijuana laws. The majority of voters in both Florida and Ohio say they support legalized marijuana for recreational use, while the voting population in states like Pennsylvania is split nearly down the middle on the issue.

Taking A Stand

Those figures put candidates in a tough position, especially if they don't plan to support the expanding industry. Most front runners have said they will maintain Obama's "hands off" approach to letting states set their own regulations even if they don't agree with legalizing the drug in general. Very few have promised to make any major changes to the way the drug is viewed in Washington.

Marijuana hasn't been a big talking point for most candidates yet, but some say that could change as the election draws closer and the increasingly important millennial voters tune in.