Utahns Overwhelmingly Support Medical Marijuana, But Divide on Recreational Use
A recent poll conducted by the Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute of Politics found that 53% of Utahns support legalizing recreational marijuana, while 43% oppose it. The survey also showed that 77% of residents support the state’s medical cannabis program.
The poll, which was conducted in May, surveyed 805 registered Utah voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. The results suggest that Utahns are becoming increasingly open to the idea of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, but there is still a significant divide on the issue.
The survey found that support for recreational marijuana legalization was strongest among self-identified Democrats and independents, with 74% and 63% respectively, expressing support. In contrast, only 43% of self-identified Republicans supported legalization.
The poll also found that support for recreational marijuana legalization was higher among younger voters, with 65% of those aged 18-34 supporting it, compared to 36% of those over 65.
In contrast, the survey found that support for the state’s medical cannabis program was widespread, with 77% of respondents expressing support. The program, which was approved by voters in 2018, allows patients to use medical marijuana to treat a range of conditions, including chronic pain, PTSD, and cancer.
The poll’s findings suggest that Utahns are becoming increasingly open to the idea of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, but there is still a significant divide on the issue. The results also highlight the importance of education and outreach in building support for marijuana legalization.
“It’s no longer unacceptable to try cannabis for medical purposes,” said Alex Iorg, co-founder of the medical cannabis company WholesomeCo. “A lot of people know someone that has benefitted from it directly. There’s a lot of exposure to the benefits.”
Iorg, who also co-founded the medical cannabis advocacy group Keep Utah Medical, said that the survey’s findings suggest that Utahns are becoming increasingly open to the idea of legalizing marijuana for recreational use. However, he also noted that there is still a significant divide on the issue, and that more education and outreach are needed to build support for legalization.
Overall, the poll’s findings suggest that Utahns are becoming increasingly open to the idea of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, but there is still a significant divide on the issue.
