According to an Arizona Republic/Morrison Institute for Public Policy/Cronkite News poll, 50 percent of Arizona voters would “likely approve” the ballot measure to legalize recreational cannabis use; while 40 percent remain opposed with 10 percent undecided.
Democrats overwhelmingly supported the measure, with 64 percent indicating they would likely vote ‘yes.’ The majority of Republicans, 56 percent, indicated they would likely vote ‘no.’
The measure would permit adults 21 and older to buy cannabis for recreational use, possess up to 1 ounce, and grow up to six plants in their homes without obtaining a license. It would establish a 15 percent tax on retail sales of cannabis that would be allocated to education programs.
Adam Deguire, campaign manager for the anti-legalization campaign, said that opponents have yet to spend any money on advertising against Proposition 205 so “polls this early… don’t mean much.”
“[The measure] misleads voters into thinking more money will go to schools when in fact it will go towards creating more government,” Deguire said in an Arizona Republic report.
Mike O’Neil, a public opinion pollster, said that although the survey “reflects an evolving attitude on marijuana” it does not necessarily mean its support is secured until Election Day.
“The proposal starts out ahead … but that doesn’t mean it ends up that way after a campaign,” he said in the report.
Arizona is one of five states voting on recreational legalization in November.