Poll: Majority of Ohioans Back Cannabis Legalization Proposal

A new poll from Fallon Research found a majority of Ohioans support the ballot proposal to legalize cannabis for adult use, with 59% of respondents in favor, 32% opposed, and 9% unsure. 

The survey found Democrats backed the reforms 68%-24%, along with 62% of unaffiliated voters, with 28% of the bloc opposed. Nearly half (48%) of Republicans polled supported broad legalization with 46% opposed.  

A strong majority – 68% – of Ohio adults aged 18-44 said they planned to vote ‘yes,’ while 27% were opposed.  Additionally, 62% of adults aged 45-64 backed the reforms, with 28% opposed. Another 46% of adults 65-and-older favored legalization with 42% opposed.  

The poll found 58% of white people in favor of the question, with 33% opposed. Seventy-one percent of Black people indicated they planned to vote yes, with 25% opposed. Another 63% of “other races” polled were in favor, with 32% opposed.      

If the ballot question is approved, Ohioans ages 21 and older would be allowed to buy and possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of concentrates and grow up to six plants individually and no more than 12 in a household. Cannabis products would carry a 10% excise tax, with revenues used for administrative costs, addiction treatment programs, municipalities with dispensaries, and a social equity and jobs program. 

Last month, the question scored final approval to appear on statewide ballots in November. The reforms are opposed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Association of Health Commissioners.  

A study published in August by Ohio State University researchers found that adult-use cannabis sales in the state could generate between $275 million and $403 million by the fifth year of operations.