A public opinion poll conducted earlier this month in Utah found that half of state voters support fully legalizing adult-use cannabis, FOX 13 reports.
The poll, conducted by Noble Predictive Insights on behalf of the Utah Patients Coalition, found that about 50% of Utah voters support the legalization of adult-use cannabis. In comparison, 38% of voters believe that only medical cannabis should be available, 9% believe that cannabis should be prohibited entirely, and just 3% were “not sure.” Support for adult-use cannabis was highest (60%) among younger voters and lowest (29%) among those aged 65+, while middle-aged respondents were split almost evenly on the issue (49% in favor).
Desiree Hennessy, the executive director for the Utah Patients Coalition, said the poll was designed to gauge public opinion on the state’s medical cannabis program — and on cannabis reforms in general.
“We’re not even just talking patients. We’re talking Utahns who are up for a recreational or adult-use market in Utah. That is surprising, but it’s not surprising after you’ve watched what’s happened with the program.” — Hennessy, via FOX 13
Utah voters opted to legalize medical cannabis in 2018 but state lawmakers promptly passed legislation to replace the voter-approved program, and it took two years for the state’s first dispensaries to open.
Meanwhile, a study published in April found that about 60% of Utah medical cannabis patients obtain their cannabis from outside the state’s legal market, primarily via illicit or out-of-state sources.
