Massachusetts Poll Shows Voters Reject Rollback As Legal Cannabis Earns Broad Approval

Poll Finds Broad Approval of Legal Cannabis

A new poll shows most Massachusetts voters believe legal cannabis has been good for the state as they prepare to vote on a November ballot initiative to roll back the state’s marijuana legalization law. The survey, published on Wednesday by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and WCVB-TV, reminded respondents that voters approved a marijuana legalization ballot measure in 2016 and asked whether it has been “positive or negative” for various aspects of society.

Majorities view legalization positively for the state’s economy at 65 percent, tax revenue at 70 percent, local communities at 56 percent, and the criminal justice system at 52 percent. Views are less favorable on young people, with only a slight plurality of 39 percent viewing legalization’s effects on young people positively.

“Our polling suggests that legalization has been a largely positive experience for Bay State residents,” said Tatishe Nteta, provost professor of political science at UMass Amherst and director of the poll.

“Given these largely favorable assessments of legalization, supporters of Question 8 face a challenge in convincing voters that the commonwealth should return to a time when recreational marijuana use was illegal,” Nteta said.

The poll involved interviews with 800 registered voters from October 5-12 and has a margin of error of +/- 4.2 percentage points.

Voters Report Their Own Cannabis Use

The survey also asked people about their own cannabis consumption. It found that 12 percent regularly use cannabis and 13 percent occasionally use it.

Another 34 percent said they used cannabis in the past but don’t currently do so. A further 38 percent have never used it.

An additional 3 percent said they prefer not to answer the question. The consumption findings come as voters weigh Question 8, which would repeal laws allowing the regulated commercial sales of recreational cannabis and home cultivation.

The measure would maintain legal possession and continue the medical marijuana system. Several recent polls show a majority of Massachusetts voters already oppose Question 8.

A survey from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and WCVB-TV released on Monday found the anti-cannabis proposal has support from just 31 percent of voters, compared to 47 percent who say they will definitely vote no and 14 percent who say they will probably vote no.

Repeal Faces Opposition From Officials

The latest polling results come as the No On 8 campaign continues to rack up high-profile endorsements from elected officials. Last week, more than 50 state lawmakers said they will be voting against the anti-marijuana ballot measure, including the House speaker and Senate president.

U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA) both recently told Marijuana Moment that they will be voting against the anti-cannabis measure. “We could make improvements in the operations but legalizing cannabis is better than continuing an unregulated, underground market,” Warren said.

“So I’m opposed to the repeal. I’m voting no on the ballot to repeal,” Warren told Marijuana Moment.

Markey said the state’s marijuana legalization law continues to enjoy “overwhelming support.” “I support keeping it on the books and overwhelmingly so do the people of Massachusetts,” Markey told Marijuana Moment.

Related Stories

• North Carolina Poll Shows Bipartisan Voter Support For Marijuana Legalization