Poll Suggests Arizona Recreational Marijuana Measure On November Ballot Would Likely Pass

Published: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 - 8:39am
Updated: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 - 8:56am

A measure to legalize recreational marijuana use in Arizona has made its way, again, onto the ballot.

A survey released Tuesday finds more than 6 out of every 10 residents surveyed would vote for the measure in November. Only 32% said they would definitely oppose it.

Pollster Mike Noble says there was support in most demographics and only one demographic had more opponents than supporters. 

“The Republicans are the last outpost on this," Noble said. "And that's maybe why the Legislature didn't wind up putting it potentially on the ballot. Who knows? But I think they really missed the opportunity. It's coming. It's just a matter of when.”

Noble says unless there is an extensive and well-financed campaign against the measure, Arizona is likely to join 11 other states where recreational marijuana has been approved.

In 2016, a similar measure failed by just 4% points. 

Opponents spent more than $6 million last time, with much of that coming from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce.

But this year, the business group may find its resources drained by two other high-profile measures it hopes to kill. One would impose a surcharge on wealthy individuals to provide more cash for K-12 schools, the other would mandate pay hikes for hospital workers.

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