New Poll Shows Arizona Voters Indifferent On Prop 207, Recreational Cannabis Legalization

Market research company OH Predictive Insights finds that the legalization of recreational cannabis in Arizona is almost split amongst voters.

The recent poll surveyed by 600 likely voters answered the question, “ Do you believe that marijuana should be legalized for adult use in the State of Arizona?” The survey was conducted between September 8-10.

As a result, 46% likely agreed, 45% opposed, and 9% remained undecided. The effort towards this survey is to see how Proposition 207 will do in November’s election. Under Prop 207, adults (aged 21 or older) would allow one ounce of marijuana for recreational use and up to 6 plants for cultivation; medicinal use is already legal in the state. Unfortunately, between the decline in support from a July poll and the failed initiative Prop 205, the shaky future of Arizona’s Prop 207 will come down to November’s election.

Not the first time Arizonians were split on a decision. In 2016, the proposed Proposition 205 failed to succeed to a 51.3%-48.7% margin, leaving the opposition with a lackluster defeat. The results from a July poll by OH Predictive have shown the swing with voters pro-legalization leading from 62%-32% to now at 46%. The most significant campaign obstacle to make this happen will be working on the 9% undecided.

“As election day nears, voters appear to be focusing on what’s on the ballot,” says OHPI Chief Mike Noble on OH Initiative blog, “And while the campaign to oppose marijuana legalization is anemic compared to 2016, voters still have concerns about the effort.”

Amongst its data, the OH Initiative found the 29-point drop in support was from mainly older voters, rural residents, Republicans, and independents from suburban areas. Also, a favorability of recreational legalization was amongst parents, around 50% of its votes, of children living under 18 at home. Even with the support of certain groups, Prop 207 will not be an easy will for supporters. “The proponents of legalizing marijuana need to step up and begin spending money to convince voters taking the ultimate leap in approving recreational marijuana is a benefit to Arizona,” Noble said.  

Created by the Smart and Safe Arizona Political Action Committee (PAC), Prop 207 has obtained around 3.47 million contributions and 420,000 signatures towards the initiative based on their website. Unfortunately, from a historical perspective, Prop 205 received 6.5 million in funding towards the 2016 initiative, and the numbers ran similarly to 51 percent of likely voters supporting and 42 percent opposing it. The evidence in Arizona based on previous elections has shown that marijuana in the state is a finicky topic too close to call.