New Hampshire residents are still in favor of legalizing marijuana, but opinions are mixed on the idea of selling cannabis through state-run shops, as recently advocated by the governor, according to a recent poll.
The Granite State Poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, asked respondents a series of questions about cannabis. Published on Tuesday, the survey was taken as legislators in the state explored different reform proposals.
Almost three-quarters of New Hampshirites (72%) said they support adult-use legalization, with 52 percent saying they “strongly” back it. Another 21 percent opposed the reform while seven percent were neutral.
Via UNH
The support for legalization also crossed party lines. 85 percent of Democrats and independents, as well as 58 percent Republicans, want to see prohibition end.
The poll asked about the idea that the state Liquor Commission would operate marijuana shops, just as they do with alcohol. The model is met with mixed reactions: 60 percent of respondents said that they supported it, while 23 percent opposed it. 15 percent were neutral.
Democrats still support the proposal the most, at 75 percent. Republicans and independents are equally divided in their support, with 49 and 50 percent respectively.
Via UNH.
When asked about Gov. Chris Sununu (R)’s recent support of the state-run marijuana legalization system affected their views on the topic, the majority said that it did not affect them at all. However, 26 percent stated that it made them more inclined to support it, and nine percent indicated it made less inclined.
The majority of those who oppose the state controlling marijuana sales (67%) said it is because they are against legalization in general, while 31% said they want a different regulatory system.
The survey included interviews with 1105 New Hampshire residents between May 18-22. There was a +/-2,9 percentage point error margin.
Granite Staters Support Marijuana Legalization, Receptive to “State Control” Proposal; Approval of Sununu Remains High#NHPoliticshttps://t.co/eUdnaX3uwK
UNH Survey Center May 23, 2023
The survey shows that the majority of respondents are still in favor of a state-run cannabis market. However, there are a significant number of respondents who prefer that sales are conducted by licensed, privately operated stores.
The poll did not ask specifically about the House-passed bill of bipartisan leadership, which would have created an industry more conventional for marijuana. However, the Senate rejected this proposal in the past month.
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The question now is whether the legislature will act on Sununu’s newfound support to pass a legalization bill run by the state this session.
On Wednesday , a House committee paved the way for this possibility by voting to revisit a bill unrelated to alcohol payment penalties. It is intended to amend the legislation in order to create a cannabis industry that combines state-controlled stores and private individuals who are licensed to operate state agency shops. Existing dispensaries will also be able to get dual licenses for serving both patients and adults.
The Senate also voted to create a study committee last week. This commission will examine possible legalization models and make recommendations to the legislature on how to implement the reform.
Last week, the Senate moved to introduce legislation that would allow patients and designated caregivers up to three mature and immature plants as well as 12 seedlings.
After the Senate rejected reform legislation in 2022 the House included legalization as an amendment to separate criminal-justice-related legislation, but this was also struck down by the opposing chamber.
State Department notes growing tolerance for religious use marijuana in some countries–but ignores U.S. criminalization
The post A Strong Majority of New Hampshire Residents Continue to Support Marijuana Legalization — Though Opinions are Mixed on Governor’s State Run Store Plan first appeared on Marijuana moment.
