We knew that Vermonters support legalizing and regulating sales of cannabis, but a new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project found that support is truly overwhelming.
The poll found that 76% of Vermont residents support allowing adults 21 and over to purchase cannabis from regulated, tax-paying, small businesses. The complete results are available here.
The poll was conducted on February 14-15 and surveyed 890 residents from across the state. Notably, the results show that legalizing and regulating cannabis sales is supported across all demographic groups, including Republicans (58%) and residents 65 and older (69%). Vermont’s most educated residents are overwhelmingly in favor (84%), and only a small minority of Vermonters (19%) remain opposed.
The poll also confirmed Vermonters’ strong support for the state’s existing laws relative to medical cannabis and adult-use possession and cultivation. Eighty-seven percent (87%) support continuing to allow medical cannabis, 78% support continuing to allow possession by adults, and 76% support continuing to allow home cultivation.
Vermont’s bill to legalize and regulate cannabis sales, S. 54, has already passed two committees in 2020. The House Government Operations Committee passed it in a unanimous vote on January 31, and the House Ways and Means Committee passed it 8-3 on February 5.
The bill already passed the Senate 23-5 in 2019, and the full House is expected to vote on it soon.
Please contact your state representatives today and urge them to support S. 54.