A new survey conducted by the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center (WYSAC) found 54 percent of state residents support broad cannabis legalization – the first time the polling group has found majority support for the reforms.
In 2014, the WYSAC found just 37 percent supported the reforms. Support rose to 41 percent in 2016 and 49 percent in 2018.
Another 75 percent of those polled said low-level cannabis possession should not lead to jail time, an increase from 66 percent in 2014 and 29 percent in 2018.
Support for medical cannabis legalization in the state was measured at 86 percent in 2018, and the poll released Tuesday found a slight decrease in support to 85 percent. Wyoming is one of just six states that does not have a medical cannabis program.
Brian Harnisch, a senior research scientist at WYSAC, noted that all of Wyoming’s border states – except Idaho – has legalized cannabis either medically or for adult-use.
“As laws regarding the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana change around the U.S., especially in nearby states, it’s not surprising to see attitudes in Wyoming change as well.” – Harnisch in a statement
The WYSAC noted that respondent support for cannabis law reforms “decreases as age increases,” finding 74 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds backed legalization in the state, along with 68 percent of 35- to 44-year-olds, 67 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds, and 51 percent of 55- to 64-year-olds. The survey found 45 percent of 45- to 55-year-olds supported the reforms, with 40 percent of those aged 65 to 74, and just 30 percent of those 75 and older.
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