Support for Cannabis in New Mexico Increases

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]R[/dropcap]esidents and politicians in the U.S. have been reconsidering their stances on cannabis over the years. Most states have introduced some form of cannabis regulations, be it medical, recreational or both. But in retrospect, there are a few states that have been relatively silent on the legalization front. New Mexico hasn’t been in the spotlight for any breaking action for cannabis, but its residents are reflecting a substantial increase in interest as of late. A new poll in New Mexico now reflects the growing support of recreational cannabis legalization.

On May 22, a poll that was conducted by the Research & Polling Inc. of Albuquerque which revealed that the percentage of residents in New Mexico “strongly support” legalization. The updated total percentage of residents who are very interested in legal cannabis now resides at 46 percent (which is a six point increase from the last poll which was conducted in 2016). Additionally, 63 percent of the 420 people who were polled stated that they would support a bill that would legalize and establish tax and other regulations for legal sales.

According to Santa Fe New Mexican, the poll was paid for by Drug Policy Alliance and Ultra Health.

The poll is said to have a 4.8 percent estimated margin of error, which isn’t enough to sway the evidence that cannabis acceptance is on the rise in New Mexico. “This poll builds upon the last one two years ago, and I think we’re seeing public opinion shift considerably in a very positive direction,” said state Rep. Javier Martinez. “I do see it as an asset, not only in my chamber but also in the other chamber and with whoever occupies the Fourth Floor [, or the Governor’s office].”

Among the interviewees, those who are between 18 and 34 years old were more likely to be “strongly supportive” of legal cannabis, compared to seniors (which produced a 59 percent to 29 percent difference in opinion).

Duke Rodriguez, CEO of Ultra Health, (one of the poll sponsors) predicts that recreational cannabis legalization could allow the state to collect up to $420 million in gross revenue during the first year, with a total of $600 million by the fifth year.