Arizona voters almost evenly split on legalizing marijuana, new poll finds

PHOENIX – If you support the legalization of recreational marijuana in Arizona, don’t light up that victory joint just yet.

The state’s voters are almost evenly split on the issue, which is on the ballot for the upcoming election, according to a poll released Tuesday.

The OH Predictive Insights poll found that 46% of the state’s likely voters believe adults should be allowed to use marijuana and 45% oppose it, with 9% undecided.

The Phoenix-based research firm’s July poll on the question showed pot proponents leading 62%-32%.

The shift from July to the new poll, which surveyed 600 likely voters and was conducted Sept. 8-10, was driven by older voters, rural residents, Republicans and independents.

“As election day nears, voters appear to be focusing on what’s on the ballot,” Mike Noble, OH Predictive Insights chief of research, said in a press release.

“And while the campaign to oppose marijuana legalization is anemic compared to 2016, voters still have concerns about the effort.”

What’s on the ballot is Proposition 207, which would allow adults ages 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational use and grow up to six plants at home. Medical use of marijuana is already legal in Arizona.

A similar initiative, Prop 205, was defeated in 2016 by a 51.3%-48.7% margin.

Early voting in Arizona for the Nov. 3 general election begins Oct. 7.

“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.

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