76% of Vermont Residents Support Legalizing Marijuana

A new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) found that an overwhelming 76% of Vermont residents support allowing adults 21 and over to purchase cannabis from regulated, tax-paying small businesses. These results are significant as they come days before the Vermont House is expected to vote on S. 54, a bill that would legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis sales in the state.

“Legalizing and regulating cannabis sales will protect consumers, and it will create jobs and economic opportunities for small businesses,” the MPP said. “It makes no sense for Vermonters to continue buying from the illicit market, or from retail stores in Massachusetts, when small businesses in Vermont are capable of producing high-quality craft cannabis.”

The poll was conducted on February 14-15. 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.