Polls Show That New Mexico Voters Strongly Favor Cannabis Legalization

According to a recent poll, a large majority of voters in the state of New Mexico are in favor of legalizing adult-use, recreational cannabis with additional social equity provisions in place. The poll also showed that approximately half of voters support broader decriminalization of drug possession. 

The support demographics for adult-use cannabis legalization based on party are as follows: 

• Democrats: 94% in favor 
• Republicans: 46% in favor 
• Independents: 93% in favor 

Senior director of Drug Policy Action (DPA) New Mexico Emily Kaltenbach said that New Mexicans are ready to see equitable drug reform built into the legislative proposal to “help right many of the wrongs caused by the failed war on drugs.” 

What The Poll Means For Future Cannabis Legalization In New Mexico 

While New Mexicans won’t have the opportunity to vote for legalization of adult-use cannabis on the November Ballot, momentum in the region could lead to a further increase in voter support. House Speaker Brian Egolf (D) recently stated that the legislature in New Mexico will attempt to advance cannabis reform next session. 

A bill was put forth in January 2020 towards legalization, but was rejected by a Senate committee before the end of a very short 2020 session. Gov. Lujan Grisham (D), who is strongly in favor of New Mexico cannabis legalization due to its fiscal opportunities, indicated that she may campaign against lawmakers that blocked the bill in the upcoming session. 

Bipartisan Support Will Be Key Going Forward 

Rep. Javier Martinez (D), chairmen of a joint committee committed to the discussion of economic impacts of New Mexico cannabis legalization reform, believes that there is hope for the upcoming session—as the 2021 version of the bill is more likely to garner Republican Ssupport. 

The adult-use marijuana legalization effort could also get a boost from the results of the 2020 primary elections, as several Democratic lawmakers who were originally in opposition to reform were ousted by progressives in the state.

Contributed by Jack Berning