New Poll From Law Firm Shows Cannabis Legalization Is Popular Among New Jersey Voters

A new poll shows that New Jersey voters overwhelmingly support cannabis legalization and are ready for change in their state. 

The study was conducted by the law firm Brach Eichler LLC, specifically their Cannabis Law Practice arm, and compiled by DKC Analytics. It surveyed 500 registered voters in the state from July 7 to July 12. The survey results revealed that 68 percent of those polled said they would vote in favor of cannabis legalization, while 26 percent would oppose it, and 6 percent said they are unsure. It also revealed that 78 percent of Democrats who were polled were in support of legalization, and 57 percent of Republicans showed their support as well. 

“As New Jersey voters consider creating a new multi-billion-dollar industry in the heart of the largest metropolitan area in the country, we believe it is important to assess the marketplace attitudes and public sentiments about cannabis to help us guide both our clients and regulators,” said Charles X. Gormally, co-chair of the Cannabis Law Practice, in a press release.

“The polling results confirmed our belief that there is overwhelming support for the creation of a regulated, adult-use cannabis marketplace in New Jersey,” added Co-Chair John D. Fanburg. “Respondents supported it because it will create tremendous opportunity. It will create vitally needed new businesses, the state will receive significant tax revenues and illegal sales will be dramatically reduced, if not eliminated. Voters see this as a win for everyone.” 

Other Issues

The poll also looked at support for the creation of consumption lounges for on-site consumption, home delivery of cannabis, online sales, rules for home growing, and how to address prior, criminal convictions over cannabis. The poll showed that overall, 68 percent of respondents wanted to clear past, criminal convictions of those who were previously charged with cannabis possession. Cannabis consumption lounges were supported 50 to 38 percent, home delivery was favored 55 to 33 percent, and overall, it seems that people are in favor of increasing fair access to cannabis as well as just legalizing it.  

“One issue that is particularly important to us, is how we should reconcile the social justice impact of the thousands of previous criminal convictions for conduct that will now be considered  legal,” Fanburg said.  “It is well recognized that minority populations in New Jersey were arrested and incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses disproportionate to non-minority populations.” 

“The marketplace for cannabis that ultimately emerges in New Jersey will likely reflect the sentiments and preferences revealed in the Brach Eichler Cannabis Poll,” Gormally noted.  For example, opinions varied on where cannabis use should occur.  

”The strong level of support for correcting this decades-old inequality, especially in the context of recent protests of inherent bias in law enforcement, should be well noted by our legislators who will be tasked with correcting this unfortunate consequence of the failed policy of prohibition,” said Gormally. 

From this recent poll, as well as similar others, it would appear that cannabis has a pretty good chance of passing in November, and we could soon be looking forward to a fully legal cannabis market in the state of New Jersey.