Fact Check: "Only 31% of Latter-day Saints support marijuana legalization."
What We Know
Recent polling data indicates that support for marijuana legalization among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is indeed low. According to a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll, only 31% of self-identified Latter-day Saints support the legalization of recreational marijuana, while 66% oppose it. This poll surveyed 805 registered voters in Utah and has a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points. Additionally, the poll revealed that support for medical marijuana among the same group is significantly higher, with 77% in favor of the state's medical cannabis program.
The broader context of marijuana legalization in Utah shows a growing trend among the general population. A separate poll conducted by Noble Predictive Insights found that 52% of Utah voters support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, indicating a divergence between the general population's views and those of the LDS community (Salt Lake Tribune).
Analysis
The claim that only 31% of Latter-day Saints support marijuana legalization is supported by multiple credible sources. The Deseret News poll provides a direct measurement of LDS attitudes towards legalization, confirming the statistic. The poll's methodology, including its sample size and margin of error, suggests a reliable representation of public opinion among Utah voters.
In contrast, the general support for marijuana legalization among Utah voters has been increasing, as evidenced by the 52% support reported in the Noble Predictive Insights poll (Salt Lake Tribune). This indicates a significant gap between the views of Latter-day Saints and the broader Utah population, suggesting that religious beliefs may play a substantial role in shaping opinions on this issue.
The reliability of the sources is strong, as both the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune are established media outlets with a history of reporting on local issues. The polls referenced are conducted by reputable organizations, which adds to the credibility of the findings.
Conclusion
The claim that "only 31% of Latter-day Saints support marijuana legalization" is True. This statistic is directly supported by polling data from credible sources, reflecting the significant opposition to legalization within the LDS community compared to the general population in Utah.
