Fact Check: "Support for recreational marijuana in Utah has surged from 22% to 53% since 2016."
What We Know
Recent polling data indicates a significant increase in support for recreational marijuana use in Utah. A poll conducted by Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics in May 2023 found that 53% of Utahns favor legalizing recreational marijuana. This marks a notable rise from a 2016 poll by UtahPolicy.com, which indicated that only 22% of residents supported legalization, while 77% opposed it. The shift in public opinion over the years reflects changing attitudes towards marijuana, particularly as medical cannabis has been legalized in the state since 2018.
Analysis
The claim that support for recreational marijuana in Utah has surged from 22% to 53% is substantiated by reliable polling data. The 2016 survey, conducted by Dan Jones & Associates, clearly documented the low level of support at that time (Deseret News). The more recent poll showing 53% support was conducted with a sample of 805 registered voters and has a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points, which adds credibility to its findings.
The increase in support can be attributed to several factors, including the successful implementation of medical marijuana laws in Utah, which may have helped normalize the conversation around cannabis use (Deseret News). Furthermore, the broader national trend towards legalization and changing perceptions of marijuana use likely influenced local attitudes as well (Deseret News).
While the data from the 2016 and 2023 polls are directly comparable, it is essential to consider the context in which these surveys were conducted. The 2016 poll occurred before the legalization of medical marijuana in Utah, which has since contributed to a shift in public opinion.
Conclusion
The claim that support for recreational marijuana in Utah has surged from 22% to 53% since 2016 is True. The evidence from reputable polling sources confirms this significant increase in public support, reflecting broader changes in societal attitudes towards marijuana use.
