When Maryland voters go to the polls during the November election, one issue they will decide is whether to legalize recreational marijuana in Maryland. If the results of a recent poll are any indication, the measure is destined to easily win approval.

A survey of Maryland voters done by The Washington Post and the University of Maryland found that about three in four Maryland voters – 73 percent – support legalizing marijuana. While polls have been known to miss the mark, especially in recent elections, that large of a survey margin is typically a good indicator of how the vote will go.

The ballot measure, if passed, would make marijuana use by those 21 and over legal in Maryland for recreational purposes. It also directs state officials to create a state-regulated market to oversee the production, sale and use of recreational marijuana in Maryland.

Recreational Marijuana in Maryland Gets Widespread Support

The poll surveyed 810 registered voters by phone between Sept. 22 and Sept. 27. The findings indicated that support for the measure is as diverse as it is widespread. The survey found support for the measure across every voter demographic.

The highest levels of support came from Democrats (78 percent), independents (81 percent) and those under 40 (87 percent). However, the measure also won support from Republicans in Maryland (53 percent) and those over the age of 65 (52 percent).

In terms of race, both white people (70 percent) and Black people (77 percent) support the measure.

“The thing that stood out to me is the high level of support and the diversity of support,” Michael Hanmer, director of University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement, told Marijuana Moment.  “Whether you look across party, region, almost every characteristic, you see majorities supporting this.”

He added that this is increasingly the trend across the county as people shift their views on the use of cannabis. Nationwide, about two-thirds of all Americans support legalization. A recent poll also found that they believe cannabis is better for society than alcohol.

Five States to Consider Legalizing Marijuana

On Nov. 8, voters in five states will decide whether to legalize recreational cannabis in their state. They are Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota. This is the second go around for South Dakota. Voters there approved legal cannabis in 2020, only to have the election result thrown out in court.

A measure to consider legalization in Oklahoma failed to make the ballot because all the signatures did not get counted in time.

The Maryland measure is an amendment to the state’s constitution. It calls for legalized recreational cannabis as well as directing state lawmakers to pass further legislation to create a regulated adult-use cannabis market.