A new University of the Texas Politics Project Poll reveals that a vast majority of Texas voters support the legalization of marijuana in some form, signaling growing public pressure for policy change in one of the nation’s most restrictive states on cannabis.
The survey, conducted between April 18 and 28, found that 84% of registered voters favor legalizing cannabis under certain circumstances. While 35% support legalizing small amounts for any use, 16% back full legalization without quantity limits, and another 33% endorse medical use only. Just 15% of respondents said marijuana should remain entirely illegal.
The data also highlights a persistent partisan divide. Nearly two-thirds of Democrats support legal recreational use, while Republicans are split—21% favor total prohibition, 39% prefer medical-only legalization, and 40% support some level of recreational use.
Texans are also signaling resistance to further restrictions. When asked how cannabis should be regulated, 43% of voters said they want fewer regulations, compared to 30% who favor stricter laws. Only 18% said existing rules should remain unchanged.
Efforts to ban hemp-derived THC products—a legislative priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R)—are proving unpopular with voters. Half of those surveyed oppose outlawing the production and sale of such products, with 35% “strongly” opposed.
Despite this clear trend in public opinion, Texas lawmakers continue to push back against local reform efforts. A House committee recently advanced a Senate bill that would prevent cities from placing marijuana decriminalization initiatives on local ballots. The bill would reinforce the state’s authority over drug policy, overriding municipal laws already enacted in cities like Austin and San Marcos.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has criticized local reforms as chaotic and legally unsound, though he has previously expressed skepticism about jailing people for minor marijuana offenses.
Activists, meanwhile, are pressing forward, with plans to introduce a decriminalization measure in the city of Kyle this November. Though statewide reform has stalled repeatedly in the Senate, momentum among voters—and persistent local efforts—suggest that cannabis policy will remain a key issue in Texas politics
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