A new poll reveals that a large majority of Texas voters, across party lines, favor decriminalizing marijuana.
According to the survey by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project, more voters in Texas support decriminalizing marijuana than do relaxing rules on guns, gambling, or abortion.
When asked if penalties for cannabis possession or use should be downgraded to just a citation and fine, 68% of respondents backed the idea, with 42% expressing “strong” support. This reform received approval from a majority of Democrats (81%), Republicans (59%), and independents (61%).
The poll also measured opinions on the strictness of various laws, with half of the participants (50%) favoring fewer restrictions on marijuana. Only 25% called for stricter cannabis laws, while 18% preferred keeping the current regulations. By comparison, 49% of voters supported loosening abortion restrictions, 34% backed easing gambling rules, 22% wanted less strict voting laws, and just 13% said gun laws should be relaxed. In contrast, 58% of Texans advocated for tighter gun regulations, even in the state’s conservative landscape.
The poll comes as voters in three different Texas cities —Dallas, Lockhart and Bastrop— prepare to consider marijuana decriminalization ordinances this November.
For more information on the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll, click here.
