A new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll shows a growing shift in public opinion around marijuana policy in Utah, with a majority of registered voters now expressing support for legalizing recreational cannabis.
The survey, conducted last month among 805 registered voters, found that 53% support some form of legalization for adult use—a notable increase from 40% who said the same in a similar 2023 poll. The results suggest momentum is building in the deeply conservative state, where adult-use legalization has historically faced strong opposition.
While recreational cannabis remains illegal in Utah, medical marijuana has been allowed since voters approved a ballot initiative in 2018. That law continues to enjoy broad support, with 77% of respondents saying they back the state’s current medical cannabis program.
Despite growing public support, state lawmakers have yet to introduce serious legislation to legalize marijuana for adult use. Utah’s leadership has traditionally resisted broader cannabis reforms, citing concerns around public health, impaired driving, and federal law.
Still, the new data may prompt fresh debate as support for legalization continues to rise among voters across age and party lines.
