New Jersey voters will also be asked to weigh in on whether the state should legalize marijuana. Currently, 61% say they would vote for and 34% would vote against a November ballot measure to amend the state Constitution “to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called cannabis for adults at least 21 years of age” in a market overseen by a state commission. Just 5% have no opinion on this. Support comes from 74% of Democrats, 64% of independents, and 40% of Republicans.
The electorate’s intended vote on the ballot question aligns with recent trends in New Jersey voter opinion on marijuana. Overall, 64% say that in general they support legalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use, while 32% are opposed. These results are similar to polls taken in 2019 (61% support and 34% oppose) and 2018 (60% support and 35% oppose), while support has grown since 2014 (48% support and 47% oppose).
Over the past six years, Monmouth has also been asking about the specific proposal to allow adults aged 21 years or older to purchase small quantities of marijuana from businesses licensed by the state. Currently, 48% say this is a good idea, 30% say it is a bad idea, and 22% have no opinion on it either way. These results are similar to 2019 (48% good idea, 35% bad idea, 17% no opinion) and more positive than in 2014 (36% good idea, 46% bad idea, 17% no opinion).
“Support for the marijuana ballot measure is widespread in part because many who have no opinion on whether legalization is a good idea figure they might as well vote for it,” said Murray.