Poll Finds Majority of Rhode Islanders Support Legalizing Marijuana

A recent poll conducted by Public Policy Polling found that 59-percent of Rhode Island residents support legalizing recreational marijuana. Given the state’s population, that averages to 3 out of every 5 people supporting recreational marijuana.

Answers were collected from January 27 through 31, according to Providence Journal. The survey was given to 759 registered Rhode Island voters. In the last five years, support for legal recreational marijuana in the state has increased 7-percent.

Jared Moffat or Regulate Rhode Island is satisfied with the poll’s results. Lawmakers are working to change the state’s law regarding marijuana. Moffat believes that “if our legislature doesn’t pass a bill this year, we’re going to fall behind.”

Providence Democrats Representative Scott Slater and Senator Josh Miller are expected to file a legalization bill this week. Approval would go through the state’s legislative process as it is not a voter-initiative state. The General Assembly has made the recent changes to the state’s marijuana policy.

A few lawmakers, like Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed are undecided on legal recreational marijuana. House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello shares her opinion. Governor Gina Raimondo, however, doesn’t think that Rhode Island is ready for recreational marijuana legalization.