University of New Hampshire Poll Reveals Strong Support for Cannabis Legalization in New Hampshire
On June 20, the University of New Hampshire released the results of its latest poll, covering a range of state topics including Gov. Chris Sununu’s job performance, the most pressing statewide issue, and the hotly debated topic of cannabis legalization.
The poll revealed that a recent cannabis legalization bill, House Bill 1633, was narrowly rejected by legislators in a 178-173 vote on June 13. This bill was the only one to make significant progress in New Hampshire thus far, and if passed, would have legalized adult-use cannabis by 2026, established possession restrictions, allowed for up to 15 cannabis-selling “franchises,” and set a tax rate of 15%.
Despite the bill’s failure to pass, the poll showed that New Hampshire residents still strongly support legalization. According to the report, “Two-thirds (65%) of Granite Staters strongly (45%) or somewhat (20%) support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, 19% are strongly (11%) or somewhat (8%) opposed, 15% are neutral on the issue, and less than 1% are unsure.”
The report also noted a decrease in support for adult-use cannabis legalization from 72% in May 2023 to 65% in 2024, attributing this change to a decrease in support among Independents and Republicans. “Large majorities of self-described socialists (97%) and progressives (95%) and most libertarians (76%), liberals (72%), and moderates (66%) support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, but only 41% of conservatives agree,” the report continued. A poll from February 2022 found that 74% of residents approved of legalization.
Interestingly, the poll also revealed that only 16% of participants had heard details about HB-1633, with 45% having heard “some about it,” 28% having heard “not very much,” and 10% having heard “nothing at all.” Among the 10% who had heard nothing at all (approximately 1,060 participants), 37% strongly support legalization, while only 24% “somewhat” support it, 14% are neutral, and 23% strongly oppose it.
The poll also asked those who oppose legalization about their reasons for doing so. “Among Granite Staters opposed to the bill (N=247), only 19% oppose it because they want to legalize recreational marijuana in another way while 75% oppose the bill because they do not want to legalize recreational marijuana at all,” the results stated. “Younger opponents of the bill and self-identified Democrats are more likely to want to legalize marijuana in another way while older opponents and Republicans are more likely to not want to see marijuana legalized at all.”
The bill was approved by the House in April and the Senate in May before being killed by the committee, causing frustration among supporters of legalization.
