Texas Voters Overwhelmingly Support Marijuana Legalization: What the Latest Poll Reveals about the State’s Shifting Cannabis Landscape
Introduction
The debate over marijuana legalization in Texas has reached a pivotal moment. The latest poll from the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project delivers a powerful message: a staggering 80% of Texas voters are in favour of legalizing marijuana in some way. This overwhelming support signals a significant shift in public attitudes, even as state lawmakers continue to grapple with how to regulate cannabis and related products.
Poll Results: Texans Want Change
The poll, conducted among 1,200 registered voters in Texas between April 18 and April 28, 2025, reveals that 84% of respondents favour legalizing marijuana under certain circumstances. The breakdown of opinions is telling:
35% believe small amounts of marijuana should be legal for any purpose.
16% support legalizing any amount for any purpose, effectively endorsing full recreational legalization.
33% back legalization strictly for medical purposes.
Only 15% of individuals think marijuana possession should be prohibited in all cases.
These numbers highlight a broad consensus that transcends simple party lines, although some partisan differences remain.
Partisan Differences: Democrats Lead, but Republicans Shift
As with many issues, marijuana legalization divides along party lines, but the gap is narrowing. The poll found that:
Sixty-five percent of Democrats are in favour of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, with 42% supporting small amounts and 23% backing any amount.
Republicans are more divided: 21% favour complete prohibition, 39% support legalization for medicinal use only, and 40% are open to some form of recreational legalization.
This data suggests that while Democrats are more likely to favour sweeping reforms, a significant portion of the Republican base is also open to at least partial legalization, particularly for medical purposes.
Regulation Preferences: Less is more
When asked about state regulation, 43% of voters said marijuana should be regulated less strictly, making it the second most popular issue for deregulation among options like guns, abortion, gambling, immigration, and voting. In contrast, 30% want stricter regulation, 18% prefer the status quo, and 8% remain undecided.
Hemp-Derived Products: Voters Oppose State Crackdown
The poll also addressed the contentious issue of hemp-derived THC products, which have become increasingly popular in Texas. Despite legislative efforts led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to ban consumable hemp products containing any amount of THC, 50% of voters oppose such a ban, compared to 34% in favour. Notably, 35% “strongly” oppose outlawing the production and sale of these products, indicating robust resistance to further restrictions.
Legislative and Legal Battles: State vs. Local Control
Despite mounting public support, Texas lawmakers remain hesitant to enact broad reforms. Recent legislative moves include:
Senate-Passed Bill to Limit Local Initiatives: The Texas Senate approved a bill that would prevent cities from placing marijuana decriminalization measures on local ballots, targeting cities like Austin and San Marcos that have already enacted such reforms.
Governor Abbott’s Stance: Governor Greg Abbott has criticized local cannabis reform efforts, arguing that only the state legislature has the authority to change drug laws. He warns that allowing cities to set their own policies could result in legal “chaos.”
Ongoing Legal Challenges: Some local decriminalization measures have survived court challenges, but recent appellate court decisions have favoured the state, creating uncertainty for cities that have passed or are considering similar reforms.
Grassroots Activism: Local Efforts Continue
Despite state-level resistance, grassroots activists remain undeterred. Organizations like Ground Game Texas continue to push for local decriminalization initiatives. Their efforts have already resulted in successful ballot measures in several cities, and they are now targeting new locations such as Kyle for upcoming elections.
These local campaigns have had tangible effects, including:
- Reducing Arrests: Decriminalization measures have kept hundreds of Texans out of jail for minor marijuana offenses.
- Increasing Voter Engagement: Ballot initiatives on cannabis reform have driven higher voter turnout, particularly among younger and more progressive voters.
- Sparking Backlash: Some law enforcement agencies have resisted these reforms, and legal battles continue over the extent of local authority.
The Bigger Picture: Texas in the National Context
The changing attitude toward cannabis in Texas is part of a wider movement happening nationwide. Across the United States, more Americans now report using marijuana daily than drinking alcohol, and a growing number of states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use. Texas, with its large population and political influence, is a key battleground in the ongoing debate over marijuana policy.
Legislative Outlook: What’s next for Texas Cannabis Laws?
- The 2025 legislative session is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of cannabis policy in Texas.
- A number of policy options are currently under consideration by lawmakers, including:
Bills to Expand Medical Marijuana Access
Measures to Decriminalize or Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
Proposals to Ban All Consumable Hemp Products Containing THC
Adjustments to Existing Medical Marijuana Laws
Notably, Rep. Joe Moody has introduced a bill to decriminalize cannabis state-wide, building on previous efforts that passed the House but stalled in the Senate. Meanwhile, other bills aim to prepare Texas for potential federal approval of therapeutic psychedelics, signalling a broader reconsideration of drug policy in the state.
Conclusion: A State at a Crossroads
The latest poll underscores a profound shift in how Texans view marijuana. With 84% of voters supporting some form of legalization and strong opposition to further restrictions on hemp-derived products, the pressure on lawmakers to act is mounting. Yet, political resistance and legal challenges remain formidable obstacles.
With a new legislative session underway, the fate of cannabis policy in Texas remains uncertain. Will lawmakers heed the will of their constituents, or will the state continue to lag behind national trends? One thing is clear: the conversation around marijuana in Texas is far from over, and the next few years could bring historic changes to the Lone Star State’s approach to cannabis.