Poll results: Majority of Vermonters support regulated and taxed cannabis sales

Three out of four Vermonters support the legalization and regulation of cannabis sales, according to a recent statewide survey.

In anticipation of a major vote by the Vermont House of Representatives on S.54, a bill that would regulate and tax the sale of cannabis in Vermont, nearly 900 residents were surveyed.

The poll, which was commissioned by the non-profit advocacy group Marijuana Policy Project, was conducted by national Democratic firm Public Policy Polling. The results show support for a commercial market across many demographic groups, including Republicans (58%), residents 65 and older (69%), and Vermont’s most educated residents (84%). 19% remain opposed.

Among other results, the survey 87% of respondents supported the continuation of medical cannabis. 

"Legalizing and regulating cannabis sales will protect consumers, and it will create jobs and economic opportunities for small businesses," said Matt Simon, New England political director at the Marijuana Policy Project, in a press release. 

More:Vermont's anti-marijuana movement: Here are the groups and lobbyists trying to stop legal sales

"It makes no sense for Vermonters to continue buying from the illicit market, or from retail stores in Massachusetts, when small businesses in Vermont are capable of producing high-quality craft cannabis."

Contact Ethan Bakuli at (802) 556-1804 or ebakuli@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BakuliEthan. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up for a digital subscription.