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Do a majority of Wisconsinites support legalizing marijuana?

By Hope Karnopp
YES

Just under two-thirds (64%) of registered voters support legalizing marijuana, according to a Marquette Law School Poll released Nov. 2, 2022.

Democrats and independents were more likely to support legalization, at 82% and 67%, compared to 43% of Republicans. 

An August release of the poll found 69% of Wisconsinites supported marijuana legalization.

Five cities and three counties in Wisconsin — including Kenosha, Stevens Point and Dane County — put non-binding referendums about statewide marijuana legalization on their Nov. 8, 2022 ballots.

In Dane County, about 82% of voters supported legalizing marijuana and expunging convictions for possessing small amounts of marijuana. About 72% of Kenosha voters and 64% of Stevens Point voters also supported legalization statewide.

Gov. Tony Evers said he will include marijuana legalization in his next state budget proposal, although Republicans have blocked such proposals in the past.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu has said there is not enough support among Republicans for recreational or medical legalization.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
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