Broad Support for Legal Cannabis Across the Lone Star State
A new poll conducted by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project reveals overwhelming support for marijuana legalization among Texas voters. According to the survey, 84% of registered voters in the state believe cannabis should be legal in at least some form.
Here’s how that support breaks down:
- 35%Â believe small amounts should be legal for any purpose;
- 16%Â support full legalization for any amount and any purpose;
- 33%Â support legalization for medical purposes only.
Only 15% of respondents think marijuana should remain completely illegal.
Partisan Divide Reflects National Trends
While support for legalization spans across party lines, a clear partisan divide remains. Among Democrats, 65% favor some form of recreational legalization, with 42% backing small amounts and 23% endorsing full legalization.
Republican voters are more divided:
- 21%Â favor complete prohibition;
- 39%Â support legal cannabis use for medical purposes only;
- 40%Â are in favor of allowing recreational use to some degree.
This ideological split aligns with national polling, but also highlights the growing bipartisan shift toward drug policy reform.
Texans Want Fewer Restrictions on Cannabis
The survey also asked voters which issues they think the state should regulate less. Cannabis came in second—just behind gambling—as the area where respondents want to see fewer restrictions.
- 43%Â of Texans want less regulation of marijuana;
- 30%Â want stricter laws;
- 18%Â prefer to keep laws as they are;
- 8%Â remain unsure.
This sentiment suggests increasing frustration with existing cannabis policies, especially as more states move toward full legalization.
Hemp-Derived THC Products Face Political Backlash
Despite strong public support, Texas lawmakers are pursuing more restrictive measures. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) has prioritized legislation to ban consumable hemp products containing any amount of THC, such as delta-8 and delta-9 variants that have become popular in states with limited cannabis access.
The poll shows that 50% of voters oppose banning these products, with 35% strongly opposing the measure. Just 34%support the proposed ban.
Cities Seek Local Reform, But the State Pushes Back
Local efforts to decriminalize cannabis have gained traction in cities like Austin and San Marcos. However, state leaders are pushing legislation that would prohibit municipalities from placing drug decriminalization measures on local ballots.
A bill recently passed by a House committee would prevent cities from introducing any charter amendments or ballot items that go against state drug laws. This directly targets local initiatives that have sought to ease cannabis enforcement.
Courts have issued mixed rulings on the legality of such local efforts. While some have upheld them, a conservative appellate court panel recently sided with the state in challenges to policies in Austin and San Marcos.
Activists Set Sights on the City of Kyle
Despite growing legal resistance, marijuana reform advocates continue their efforts. The city of Kyle, Texas, may become the next battleground as activists push to get a cannabis decriminalization measure on the November ballot. Whether voters will be allowed to decide the issue remains uncertain under the proposed state restrictions.
Related Articles for Further Reading
If you’re following cannabis reform in the U.S. and abroad, explore these related stories:
- Trump Administration Ends Federal Marijuana Potency Research Contract
- Brazil Opens Public Consultation on New Medical Cannabis Rules
- New Hampshire Lawmakers Reject Cannabis Legalization in 2025 Vote
