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A recent poll from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs found that 62 percent of Texan adults support the legalization of recreational marijuana, while 79 percent think medical marijuana with a prescription should be permitted.
Counterintuitively, however, the survey also found a majority supported banning THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) products in the state, with THC being the main stimulant in marijuana.
Why It Matters
The past few years have seen a number of states pass legislation to legalize recreational marijuana, which is now fully permitted in 24 states, while a total of 39 allow its use for medical reasons.
Although it started predominantly with Democratic-controlled states, it has since spread to Republican ones, with Montana and Missouri legalizing marijuana for recreational use over the past couple of years. Ohio voters approved a plan to follow suit in November, though a similar proposal failed to meet the required threshold in Florida.
If Texas were to legalize recreational marijuana it would be by some margin the largest Republican controlled state to do so. However policy currently appears to be moving in the opposite direction, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reportedly making banning THC consumables, such as gummies and smokable flowers, one of his top policy priorities for 2025.
Newsweek contacted Patrick and Governor Greg Abbott for comment on Thursday via a media inquiry form and email, respectively, outside of regular office hours.
What to Know
The University of Houston surveyed 1,200 Texan adults between January 13 and 21 in English and Spanish, with the poll having a 2.8 percentage point margin of error. The survey found that 62 percent of Texans back legalizing the sale and possession of recreational marijuana, 69 percent support decriminalizing possession of marijuana for personal use, and 79 percent back legalization of medical marijuana with a prescription.
Legalizing marijuana for personal use had cross-party support, according to the survey, with 53 percent of Republicans, 63 percent of independents and 79 percent of Democrats being in favor. For medical marijuana the corresponding figures backing legalization were 75 percent of Republicans, 73 percent of independents and 86 percent of Democrats.
A person smokes marijuana at Washington Square Park in New York City on April 20, 2024.
A person smokes marijuana at Washington Square Park in New York City on April 20, 2024.
LEONARDO MUNOZ/AFP/GETTY
According to current Texas law possession of two ounces or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in prison and a $2,000 fine. For two to four ounces the maximum penalty is one year of incarceration or a $4,000 fine. Possession of larger quantities is a felony and attracts significantly higher penalties.
The survey found 55 percent of Texans, including 61 percent of Republicans and 48 percent of Democrats, back a ban on THC consumables. This suggests there was some confusion during polling as THC is the main stimulant in marijuana.
An agricultural hemp law passed in 2019 by the Texas Legislature was widely attributed to the state’s surging THC industry. Under the legislation hemp is defined as having a maximum THC level of 0.3 percent by dry weight.
What People Are Saying
Speaking to The Houston Chronicle, Heather Fazio, who heads Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, said: “The inconsistent polling numbers show that Texans are confused about cannabis policy, and that our laws are inconsistent and ineffective. What is clear is that Texans oppose prohibition.”
Lieutenant Governor Patrick reacted only to the part of the poll on THC products in an X post, saying: “This is a huge polling number on the issue of banning THC, right out of the box. Texans see these stores everywhere: in their neighborhoods and especially around schools where children have easy access. People simply don’t want them around.
“Once our Senate hearings begin, the full facts will come out. There are over 8,000 locations, almost all opening in just the last few years, selling dangerous amounts of THC to kids and adults alike.”
What Happens Next
Patrick has vowed to push legislation banning THC products in Texas this year, setting him on a collision course with activists who think marijuana should be outright legalized for personal use.
The University of Houston poll suggests some public confusion on the issue, meaning exactly how this plays out politically could be unpredictable.
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