Over Half of Iowans Favor Legalizing Recreational Marijuana

A new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa poll shows that over half of Iowa residents favor legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Over three quarters of Iowans say that the state's medical marijuana program also needs to be expanded.

Iowa has been reluctant to even expand the medical side of legalized marijuana in the state, so it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that recreational use still isn't legal here. 14 states and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational pot, including neighboring Illinois. And given that Iowa's Senate and governor's office are controlled by the GOP, it could be awhile before the tides turn legally. But there is no doubt that many Iowan's feelings on the issue have changed.

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According to the new Iowa Poll, 54% of Iowa adults say that they favor legalizing marijuana for recreational use. 39% say they are opposed, while 6% aren't sure. The numbers are virtually the same as a March 2020 poll, which was the first ever to show that a majority of Iowans were in favor of legalizing marijuana. Support for legalization has grown slowly since 2013 when 68% of Iowans opposed legalization.

Currently, Iowa only has a small medical marijuana program, according to the Register. Sales of non-smokable products with specific ailments like chronic pain, cancer, and seizures are allowed. Products are sold at five dispensaries across the state. Only around 5100 people take part in the current program.

Personally, I think the time has come to legalize and decriminalize marijuana. States that already have can speak of the incredible tax revenues that come from the move. Tax it and regulate it just like you do alcohol. Do it in baby steps if you have to, but clearly, the time has come.