While a new survey indicates the majority of Texans want to see marijuana legalized for medical and recreational purposes, the proportion appears to have dropped.
A Hobby School of Public Affairs survey of adult Texans was conducted between January 13-20, 2025 with 1,200 participants. It asked a range of questions relating to budget priorities, education, immigration, border security, gambling and marijuana legalization.
On the issue of medical marijuana, it found 79% of Texans support legalizing its sale and use in Texas for a wide range of medical purposes; and with a with a doctor’s prescription.
On marijuana decriminalisation, 69% supported legislation decriminalizing the possession of marijuana for personal use in Texas by those 21 and older. The penalty would be similar to a ticket for a minor traffic violation.
When it came to recreational marijuana, 62% supported legislation legalizing its sale and use for recreational purposes by those 21 and older.
On the thorny topic of a proposed THC ban, 55% of Texans supported a ban on the currently unregulated sale by retail outlets taking advantage of a loophole in existing laws.
The survey report on the marijuana issues covered can be found here.
In December 2024, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said he was backing a bill that would see all forms of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC banned from being sold in Texas. In January this year, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller – a huge supporter of hemp – said he was under pressure to oppose the ban, but backed the Lieutenant Governor.
A previous Hobby School survey in 2023 found 82% of Texans were supportive of legalizing marijuana for broad medical use, and 67% approved of legalizing marijuana for recreational use by people 21 and older – so, there has been a drop in support on both issues.
Access to medical cannabis in Texas is currently very limited. In 2015, the state passed the Compassionate-Use Act; allowing the first legal use of low-THC cannabis products in the state for patients with intractable epilepsy. It was subsequently expanded in 2019 and 2021 to include other qualifying conditions.
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