When it comes to marijuana reform, Wyoming is likely the last state that you think of. After all, Wyoming is the home state of Dick Cheney. That’s why I was shocked when I read an article not too long ago that named Wyoming as one of the likely states to legalize recreational marijuana next. A poll came out earlier this month that asked residents of Wyoming how they felt about marijuana reform. Recreational marijuana didn’t poll well at all (as expected), however, there was overwhelming support for medical marijuana. Per the University of Wyoming:
Thirty-five percent of survey respondents supported personal use of marijuana by adults and 60 percent opposed. At the same time, 72 percent of Wyoming residents support adult use of marijuana if prescribed by a physician, while only 25 percent oppose.
“We’ve seen referenda concerning personal marijuana use pass in Colorado, Washington state and elsewhere in recent years,” says Jim King, UW professor of political science and a co-director of the survey. “It appears that a similar movement in Wyoming would be unsuccessful.”
Survey responses concerning personal marijuana show a modest increase supporting personal marijuana use and consistency on the issue of medical marijuana use, King says.
“Our 2000 poll showed 23 percent approving legalization of marijuana in general, so, there has been a bit of a shift in public opinion on this aspect of the marijuana debate,” he says. “On the other hand, the 2000 and 2014 surveys have the same proportion of Wyoming residents, 72 percent, accepting medical marijuana use.”
With this level of support for medical marijuana, I hope someone champions the cause and leads the charge in Wyoming. And when I say medical marijuana, I mean a real medical marijuana program. One that allows more than just CBD, and one that provides for home cultivation and dispensaries. I’d imagine a lot of Wyoming residents are crossing the border into Colorado to get their meds, which is risky. Hopefully Wyoming patients get safe access sooner than later.
