KSL Poll Confirms Over 50% of Utah Voters Support Recreational Cannabis Use

A recent statewide poll from KSL and Hinkley Institute confirms prior polling from Keep Utah Medical that more than half of Utah voters support legalizing adult-use cannabis. Public support for cannabis use is shifting fast, but an even larger majority continues to support Utah’s medical cannabis program. This support confirms what we already know: patients rely on medical cannabis to manage serious health conditions, and they need a program that is strong, accessible, and designed with their care—not recreation—in mind.

Patients Depend on a Medical Program

Medical cannabis is not about trends or preferences; it is about patients who face pain, chronic illness, or conditions that other medications cannot manage. When medical programs are overshadowed by adult-use markets, patients are often left behind. In other states, a rush to focus on recreational products has led to fewer resources for patient education, higher costs, and a shift away from medical-grade quality and care. Utah cannot afford to let that happen.

A Better Way

The founders of Keep Utah Medical believe this increased support is a result of the lack of support for Utah’s existing medical cannabis patients. Too many opt to leave the state or use illicit and untested product for their needs. There are simple solutions that can help reduce barriers, grow the program and the result is lower pricing for patients. For two years we’ve been saying the same thing:

• Expand patient access through telemedicine so patients can get medical cards without unnecessary travel and costs.

• Allow doctors to recommend cannabis to treat any condition cannabis could help, such as sleep and anxiety.

• Expand product options to match competing markets so patients are not forced to seek out-of-state or illicit products for what works best for them.

Moving Forward

Utahns want safe access to cannabis, but we must remember why the program was created: to serve patients with real medical needs. Stregthening Utah’s medical cannabis program is the best option, not ignoring it until frustrated patients push for an adult use program, like we’ve seen happen in other states, like Arizona and New Mexico.

Keep Utah Medical will continue to advocate for sensible policy changes, patient-centered improvements, and a healthcare-driven approach to cannabis in our state.