Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Marijuana businesses are currently banned by ordinance in unincorporated areas of Marion County. But an initial poll paid for by a marijuana business hoping to expand locally shows that voters may reject the ban when it's up for a vote in November.
The poll by the Salem-based Nelson Report showed there is a "narrow and consistent" majority of county voters who oppose a local ban on sale and production of marijuana. According to the poll, 45 percent of voters would support, and 49 percent would oppose the ban.
The poll also showed that county voters "strongly favor" adding a 3 percent countywide retail sales tax on marijuana products, with 65 percent supporting the tax. The Salem City Council will vote Monday evening on whether to put such a tax on the ballot.
A poll analysis by Nelson Report shows that because few respondents fell into the "undecided" category, county voters have largely made up their minds about marijuana legalization.
A slim majority of voters remain opposed to legalization - 48 percent against versus 47 percent for it. However, the analysis showed a ban on marijuana businesses is likely to fail at the ballot if the economic benefits of the marijuana industry is articulated to voters.
The poll was paid for by Toronto-based Golden Leaf Holdings, which makes high-strength marijuana extracts. The company sought expansion in Marion County near Aurora, but was shut out because of the ban.
Through Beau Whitney, an economist and Gold Leaf's vice president of government and compliance, the company has released reports on what it says are the benefits of the marijuana businesses - and the potential losses associated with banning pot entrepreneurs.
Whitney said in an email that he wants to go over the poll results with the Marion County Commissioners. It wouldn't be the first time they have met.
Whitney hopes to persuade the commissioners to lift the ban ordinance, or hold more public forums on the issue. Cancelling the ordinance will have a "tremendous economic and revenue based benefits for the county," Whitney said.
Marion County's ban on the production and sale of marijuana in unincorporated areas will be on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Poll information: According to the Nelson Report, the poll surveyed 384 voters by telephone between April 13 and 16. Respondents were contacted via a list of registered voters and given a 15 minute questionnaire. The margin of error is +/- 5 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Poll Shows Marion County Voters Rejecting Pot Business Ban
Author: Gordon Friedman
Contact: Statesman Journal
Photo Credit: Haven Daley
Website: Statesman Journal
The poll by the Salem-based Nelson Report showed there is a "narrow and consistent" majority of county voters who oppose a local ban on sale and production of marijuana. According to the poll, 45 percent of voters would support, and 49 percent would oppose the ban.
The poll also showed that county voters "strongly favor" adding a 3 percent countywide retail sales tax on marijuana products, with 65 percent supporting the tax. The Salem City Council will vote Monday evening on whether to put such a tax on the ballot.
A poll analysis by Nelson Report shows that because few respondents fell into the "undecided" category, county voters have largely made up their minds about marijuana legalization.
A slim majority of voters remain opposed to legalization - 48 percent against versus 47 percent for it. However, the analysis showed a ban on marijuana businesses is likely to fail at the ballot if the economic benefits of the marijuana industry is articulated to voters.
The poll was paid for by Toronto-based Golden Leaf Holdings, which makes high-strength marijuana extracts. The company sought expansion in Marion County near Aurora, but was shut out because of the ban.
Through Beau Whitney, an economist and Gold Leaf's vice president of government and compliance, the company has released reports on what it says are the benefits of the marijuana businesses - and the potential losses associated with banning pot entrepreneurs.
Whitney said in an email that he wants to go over the poll results with the Marion County Commissioners. It wouldn't be the first time they have met.
Whitney hopes to persuade the commissioners to lift the ban ordinance, or hold more public forums on the issue. Cancelling the ordinance will have a "tremendous economic and revenue based benefits for the county," Whitney said.
Marion County's ban on the production and sale of marijuana in unincorporated areas will be on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Poll information: According to the Nelson Report, the poll surveyed 384 voters by telephone between April 13 and 16. Respondents were contacted via a list of registered voters and given a 15 minute questionnaire. The margin of error is +/- 5 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Poll Shows Marion County Voters Rejecting Pot Business Ban
Author: Gordon Friedman
Contact: Statesman Journal
Photo Credit: Haven Daley
Website: Statesman Journal
