Tulchin Research, in association with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Action Fund, conducted a poll June 12-17 over medical cannabis legalization and the ballot initiative process recently struck down by the Mississippi Supreme Court. Over 600 voters responded to phone calls from Tulchin Research. The voters polled were picked at random, but reflect what the normal Mississippi electorate looks like. The totals for the poll included about a third African American and an overwhelming majority of them identifying as Republicans. Only a four percent margin of error exists in this poll, which offers a precise picture of what voters want. 

Poll

The poll of Mississippi voters shows that 82 percent want at least two different ways to create laws in the state. This would be through the regular legislative process as well as citizen-sponsored ballot initiatives. However, in May, the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned a medical cannabis measure. This measure had been placed on the 2020 ballot as an initiative measure. But because of antiquated laws that had not updated as time went on, the Supreme Court voted to overturn the measure, IM 65. 

Since then, voters have protested, called for impeachment of the justices who voted against IM 65, and asked Governor Tate Reeves, R, to call for a special session. 76 percent of voters actually favor Governor Reeves calling for a special session, and want to pass the medical cannabis bill and reinstate the ballot initiative process. 

Governor

Governor Reeves currently has a 46-48 percent approval rating. For a first term governor, his next moves could determine if he will be re-elected or not. 

“The data shows (Reeves) is not in a position of strength on this issue,” said Ben Tulchin, president of Tulchin Research. “If he wants to stay in office, he should heed these numbers and listen to the will of the people.”

There have been rumors about Governor Reeves calling for a special session before the summer ends. Regardless, he wants lawmakers to have a start of a bill for ballot initiative measures and medical cannabis legalization. That way it doesn’t cost the taxpayers more money than necessary.

Future

There have been rumors about Governor Reeves calling for a special session before the summer ends. But he wants lawmakers to have a start of a bill for ballot initiative measures and medical cannabis legalization. That way it doesn’t cost the taxpayers more money than necessary.

Should Governor Reeves call for a special session, we will update you with the latest.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.