POLL: Most Arizona Voters Satisfied with Legal Marijuana Revenue — But Want More for Schools

Most Arizona Voters Satisfied with Legal Marijuana Revenue — But Want More for Schools

61% Satisfied; 69% Say More Revenue Should Fund Public Education

PHOENIX (September 18th, 2025) – Five years after Arizona voters approved Proposition 207 to legalize recreational marijuana, a new AZPOP survey from OH Predictive Insights finds 61% of registered voters satisfied with the tax revenue generated by cannabis sales — but a significant 69% believe more of the funds should be directed toward public education, according to the survey.

Since recreational marijuana sales began in January 2021, Arizona has collected more than $800 million in cannabis excise taxes. Under the terms of Proposition 207, the revenue is divided among community college districts (33%), police and fire public safety programs (31.4%), the highway user revenue fund (25%), and the justice reinvestment fund (10%). Public K-12 education does not receive a direct allocation from marijuana tax revenues.

The survey finds that voter satisfaction with legal marijuana has increased since legalization. Sixty-eight percent of Arizona voters now support having legal recreational marijuana — up from 60% who voted for Prop 207 in 2020. Opposition has decreased from 40% to 27%, with 5% having no opinion. This 8-point increase in support over five years is consistent with trends in other states that have legalized marijuana.

Among voters who opposed legalization in 2020, 31% say they have since changed their view to support it, while only 8% of original supporters have become opponents — a net shift strongly in the direction of increased acceptance.

"Arizona's marijuana legalization has followed the classic pattern of controversial policies that produce a 'normalization effect,'" says OHPI Chief of Research Mike Noble. "Once people see that the sky didn't fall, opposition softens and support grows."

On the question of revenue allocation, the survey reveals strong voter sentiment in favor of directing more marijuana tax dollars to public education. Sixty-nine percent say K-12 schools should receive a direct allocation from cannabis revenues. Fifty-four percent favor increasing the public safety allocation. Forty-eight percent support dedicating a portion of revenues to drug treatment and addiction services — an interesting finding, given that this was a major argument made by opponents of legalization.

The survey also probed voter sentiment about the cannabis industry itself. Fifty-eight percent have a generally positive view of the Arizona marijuana industry, 24% are neutral, and 18% have a negative view. Concerns about youth access remain significant: 71% support stricter enforcement of age verification requirements for cannabis purchases, and 64% support restrictions on cannabis advertising visible to minors.

Employment impacts have been positive in voters' assessments: 67% believe the legal marijuana industry has created jobs and economic activity, and 72% believe it has reduced illegal drug market activity.

Methodology: AZPOP conducted September 13–15, 2025. Blended 47% Live Caller / 53% IVR. Arizona Registered Voters. n=600 with ±4.0% MOE.

Media Contacts:
Mike Noble, OH Predictive Insights, [email protected], (480) 313-1837
Jacob Joss, OH Predictive Insights, [email protected], (602) 687-3034