Legalizing Marijuana in Arizona Gains Momentum

If Arizonans want to legalize marijuana in their state, the pro-pot lobby needs to step up their efforts in the final weeks leading up to the general election.

According to a newly-released survey conducted by Owens Harkey Advertising, the legalization of marijuana is increasing in popularity in the Grand Canyon State. Arizona's neighboring state, Colorado, has already legalized marijuana.

“As the heavily funded pro- and anti-marijuana campaigns are well under way, the legalization effort seems to only be half-baked. The pro-legalization team has a lot of work to do to overcome lackluster polling numbers.”- Mike Noble, managing partner of OH Predictive Insights and chief pollster.

43 percent of those surveyed in September want to legalize pot, whereas in August, only 40 percent backed the measure.

There is an upward trend in favor of legalizing marijuana, but will the incremental uptick of support be enough on election night?

"At the ballot box this November, Arizona voters will make a decision of great significance whether or not to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Before voters make their decision, I hope they will look to other states that have decriminalized recreational marijuana, and that are now seeing the avalanche of unintended consequences."-U.S. Representative David Schweikert (R) (statement)

"I think it's critical that Arizona voters have the right to decide for themselves about marijuana legalization, just as they did when they passed Prop. 203 in 2010, which legalized medical marijuana in our state...As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the need for tough policies to ensure marijuana stays out of the hands of children and that we crack down on use while driving."-Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D) (NT)