Poll - 2018-06-06 | Las Vegas Advisor

It's been 18 months since we ran our last poll on marijuana (11/16/16); it's also nearing a year since recreational cannabis has been legal in Nevada. This is a sort of follow-up poll to match the results of the pre-legal survey with the initial reality of pot in Vegas. So question changes from, "Will the recently passed law on weed affect the way you feel about Las Vegas or your plans to visit the casinos in general?" to "Has the new legality of recreational marijuana changed the way you feel about or your travel habits to Las Vegas.

One choice should sum up your position. Or if none of the choices apply to you (as suggested in the poll preview), you can explain your reason via the comment boxes; all comments are, as always, much appreciated.

1138 Total Votes

Non-issue: Compared to parking and resort fees, 6-5 blackjack, and triple-zero roulette, it's the least of my concerns.

44% (504)

It's okay by me either way, though I don't really want to see or smell it.

19% (211)

I don't like that it's legal and I avoid it at all costs while I'm there, but I still visit.

12% (134)

I love that it's legal and I partake when I visit.

8% (95)

By itself, it's not enough to stop coming, but combined with all the nickel and diming, it was my last straw.

6% (66)

The second-hand smoke is bothersome enough to me that I've been thinking about scaling back my visits.

4% (44)

I hate it and because of it, I've given up on Las Vegas for good.

3% (39)

I worry about workplace drug testing; if I'm around too much second-hand pot smoke, it might affect random test results.

3% (31)

On my next trip to Vegas, I plan on trying the wacky weed for the first time.

1% (14)

Analysis

A clear majority (44% "non-issue," plus 8% "love it" and 1% "plan on trying") is on the affirmative side. Another 8% steers clear when possible, but is otherwise unaffected. So we add it all up to 61% of voters are either positive or neutral about legal cannabis in Las Vegas.

We thought that 21% on the negative side (12% "don't like that it's legal," 6% "last straw," and 3% "hate it/given up for good") seemed a little high, perhaps, but consciousness-altering substances do tend to arouse strong opinions and passions.

Second-hand smoke is definitely an issue. This issue is beyond our purview and we're sure there's plenty of evidence for and against second-hand smoke affecting drug tests, but we can certainly see how, if you're subjected to workplace scrutiny, it would be a serious matter of concern.

In the end, our results on the positive side closely match those of a recent Quinnipiac University poll, in which 63% of respondents support legalization. Our results differ slightly on the negative side (21% to 33% Quinnipiac), though their poll was specifically about legalization and that's not no longer the issue here.

Notably, our poll received 1,138 responses, while Quinnipiac polled 1,193 people. Ours is only slightly less -- which shows that everyone who votes in our poll rocks!

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

Comments

ocliffgirl62 Jun-06-2018

Non-smoker

It's bad enough to go home with all your clothes smelling of smoke, but smelling of marijuana, too, no thank you!

Robin Heller Jun-06-2018

Different concerns

My main worry is drivers under the influence. I am always worried about driving in Las Vegas because of alcohol and distractions, this just gives me another one to add to the list!

Brian Wagner Jun-06-2018

Out in the open

What surprised me is the use of the product out in the open. It's being smoked on busy strip side walks, in parking garages, and even by a hotel fast food employee on the pedestrian bridge between the parking garage and casino of the hotel I stay at. It doesn't bother me so much that it's legal. Just keep it out of public areas.

Dan McGlasson Jun-06-2018

Same as alcohol

Pot has the same effect as alcohol.  You should not drive under the influence of either, and if consumption of alcohol is avoided in an area so should consumption of pot.  The one big difference is the smell, and pot smokers should use courtesy (just as tobacco product smokers) to avoid closed in areas for consumption.  Outside in the open (sidewalks, etc), go for it.  In elevators, passage ways, etc, just be courteous.  Still not ready for a VP player sitting next to me to light up a blunt, but I know that day is coming!

Dave Jun-07-2018

No vote. No choice applied to me.

While I've been to town three times since legalization, I've yet to partake, despite being a somewhat heavy recreational pot smoker in my younger days.

When / if I ever do, it will be in the form of edibles, since I'd be nervous about finding a legal location to smoke. 

On the other hand, I have no idea of the dosage for edibles, which is part of what's been keeping me from trying it already. Yes, I realize the clerks/salespeople at the dispensaries are knowledgeable about that, but that doesn't make my decision any easier.

Also note that, while supposedly illegal to smoke in public, I frequently find myself catching the unmistakable sweet smell of pot, and will steer myself into the cloud and breathe deeply to try to get a minor high that second hand pot smoke can provide.

Gary Jun-23-2018

It stinks

Pot smoke smells skunky and it seems like since the law has passed you smell it everywhere! Whether you're walking down the street or getting out of the elevator going to your room (even on the non-smoking floors). One day, It would be nice not to smell cigarette smoke or now skunky smoke anywhere in Las Vegas.

James Mason Jun-23-2018

A funny for everyone

A friend of mine was pulled over by a state trooper in Colorado(of course he was stoned) The trooper demands"Do you know how fast your were going" my friend foolishly replies "I don't know 60?" Trooper: NO 10mph. I never did hear how much the ticket was.

Poll : 06 June - 19 June 2018

Analysis

Comments