Oregon is currently facing one of the closest health-related races as the state tries to decide for marijuana legalization for recreation and GMO labeling.
The state still has about a week to go before the final decision, but based on the new Oregonian poll released on Tuesday, October 28, it's a tough call for both measures 91 and 92.
Measure 91 is the legalization of marijuana for recreation. According to the poll, while 44% are in favor of it, it still trails behind by 2% against those who are not. The remaining percentage accounts for people who still remain undecided.
Breaking the results into several factors such as demographics, one can also see the significant disparity between the measure's supporters and non-supporters. Most of the under 35 years old who voted in the poll favored its legalization. Only 30% among the over the 65 group favor recreational marijuana in the state.
Nevertheless, as far as financial support is concerned, the yes have it, especially after receiving over a million dollars from Drug Policy Action, an organization that is also supporting other marijuana legalizations in other states such as Florida and the nation's capital Washington DC, whether the use is for recreation or medicinal.
States that have already decriminalized marijuana use are Alaska, California, Connecticut, and Maine, to name a few. It's still illegal in states such as Louisiana and Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, measure 92, or GMO labeling, is about 6 points behind the no vote, at 42% against 48%. More than 5% of the voters remain undecided. The measure aims to compel food manufacturers to disclose if their products have GMO (genetically modified organism) ingredients. Other countries have already voted in favor of disclosure. In the United States, it remains a hotly contested subject, along with regulation and health safety.
However, if Oregon succeeds in passing it, it will be the first state to have a clear law about it. Thus, this fight is strictly monitored and well funded, with the no gathering over $16 million, including a massive 4 million from DuPont Pioneer.