Skip to content Skip to footer

Positive sentiment dominant ahead of New Zealand cannabis referendum

Positive sentiment dominant ahead of New Zealand cannabis referendum
Share this story

August 4th, 2020

Arnau Valdovinos


 

While the poll results show that the Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns are head-to-head in the run-up to the New Zealand cannabis referendum taking place on the 19 September, the online conversation has been predominantly favourable to cannabis legalisation.

In the last two years, we have observed a clear rising trend in average passion score (a metric measuring the intensity of sentiment in online conversations) around the topic of cannabis legalisation. This trend coincides with the falling number of undecided voters in the surveys, showing increased political polarisation and intensification of campaigns and endorsements, which range from Snoop Dogg to former Prime Minister Helen Clark.

While men dominate the online conversation on the referendum responsible for 69% of posts, women show a higher positive sentiment towards the topic of cannabis legalisation with 62% positivity versus 51% positivity for men. A similar finding of a recent poll showed that women were more likely to favour legalisation than men (59% vs 51%), while the Maori are also overwhelmingly in favour of the adult-use bill with 72% in support.

Given that the referendum coincides with a general election (with a typical turn-out of around 80%) a wide majority of New Zealanders are expected to take part in the cannabis referendum. With surveys suggesting a close vote, the campaign will likely be swung by the ‘undecided’ vote.

For more in-depth information, consumer data and strategic support, contact the Prohibition Partners consultancy team at info@prohibitionpartners.com or download one of our industry-leading reports.

 

Recent posts
January 31, 2024
New Reforms Set to Send Israeli Medical Cannabis Patient Numbers Soaring – Industry Growth to Follow
January 31, 2024
LAUNCHING TODAY | The Israeli Cannabis Report
January 23, 2024
LAUNCHING TODAY | Oceania Regulatory Report
December 14, 2023
LAUNCHING TODAY | The Global Cannabis Report: 4th Edition

Catch up on our newest articles that you might have missed

israel cannabis reform
January 31, 2024
New Reforms Set to Send Israeli Medical Cannabis Patient Numbers Soaring – Industry Growth to Follow
The number of Israeli patients using medical cannabis is set to soar by 2027, as imminent reforms will make it...
Israel cannabis
January 31, 2024
LAUNCHING TODAY | The Israeli Cannabis Report
Prohibition Partners are proud to announce the publication of The Israeli Cannabis Report.  This report delves into the intricate journey...
WEB_slider-Oceania-report_2
January 23, 2024
LAUNCHING TODAY | Oceania Regulatory Report
Prohibition Partners are proud to announce the publication of the Oceania Regulatory Report today. This report provides a current regulatory...
luke-stackpoole-5Qqkjn4PFPA-unsplash
December 14, 2023
LAUNCHING TODAY | The Global Cannabis Report: 4th Edition
Prohibition Partners are proud to announce the publication of The Global Cannabis Report: 4th Edition. The legal cannabis industry in...