Final answer:
The question relates to the sample size needed for a statistical opinion poll regarding marijuana decriminalization and reflects an increased public support for such measures, influenced by a more-informed public and social justice considerations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question poses a statistical challenge related to sampling for public opinion on an issue, specifically the decriminalization of marijuana. While the quest for the sample size requires an understanding of probability theory and statistical formulas, which were not included in the student's question, we can still discuss the importance of a large enough sample to reflect the population's opinion with a high confidence level.
Recent public opinion polling indicates a significant shift in attitudes towards marijuana, with growing support for its decriminalization. Factors influencing this change include more-informed understanding of marijuana's effects, social movements, and data showing disproportionate arrest rates along racial lines. This context plays a crucial role in the decisions politicians make when considering their stance on marijuana laws.
It is common for legislators and candidates, especially those adhering to delegate representation, to conduct polls before significant votes to understand public opinion. In this instance, a politician is using a private opinion poll to gauge the proportion of the population that favors decriminalizing marijuana possession