Not All Californians Support Legalization of Pot

Pot smoking has been highly debated for years, and the debate regarding casual recreational use of the drug and its applications in the treatment of pain continues.

A new poll shows that an overwhelming majority of Californians support the use of medical marijuana for those suffering from a terminal illness, but surprisingly, those supporting total legalization of the drug were in the minority. Poll results indicated that only 46 percent of voters approved legalization, while 50 percent were against it. Though most areas of the state oppose decriminalizing marijuana’s use, the San Francisco Bay area did support it, with 55 percent of residents in favor of lawful toking.

Another interesting result of the study was the disparity in how people felt about the legislation based on their age. More young people supported open use of the drug than the older population. While 50 percent of respondents aged 18-49 were in support of more leniency, only 39 percent of voters over the age of 50 agreed.

In addition to asking questions regarding the legalization of marijuana and whether it should be condoned for medical use, the poll also categorized voters’ opinions by political affiliation. Not surprisingly, 50 percent of democrats and 60 percent of independents favored the legal recreational use of marijuana, while only 28 percent of republicans felt the same.

Results of the poll are consistent with numbers from 2010, when California residents voted against Proposition 19 to legalize marijuana. In a state that fights so hard for the drug’s decriminalization, it seems ironic that not more people support the bill. Experts say the results of the poll indicate that most Californians are ok with medical marijuana but many are still concerned about the potential for abuse.