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A narrow majority of Marylanders support legalizing marijuana, and more than eight in 10 say the consequences for possessing small amounts of the drug should be fines or rehabilitation rather than jail time, according to a new poll. The Goucher Poll also found that nine out of 10 citizens support use of marijuana for medical purposes, if prescribed by a doctor.
Based on the poll findings, decriminalization of marijuana "will be an issue to watch" in the upcoming legislative session, said Mileah Kromer, director of the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center at Goucher University. During this year's legislative session, Maryland lawmakers passed a bill authorizing distribution of marijuana for medical purposes by qualified academic centers. Legislative analysts have said it is unlikely the drug would be legally dispensed before 2016, and it remains unclear how many institutions will participate.
A separate bill passed the Senate this year that would have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, subjecting those caught to only a civil fine of up to $100. That legislation died in the House of Delegates. Supporters have vowed to try again when lawmakers reconvene in January. The Goucher poll found that 51 percent of Marylanders support making marijuana use legal in the state, while 40 percent oppose legalization.
When presented with a list of consequences for possessing small amounts of marijuana, 49 percent of residents supported policies that focus on fines, while 34 percent said they favor rehabilitation. Six percent said they prefer measures that focus on jail time. Meanwhile, 90 percent support the use of marijuana for medical purposes, according to the poll.
News Hawk - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Washingtonpost.com
Author: John Wagner
Contact: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Website: Poll: Majority of Marylanders favor legalization of marijuana, consequences other than jail - The Washington Post
Based on the poll findings, decriminalization of marijuana "will be an issue to watch" in the upcoming legislative session, said Mileah Kromer, director of the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center at Goucher University. During this year's legislative session, Maryland lawmakers passed a bill authorizing distribution of marijuana for medical purposes by qualified academic centers. Legislative analysts have said it is unlikely the drug would be legally dispensed before 2016, and it remains unclear how many institutions will participate.
A separate bill passed the Senate this year that would have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, subjecting those caught to only a civil fine of up to $100. That legislation died in the House of Delegates. Supporters have vowed to try again when lawmakers reconvene in January. The Goucher poll found that 51 percent of Marylanders support making marijuana use legal in the state, while 40 percent oppose legalization.
When presented with a list of consequences for possessing small amounts of marijuana, 49 percent of residents supported policies that focus on fines, while 34 percent said they favor rehabilitation. Six percent said they prefer measures that focus on jail time. Meanwhile, 90 percent support the use of marijuana for medical purposes, according to the poll.
News Hawk - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Washingtonpost.com
Author: John Wagner
Contact: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Website: Poll: Majority of Marylanders favor legalization of marijuana, consequences other than jail - The Washington Post
