Poll: Majority of Californians Support Marijuana Legalization

A Los Angeles Times/USC Dornsife poll conducted this month shows that 58-percent of California voters support Proposition 64, a measure on the November ballot that would legalize marijuana for adult recreational use. The poll included multiple generations, demographic groups, and income levels.

Proposition 64 is backed by Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom and former Facebook President Sean Parker, according to the Los Angeles Times. If the initiative passes, recreational marijuana sales would be taxed at 15-percent and adults 21 and older would be permitted to possess, transport, and use up to one ounce of marijuana. Qualifying adults would also be permitted to grow up to six plants for personal use.

Of the 1,879 responses to the survey, 8-percent were undecided and 34-percent said they do not support legal recreational marijuana.

Poll director Dan Schnur said, “It’s very clear that Californians’ attitudes have changed dramatically on the issue over the last several years. The opposition is going to have to identify a fairly sizable source of campaign funding if this initiative is going to be close.”

SurveyMonkey executive Jon Cohen said, “Some of the calamitous predictions of legalization opponents haven’t come to pass in other states.”

In terms of political party, democrats completing the survey support legal recreational marijuana by 68-percent while republicans show 56-percent support.

Democrat Rodrigo Rojas believes that regulating and taxing marijuana is a better option than prohibition. He said, “It’s more expenses for taxpayers to keep people in jail for no reason. It’s a minor issue. The marijuana is in wide use already and it’s better for us to collect some taxes.”

photo: thousandwonders.net