New Poll Reveals Strong Support for Marijuana Legalization in North Carolina
A recent poll conducted by Elon University has found that a majority of North Carolinians are in favor of legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use. The survey, which has seen little change in support over the past five years, indicates that 75% of respondents support legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, with Democrats and Republicans showing varying levels of support.
While 89% of Democrats support medical marijuana legalization, only 57% of Republicans do. When it comes to recreational legalization, 74% of Democrats are in favor, compared to 33% of Republicans.
The poll also suggests that the General Assembly, which is currently controlled by Republicans, may be hesitant to legalize marijuana due to the opposition from some Republican voters. However, the state’s Advisory Council on Cannabis has recommended establishing regulations for an adult-use marijuana market, which could pave the way for legalization.
Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, believes that the recommendation reflects a broad consensus among North Carolinians. “This was a diverse cross-section of interests of North Carolinians, and it is hardly a surprise that when you get these people together in a room, and you ask them their consensus on what a reasonable, rational marijuana policy ought to look like in North Carolina, they came back with the answer is legalization and regulation, and not continuing this failed policy of prohibition,” he said.
