Latest Florida poll shows considerable support for both medical and recreational marijuana

As detailed via this report from the folks at Quinnipiac University, the latest polling numbers suggest Florida voters are keenly in support of marijuana reform. Here are the basics concerning a state seemingly poised to bring marijuana reform movement into the south:

Florida voters support legalized marijuana for medical use 88 – 10 percent, with support ranging from 83 – 14 percent among voters over 65 years old to 95 – 5 percent among voters 18 to 29 years old, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. The lowest level of support is 80 – 19 percent among Republicans, the independent Quinnipiac University poll finds.

Sunshine State voters also support 55 – 41 percent “allowing adults in Florida to legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” or so-called “recreational marijuana.” There is a wide gender gap and an even wider age gap: Men back recreational marijuana 61 – 36 percent while women back it by a narrow 49 – 45 percent. Voters 18 to 29 years old are ready to roll 72 – 25, while voters over 65 years old are opposed 59 – 36 percent. Support is 64 – 32 percent among Democrats and 55 – 40 percent among independent voters, with Republicans opposed 56 – 41 percent.

“Forget the stereotypes of stodgy old folks living out their golden years playing canasta and golf,” said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll. “Almost nine- in-ten Floridians favor legalizing medical marijuana and a small majority says adults should be able to possess small amounts of the drug for recreational purposes.

“Even though a proposal to legalize medical marijuana, on the ballot this November, must meet a 60 percent threshold, these numbers make a strong bet the referendum is likely to pass,” said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll….

If medical marijuana is legalized in Florida, voters say 71 – 26 percent they would support having a marijuana dispensary in the town or city where they live. Support ranges from 57 – 37 percent among voters over 65 years old to 79 – 21 percent among voters 18 to 29 years old.