In November, the DAPA conducted a poll for the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and NORML on the public’s opinion of marijuana. What they found may indicate a willingness to pass medical marijuana legislation at the polls next November if lawmakers don’t enact a similar law in the meantime.
As with other states across the country, marijuana is becoming more accepted in Massachusetts. Just last month a nationwide poll showed that marijuana legalization is supported now more than ever in history. In Massachusetts, 58% support the complete legalization, giving the state an opportunity to regulate the sale in regards to underage people.
Of course, there were some differences of opinion when looking at who exactly supported legalization. 69% of Democrats support while only 44% of Republicans, and 54% of those who were considered “other.”
When the poll added language about the government being able to tax marijuana sales and control it like they currently do alcohol, approval rose to 62% overall with 70% of Democrats and 56% of Republicans supporting the measure.
Many states that have approved medical marijuana have felt backlash from the federal government in recent months. This is because marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law and is regarded as highly addictive.
When asked about their feelings of federal involvement in states where medical marijuana laws are in place, 54% opposed federal intervention while only 35% of those surveyed supported the federal government disregarding state laws.
The Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana voter initiative will go to the ballot next November. And if the numbers from the poll hold true, there’s a good chance Massachusetts will be one of the latest states to join the medical marijuana movement.
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What this means is that a select portion of the population will be allowed to possess marijuana for medical reasons. They will be required to get medical approval and be registered with the state as being a “card carrying” medical marijuana user.
The founder of MassCann/NORML, Steve Epstein, believes that, “The date also establishes that if the legislature does not enact a law allowing medical use of marijuana this session, the voters will overwhelmingly, perhaps 80%+, approve the voter initiative…”
This ballot initiative will not change things for the casual users of marijuana. It seems that states who approve medical marijuana may be the first to usher in complete legalization, but that has yet to happen.
If you are accused of a marijuana offense, the public’s approval for legalization will have little impact on the judge’s decisions in your case. Contact my offices today for a consultation.