Connecticut Residents Strongly Support Legalizing MJ, Poll Shows

A majority of Connecticut residents favor legalizing marijuana, according to a new poll released on Thursday. But even among those who oppose the reform move, a significant number said they could still be persuaded under certain circumstances, the survey found.

As lawmakers push to advance a governor-backed legalization bill, the poll showing that 63.4 percent of state residents support ending cannabis prohibition comes as a welcome result for advocates. Its release also comes weeks after a key Connecticut committee held a hearing on the legislation.

Asked whether they back legalizing cannabis for adult use, 34.4 percent of respondents said they “strongly support” the policy and 29 percent said they “somewhat support” it. About 19 percent said they “strongly oppose” legalization and 10.7 percent said they “somewhat oppose” it.

In response to a separate question, fewer people (45.3 percent) said they back the specific legalization proposal in the legislature that would give municipalities partial tax revenue from cannabis sales only if they allow a dispensary to operate in their jurisdiction.