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Polling Backs Push for Pot in NY and CT

As lawmakers consider legalization, recent surveys reveal broad support for Cannabis in New York and Connecticut.

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A new poll indicates widespread support for passing a progressive tax and regulate plan in New York State. The survey, conducted by Consensus Strategies in early March 2021, found that 61 percent of New Yorkers are in favor of legalizing marijuana. The poll also found support for commercial Cannabis, as 56 percent of New Yorkers approve of retail sales in their communities and 53 percent favor delivery services. 

The poll found less enthusiasm in New York City, however, as 52 percent of NYC residents are against the idea of retail shops opening in their neighborhood. 

Home cultivation is favored by 52 percent of New Yorkers, according to the poll. Support for home grows soars to 78 percent among New Yorkers 18-34 years old. While Gov. Cuomo opposes personal cultivation, home growing will be included in the state’s legalization legislation. 

The poll also found that 59 percent of New Yorkers support the idea of investing revenue raised through Cannabis sales tax in communities most impacted by marijuana prohibition.

In Connecticut, polling reveals overwhelming support for legal pot and criminal justice reforms. The Sacred Heart University survey, conducted in mid-February 2021, found that 66 percent of Connecticut residents favor legalization. Additionally, 62 percent of residents support expungement for pot-related criminal records. 

The survey found that support for legalization in Connecticut is bipartisan, however, more Democrats (77 percent) back adult-use marijuana than Republicans (52 percent).

Encouragingly, 72 percent of residents believe Cannabis has “fewer effects” or “the same amount of effects” as alcohol. Discouragingly, 41 percent of Connecticut residents consider marijuana a gateway drug.

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