Some 73 percent of Americans say they support their state legalizing medical marijuana, a new survey from the Pew Research Center found. Interestingly enough, support tends to span gender, race, age, religion and political ideology, although people under 30 and Democrats support it by higher margins.
That doesn't mean people are for legalization without limits. Nearly half -- 45 percent -- said they would be concerned if a store selling medical marijuana opened in their area, according to the survey of 1,500 adults. Another 46 percent said they think legalizing the drug for medical purposes makes it easier for people to smoke pot even if they don't have a real medical need for it.
Still, the percentage of people who support medical marijuana has grown over the lat 20 years, the study points out.
The survey comes as states nationwide are considering legalizing the drug for medical purposes -- Maryland included. We told you about our state's effort a few months ago. However, with the legislative session in the home stretch, neither bill in the Senate or the House has gotten out of committee.
So who is using marijuana, or has ever tried it? About four in 10 say they have tried the drug, with men, younger people and Democrats and Independents more likely to have indulged. There was virtually no difference by income or race or region of the country.
Surprised? Other polls have found even larger measures of support for legalization of medical marijuana.
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