2/3rds of Utahns favor making medical marijuana legal according to a new UtahPolicy.com survey.
The survey finds 66% say they would favor making medical marijuana legal if prescribed by a properly licensed physician. 31% say they would oppose such a move.
SB259, sponsored by Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Saratoga Springs, died in the Utah Senate Monday night. The bill would have made medical cannabis legal in some cases. Patients with certain illnesses would be able to possess and use cannabis products prescribed by a doctor. The state could also issue a license for the cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes.
Support for medical marijuana cuts across the political spectrum. 54% of Republicans, 69% of political independents and a whopping 92% of Democrats support allowing medicinal cannabis in the state.
Even religious lines don't temper support for the medical use of marijuana.
- 50% of "very active" members of the LDS Church support the idea
- 75% of "somewhat active" LDS Church members are in favor
- 81% of inactive Mormons favor the plan
Additionally, 95% of Catholics and 64% of Protestants say they agree with making medical marijuana legal.
Critics of SB259 worry it could pave the way to recreational use of marijuana in the state.
The survey was conducted for Utah Policy.com by Dan Jones and Associates from March 3-5, 2015. The poll covered 406 registered Utah voters. Respondents were contacted by telephone and online. It has a margin of error of +/- 4.89%
