Poll: 57% favor legalizing marijuana in R.I. By P
Post# of 2155
By Patrick Anderson
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A majority of Rhode Islanders support regulating marijuana in ways similar to alcohol, according to a poll commissioned by marijuana legalization advocates.
In the poll of 762 Rhode Island voters, 57 percent said they would support legalizing and taxing marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol, such as laws in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, a news release from the Regulate Rhode Island lobbying group said Monday.
The poll was conducted for Regulate Rhode Island by Raleigh, N.C.-based Public Policy Polling.
Regulate Rhode Island is pushing for passage of bills sponsored by Sen. Joshua Miller, D-Cranston, and Rep. Scott Slater, D-Providence, in the Rhode Island General Assembly that would allow recreational use of marijuana for people at least 21 years old and establish a framework to tax it.
“From Cumberland to Narragansett, there is exceptionally strong support for ending marijuana prohibition in Rhode Island this year,” said Regulate Rhode Island Director Jared Moffat in the news release. “The Marijuana Regulation, Control, and Taxation Act creates a responsible alternative that proactively controls for public health concerns while allowing adults 21 and older the freedom to legally use marijuana if they choose. Taking the marijuana market above board will create taxpaying jobs and allow the state to tax the distribution and sale of marijuana.”
In the Regulate Rhode Island poll, support for treating marijuana like alcohol was strongest among younger respondents, with 73 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 34 in favor.
Fifty-four percent of respondents between 35 and 49 years old said they supported an alcohol-like policy and the question received support from 57 percent of respondents ages 50 to 64.
The lowest support, 45 percent, was among respondents 65 years old or older.
Support was close to even among men and women.
http://www.providencejournal.com/article/2015.../150429359