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April 14, 2021

Sacred Heart poll: Over 65% of CT residents support marijuana legalization

Photo | Flickr via Brett Levin Photography Marijuana plants.

Nearly two-thirds of Connecticut residents support marijuana legalization, a public policy poll by Sacred Heart University found.

The poll, which asked 1,000 people residing in the state between March 23 and 31 about their opinions on various statewide issues, found 65.7% of respondents support the legalization of recreational marijuana for users over the age of 21.

Sacred Heart's poll also found 77% of respondents believe marijuana has fewer or the same amount of effects as alcohol, and 62.3% supported erasing criminal records for past recreational marijuana offenses. Forty-eight percent also said legalization would likely lead to a significant uptick in motorists driving under the influence.

New polling data comes as Connecticut's legislature debates two bills — one from Gov. Ned Lamont, the other from House Democrats — that would legalize the use and sale of recreational marijuana. The General Assembly's Judiciary Committee last week approved an amended version of Lamont's bill. The committee's changes include allowing people in the state’s medical marijuana program to grow up to six plants in their homes, and permitting only existing medical marijuana establishments and “social equity applicants” to open cannabis shops from July 2021 to January 2024.

It’s still not clear if Connecticut will join surrounding states like Massachusetts and New York in legalizing recreational pot use. Democratic lawmakers are still trying to find common ground on issues related to public health, economic opportunity and racial justice.

 

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