Legalization: We're getting there

Public opinion on marijuana legalization is closing in on the tipping point of majority support. In February DoseNation wrote about a meta analysis of legalization polls over the last decades showing a slow but steady increase over the years with the hitherto highest poll percentage at around 44 percent (Zogby - NORML) earlier this year. The continuation of the existing opinion trend seems to have picked up speed, as a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll has now cranked that number up to 46 percent, with opponents down to 52 percent, and a buffer of 2 percent undecided respondents in between.

From the Washington Post:

...a new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows rising support for same-sex marriage, legalized marijuana and a process by which undocumented immigrants could become legal residents...

Respondents were near split on another issue that until recently was deemed untouchable in many parts of the coutry -- marijuana legalization. Forty-six percent of all respondents said they supported legalizing "possession of small amounts for personal use," with rates of support higher among men, among younger voters and among independents, a majority of whom supported legalization.

From ABC News:

FIRST LEAN LEFT – On an entirely different issue, 46 percent of Americans now favor legalizing small amounts of marijuana for personal use, the most in data back to the mid-1980s and more than double its level 12 years ago. While 52 percent remain opposed, that's down from 75 percent in the late 1990s and 78 percent in 1986.

The biggest changes in the past two decades are 29- and 27-point advances in support of legalization among Democrats and independents, to 49 and 53 percent, respectively. The slightest: a 10-point gain among Republicans, to just 28 percent support...

POT - Support for legalizing small amounts of marijuana for personal use is nearly twice as high among young adults (57 percent of those under 30) as seniors (30 percent), with middle-aged Americans split about evenly. Nearly six in 10 liberals like the idea; just 36 percent of conservatives agree. Politically, more independents are in favor (53-44 percent), Democrats divide evenly and Republicans broadly are opposed, 28-69 percent. Support's highest of all among people who express no religious preference, 70 percent; and lowest among evangelical white Protestants, 24 percent.

I guess it's safe to assume that this is due to the storm of favorable media coverage in the last months. So we just need to keep it up folks, and push just a little harder!