Florida voters overwhelmingly support legalizing medical marijuana, 88 to 10 percent, while a smaller margin says adults should be allowed to possess a bit of the drug for personal use, according to a new poll.
Quinnipiac University found voters over 65 years old widely support a medical marijuana program, 83-14 percent, while voters ages 18 to 29 years old would rubber-stamp it, 95-5 percent.
The lowest level of support is among Republicans, 80-19 percent.
The Sunshine State is set to vote in November on a proposal to legal medical marijuana, but it must meet a 60-percent threshold. Based on their findings, the pollsters say the measure is likely to pass.
“Forget the stereotypes of stodgy old folks living out their golden years playing canasta and golf,” said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll. “Almost nine-in-ten Floridians favor legalizing medical marijuana and a small majority says adults should be able to possess small amounts of the drug for recreational purposes.
A majority of Sunshine State voters support the recreational route, 55 to 41 percent, although there is a gender and age gap. Men support recreational use, 61-36 percent, while women back it by just 49-45 percent.
Voters 18 to 29 years old support it 72-25 percent, while voters over 65 would hit the brakes on legalization, 59-36 percent.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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