Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Connecticut residents support adult-use cannabis legalization in the state with about 29% opposed and 7% unsure, according to a Sacred Heart University poll conducted last month and released on Monday.
The poll found support for the broad reforms was down slightly from a survey by the university published in March which found 65.7% backed legalization.
The survey also found that 61.6% of respondents supported legalization-related criminal reforms such as the expungement of low-level cannabis crimes, while less than half (47.8%) said legalization would lead to more drivers operating motor vehicles under the influence.
A supermajority (76.1%) surveyed said cannabis had “fewer” or “the same amount” of effects as alcohol and 70% indicated they believed cannabis had fewer effects than other drugs, such as heroin, amphetamines, and prescription pain medications.
Poll respondents were split as to whether they believed cannabis was a gateway drug, with 41.8% agreeing with the statement with 49.5% disagreeing and 8.7% unsure.
Earlier this week, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont met with legislative leaders to discuss legalizing cannabis in the state, according to a Marijuana Moment report. Last month, the General Assembly Judiciary Committee approved a legalization proposal and lawmakers hope to vote on the measure before the session ends on June 9, Lamont said.
Earlier this month, Lamont indicated that if the Legislature fails to approve the reforms this session, the issue would “probably” end up being put to voters next year.
Connecticut is bordered by Massachusetts, which legalized cannabis in 2016, and New York, which approved the reforms in March. It is also nearby New Jersey, where voters approved legalization via the ballot during last year’s General Election.
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