California marijuana legalization has slim margin of support among voters

California voters support the marijuana legalization measure on the November ballot, according to a new poll published in the L.A. Times.

As the Los Angeles marijuana defense lawyers at the CANNABIS LAW GROUP continue to fight on behalf of marijuana dispensaries being forced to close as a result of the new city ordinance, we are closely watching the legalization issue. The Los Angeles Times/USC poll found that voters support marijuana legalization by a margin of 49 percent to 41 percent, with 10 percent still undecided.

The November vote could go either way, as about one-third of those in support say they favor the measure “somewhat.”

Dan Schnur, director of USC’s Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, note that those who support the measure are starting off with a nice lead. However, initiatives that start with fewer than 50 percent in support have historically had a difficult time winning passage.

The poll also revealed that men favor passage, while women, particularly married women, are against the measure by a margin of 49 percent to 40 percent. And many say they are supporting the measure as a way to generate tax revenue. Advocates say legalizing marijuana could raise billions in tax dollars — opponents dispute those figures.

Among voters, 42 percent believe the tax estimates, while 38 percent think they are wildly exaggerated.

The November initiative allows cities and counties to legalize and tax marijuana sales — but not the state. Supporters in Los Angeles County are most inclined to see the measure as a way to plug holes in municipal budgets.

The CANNABIS LAW GROUP is a law firm dedicated to the rights of medical marijuana patients, collectives and growers and has built a reputation for high-powered, aggressive legal representation of the medical marijuana industry in Southern California. Call 949-375-4734 for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights.