The results of a Quinnipiac University poll were released today, which found overwhelming support for allowing U.S. Veterans Administration doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to veterans suffering from PTSD in pill form. That’s a bit different than asking if there’s support for all forms of medical marijuana, but the results are still significant nonetheless. The poll found that 87 percent of participants supported allowing the prescribing of medical marijuana in pill form.
The poll found that support was a bit lower in military households, with 82 percent supporting such a move. Per Quinnipiac:
“If you serve your country and suffer for it, you deserve every health remedy available, including medical marijuana in pill form. That is the full-throated recommendation of Americans across the demographic spectrum, including voters in military households,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.
“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is debilitating and life-threatening. The response from voters should take political considerations out of the debate and allow doctors to do what’s best for veterans.
“The fact that a majority of American voters favors legalizing marijuana in general shows how attitudes about the drug have changed.”
The poll found 54% support for recreational legalization. That’s less than some recent polls I’ve seen, which is not an indication of reduced support, but is instead yet another example of a majority of Americans clearly expressing support for reform. Tom Angell of the Marijuana Majority had the following to say in reaction to the results of the poll, per the Washington Times:
“This is a mainstream issue that politicians are finally starting to embrace instead of run away from, and that’s only going to intensify after voters more than double the number of states with legal marijuana at the ballot box this November,” Mr. Angell said.
The poll also found that male participants supported marijuana legalization (60% support) more than female participants (48% support). Republicans were opposed to recreational legalization (62% opposed), as were people over 65 years old (57& opposed).