ITHACA -- A new poll suggests more than 60 percent of New Yorkers support the idea of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. That's according to a Cornell University survey, which finds vast statewide support for legalizing medical marijuana.
67 percent of Upstate New Yorkers and 62 percent of downstate residents say they support the legalization of pot for medicinal purposes, according to the 2010 Cornell Empire State Poll. That support also crosses gender and racial lines, with 67 percent of New York's men and 61 percent of its women supporting legalized medical marijuana. Similarly, 66 percent of whites and 60 percent of non-whites are in favor of legalization.
But the poll also finds the share of people who support legalization significantly varies by household income and political ideology. More liberals, 79 percent and moderates, 63 percent support legalization. Just 49 percent of conservatives support the idea.
The survey also finds support for legalizing medical marijuana also increases in direct proportion to household income. Fifty three percent of New York households with annual incomes of $29,999 or less support the legalization of medical marijuana. That share increases to 57 percent of households with an annual income of $30,000 to $49,999, and 68 percent of households in the $50,000 to $99,999 income bracket. Seventy three percent of households with annual incomes of $100,000 or more support the legalization of medical marijuana.
A majority of New Yorkers in all age brackets also support legalizing medical marijuana. Among New Yorkers 18-24 years old, 65 percent support legalization, compared to 73 percent of 25-34 year-olds. Sixty seven percent of those in the 35-44 and 45-54 age brackets support legalization, along with 65 percent in the 55-64 year age bracket and 52 percent of New Yorkers who are 65 years and older.
