Pot legalization has widespread, growing support
A majority of New Mexico voters especially young ones favor following Colorados lead in making marijuana legal for recreational use by adults, according to the latest Journal Poll.
Sixty-one percent of likely voters said they would support a proposal to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for adults 21 and older, while 34 percent said they would oppose it. The remainder said they had mixed feelings or did not know.
Colorado made the sale of marijuana for recreational use legal Jan. 1, 2014. While that decision is still being debated, the change has generated a huge amount of money for the state, more than $587 million in 2015 alone. Coupled with roughly $408 million in sales for medical cannabis that year, the combined sales generated more than $135 million for the state in taxes and fees. That prospect could appeal to New Mexico legislators grappling with the states cash-strapped budget.
The Journal survey also reveals a strong generational difference. More than four in five 82 percent of voters ages 18 to 34 said they would support a proposal to legalize pot for recreational use, while just 45 percent of those 65 and older expressed support.
Read more: https://www.abqjournal.com/863530/pot-legalization-has-widespread-growing-support.html