A new WRAL News poll reveals that 70% of North Carolina voters support the legalization of medical marijuana.
The survey, conducted with 771 registered voters, found that support for medical marijuana spans across all demographics, including age, race, income, and political affiliation. Even among voters identifying as very conservative or over the age of 65, a majority expressed support.
Despite such widespread support, North Carolina remains one of just 12 states that haven’t legalized medical marijuana.
There has been ongoing debate in the state’s legislature for years on the issue. In June, the Senate voted 36 to 10 to pass legislation that would have legalized medical marijuana and established a comprehensive system of licensed marijuana dispensaries. As in previous years, the measure stalled in the House of Representatives.
A Meredith College poll released earlier this year found that 78% of voters support legalizing medical marijuana, with 18% opposed.
Although marijuana remains illegal for all uses in North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on September 7 opened the state’s first marijuana store, open to everyone 21 and older The outlet has already had over 10,000 customers, with no reported arrests made by police outside of tribal land.
