Poll Shows NJ Residents Split on Marijuana Legalization

According to a recent (April 2014) Monmouth University/Asbury Park Press poll, New Jersey residents are split evenly on the question of marijuana legalization; 48% of NJ adults in support and 47% opposed. But there’s more information within poll data that suggests a less balanced stance on marijuana legalization when it comes to specific demographics.

Opinions about NJ marijuana legalization vary by age.

Sunrise Detox, which provides drug detox services in New Jersey,  has posted some information about a recent marijuana poll that’s gaining national attention as the debate about marijuana legalization continues. The timing of this poll coincides with recent legislation introduced by NJ State Senator Nick Scutari, which seeks to legalize small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

While we’re on the topic, I’d like to take some time to highlight some of the more interesting aspects of this poll, which was published in April by Monmouth University/Asbury Park Press.

NJ Residents Split on Marijuana Legalization

According to the poll, New Jersey residents are split evenly. About 48% of NJ adults support marijuana legalization, while 47% oppose. But there’s more information within the poll data that suggests a less balanced stance on marijuana legalization when it comes to specific demographics.

More Men Support Marijuana Legalization than Women

Men are more likely to support legalization (56%) than women (39%). Among political affiliation, the gap becomes even more prominent; Democrats are generally more supportive of legalization (49%) than Republicans (37%). Even age becomes a factor in the results. Adults age 18-34 (57% in favor) are nearly 15% more likely to support legalization than those over the age of 55 (43% in favor).

Tobacco or alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana.

Is Alcohol More Dangerous than Pot?

Another fascinating insight from this poll is the way New Jersey residents feel about marijuana when compared to other, already legal substances. Nearly six in ten respondents feel that alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana. A similar percentage (58%) feel that tobacco is more dangerous. 19% of respondents felt that either of these (tobacco or alcohol) are just as dangerous as marijuana.

Will there be a 2015 Marijuana Opinion Poll?

Overall, the 2014 data suggests that while New Jersey residents are evenly split on the question of legalization, it very much depends on who you ask.

Summary of Poll Results: NJ Marijuana Legalization