Poll: Californians Against Legalizing Marijuana

Expectations that California can be the first state in America to legalize marijuana are beginning to fade away.

According to a poll released by Ipos/Reuters Tuesday, Californians plan to vote against legalizing marijuana on the 2nd November poll by 53% to 43%, indicating a massive change of opinion from June.

California was the first state to go against federal law and legitimize the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and a survey by Ipos/Reuters in June revealed that Californians were almost evenly divided on the plan to legitimize sales and leisure use of the drug, called Proposition 19. Californians had approved the use of drug for medical purposes in 1996.  

The demand for taxing recreational marijuana is also gaining momentum. "They should tax the hell out of it and send the money directly to the schools," stated Deborah Wynn, an unemployed student who wants to work in the field of medicine.

The recent survey has shown that Californians are not as liberal as they are believed to be. The support for legalization is offset by conservative opinions against the move.

While Democrats support the move to legalize marijuana and they outnumber Republicans in California, Republicans are more constant in their opposition. Democrats support marijuana legalization 54% to 45%, while Republicans oppose it 66% to 30%.

Proposition 19 will allow adults to consume marijuana recreationally and local governments to sell and cultivate the drug. Marijuana is already being practically used in California.