By Derek Rosenzweig

Consistent with previous polls, medical marijuana remains an idea that Pennsylvanians support. Today, Quinnipiac Univeristy Polling released the results of its latest poll of PA politics and issues. Directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., Quinnipiac conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research.

Polling shows a total 59% in favor of medical marijuana, with Republicans in favor 49% to 47% against. Democrats are strongly in support with 67% and only 26% against. All regions of PA show above 50% support except Northwest PA, which shows 47% in support. Across all ages, incomes, and college education, medical marijuana remains a "good idea", with lowest polling at 56% for citizens over 55 years of age.

With a sponsor in the PA Senate building support among colleagues in preparation for the introduction of a bill identical to HB 1393, these polling numbers go to show that the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania don't want to see this issue languish - they want action, and our government is responding. They should be applauded for that. Anybody can come down with a condition that could be alleviated with medical marijuana, and simply having the option available is what people want. It also goes to show that people can look at states like California, which our opposition points to as the mecca of everything gone wrong with medical marijuana, and see how to avoid their mistakes while still allowing the benefits of a legal system.

Complete Question Stats:
Q: 31. There is a proposal in the state legislature that would allow adults to legally use marijuana for medical purposes if their doctor prescribes it. Do you think this is a good idea or a bad idea?

                                                               Union
                     Tot    Rep    Dem    Ind    Men    Wom    HsHolds
Good idea            59%    49%    67%    61%    61%    57%    62%
Bad idea             35     47     26     33     34     36     32
DK/NA                 6      4      7      6      4      7      6



                     Alghny Philly NthEst SthEst NthWst SthWst Cntrl
Good idea            66%    60%    72%    65%    47%    53%    51%
Bad idea             23     31     21     31     45     43     45
DK/NA                11      9      6      4      7      4      4


                     AGE IN YRS.......    INCOME.............  NoColl College
                     18-34  35-54  55+    <50    50-100 >100K  Degree Degree
Good idea            62%    61%    56%    57%    61%    65%    59%    61%
Bad idea             35     33     38     36     35     32     35     34
DK/NA                 3      6      7      8      3      4      6      5

For more information, visit http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1406.