74 Percent of Floridians Support Medical Marijuana, According to Latest Poll

Another poll, another strong showing for medical marijuana in Florida. According to a new University of North Florida poll, 74 percent of Floridians say they support and will vote "yes" for Proposition 2 in November, which would legalize the use of medical marijuana. This, along with the recent news that...

By Chris Joseph

March 21, 2014

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Another poll, another strong showing for medical marijuana in Florida.

According to a new University of North Florida poll, 74 percent of Floridians say they support and will vote "yes" for Proposition 2 in November, which would legalize the use of medical marijuana.

This, along with the recent news that a House committee approved the measure for Charlotte's Web, it looks like the Sunshine State is well on its way to allowing medical weed.

The UNF poll, however, seems to crush any dreams of legalizing pot for recreational use. But, one measure at a time!

In January, state representatives held a legislative hearing on getting Charlotte's Web legalized.

The Charlotte's Web extract is known for having low-to-no tetrahydrocannabinol, which is what gets you high when you smoke weed. Proponents say that Charlotte's Web reduces seizures in children with a rare form of epilepsy.

On Thursday, House Appropriations Committee not only approved the legalization of Charlotte's Web, but also sanctioned a $1 million appropriation that'll go to research of the strain, to see if there are any long-term effects to children who will take it.

Overall, Floridians have been coming around in accepting medical marijuana as a reality in this state. And the latest UNF poll shows the numbers are favorable:

The same can't be said for the recreational use of weed.

Earlier this month, Sen. Dwight Bullard filed SB 1562, a bill that, if passed would allow Floridians who are 21 or older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of pot, in addition to allowing folks to cultivate up to six marijuana plants. Ultimately, under this law, weed would be treated the same way alcohol is. It wouldn't be sold to anyone under 21, and would be sold by licensed businesses only. Also like booze, it would be illegal to smoke it on the streets.

But, according to UNF, the Floridians polled weren't as keen on this idea as they are with medical marijuana:

Five hundred seven registered voters (+/- 4.35 percent) were polled by UNF between March 6, and March 16.

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