Washington, DC: Nearly 75 percent of those age 45 and older support the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, according to a national poll of 1,706 Americans conducted for the AARP.
Overall, 72 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, “Adults should be allowed to legally use marijuana for medical purposes if a physician recommends it.” Support was highest among respondents who resided in the West (82 percent) and the Northeast (79 percent), regions where several statewide medical marijuana laws have previously been enacted.
The AARP survey results are similar to previous findings, including a CNN/Time Magazine survey which reported that 80 percent of Americans backed the legal use of medical cannabis.
The AARP is the largest US advocacy group for seniors. The organization has not taken a political position regarding the medicinal use of marijuana.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre or Paul Armentano of the NORML Foundation at (202) 483-5500. A complete summary of national and statewide medical marijuana polling data is available on NORML’s website.