Exclusive poll shows proposal legalizing marijuana would face a close vote

(WXYZ) - If a ballot proposal to legalize the possession and use of marijuana comes before Michigan voters, it will most likely suffer a close defeat.

A group of citizens favoring such a proposal has been passing out petitions to get the issue before Michiganders this fall.  

In an exclusive WXYZ/Detroit Free Press poll conducted by EPIC MRA, 50-percent of those surveyed would reject such a proposal.  Of that number, 48-percent would vote solidly against it, 2-percent lean toward casting a no vote. 

Out of the 600 people that participated in the survey, 45-percent would vote in favor of legalizing the drug.  Forty-one percent would give the ballot proposal a strong yes vote while 4-percent lean toward voting in favor of it.

It’s an issue that won’t go away in Michigan or across the nation.

In 2008, a referendum in Michigan for medical marijuana use received 63-percent voter support.  However, a statewide proposal fully legalizing marijuana would certainly face partisan political debate.  Most Democrats and liberals support the legalization of marijuana but nearly three-quarters of Republicans are against any change the current law.

The survey was conducted January 21 – 25, 2012 and has a margin of error of plus/minus 4.0-percent.

READ THE RESULTS BELOW

If a group of citizens are able to collect enough valid petition signatures, a proposal may be placed on a future election ballot to change current law and make it legal to possess and use marijuana in Michigan. If this proposal appears on the ballot, would you vote “YES” to approve of a new law, or would you vote “NO” to oppose a law that would legalize marijuana?

• Yes – 45%
• No – 50%
• Undecided – 5%