LANSING, Mich., Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Half of Michigan voters oppose legalizing marijuana for general use, a poll released Saturday indicated.
Most have made up their minds on the issue, the Detroit Free Press-WXYZ-TV poll found. Only 5 percent of respondents said they are undecided, while 45 percent support legal pot.
In 2008, 63 percent of Michigan voters approved a referendum to legalize marijuana for medical uses, and advocates of complete legalization have launched a petition drive for another vote. But history shows referendums in Michigan are usually unsuccessful if fewer than 60 percent of voters support that side of an issue.
Voters in the 50-55 age group, who were young at a time when marijuana use was common, if illegal, were most supportive of legalization, with 55 percent for and 42 percent against. Those over 65 were the most opposed, with only 40 percent in favor of legalization, while 43 percent of those under 40 were for it.
"You'd have crazies running around everywhere ... committing crimes and driving," said Joan Russell, 75, of Flushing.
Both Democrats and independents tended to favor legalization, while Republicans were overwhelmingly opposed. Wayne County, which includes Detroit, was the only area where a majority supported legalization.
