Connecticut Poll: Decriminalize small amounts of pot

HARTFORD — Connecticut voters support decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, but they oppose allowing grocery stores to sell wine and spirits, according to a new Quinnipiac University Poll.

The poll, released Tuesday, also shows that voters support Sunday liquor sales, which has been proposed to create new sources of state tax revenue.

When asked whether they would favor a law similar to the statewide ballot initiative passed in November in Massachusetts on marijuana decriminalization, voters approved the proposal 58 percent to 37 percent.

Douglas Schwartz, director of the poll, said it was the first time the poll has asked voters in any state their feelings about decriminalizing marijuana. “There is interest,” he said of the support for reducing penalties for possession.

Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said Tuesday that the poll reinforces legislation he has proposed this year that would mirror Massachusetts’ marijuana-possession law. The law made possession of less than an ounce of marijuana an infraction punishable by a small fine similar to a traffic ticket, rather than a misdemeanor that must be adjudicated and creates a police record.

“This is pretty substantial,” Looney said of the 58 percent approval rating. “The change in Massachusetts was passed with over 60 percent of voters in favor. Clearly, the public sees this as a reasonable idea to prioritize within the criminal justice system.”

via Poll: Decriminalize small amounts of pot – The Advocate.

Sounds to me like residents of the Nutmeg State are well aware of which one of the drugs is safer.