Poll: 4 in 5 Alabama voters support medical cannabis

A majority of Alabama voters support medicinal marijuana, polling data released Tuesday by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association (AMCA) shows.

Polling shows that 79% of respondents favor legal medical cannabis while only 9% are against it. The association noted that its survey proved support for medical cannabis was strong across all demographics polled.

Voters in favor of medical cannabis by party affiliation as follows:

• Republican: 69%
• Democrat: 82%
• Independent: 75%

According to AMCA Executive Director Patrick Lindsey, the overwhelming support for medical cannabis proves consumer need for the product.

“These numbers are a little better than even we expected,” said Lindsey in a release. “It shows both the need for the product, and that this process is establishing an industry that is here to stay.”

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AMCA partnered with Mowery Consulting Group to conduct the poll, which surveyed 800 likely general election voters from October 13-16. The survey holds a +/- 3.5% margin of error, according to the association.

David Mowery, chairman of Mowery Consulting Group, suggested that the polling numbers were rare for an item that was not presently available at the time of survey.

“We rarely see this type of support for a product or service that is not currently allowed in the state,” said Mowery. “These are the types of numbers any politician would be happy to use as a vehicle for signature legislation. Anyone wishing to revert the laws on this issue is going to have a tough row to hoe when it comes to the next election.”

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission’s deadline for businesses to submit dispensary applications closed this month. A number of municipalities, including Huntsville and Birmingham, are considering allowing dispensaries to operate within city jurisdiction.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL