A new poll finds significant variations in public support of
legalizing marijuana across Michigan, and among the two political parties.

The survey numbers may also pave the way toward a winning ballot proposal: legalizing and taxing pot and putting the revenue toward fixing the state’s crumbling roads.

The statewide poll conducted by Marketing Resource Group (MRG) found 51 percent of likely Michigan
voters say they would support the legalization of marijuana for recreational
use if it were to be regulated and taxed like alcohol, while 45 percent oppose
the idea.

According to MRG, the strongest support comes from
self-identified Democrats and voters under the age of 40, while self-identified
Republicans and voters 65-years and older are much less supportive of
legalization.

The split between the parties is quite significant – 64 percent
of Democrats support legalization (and 48 percent strongly support it) while
just 36 percent of GOP respondents are in favor (and half strongly oppose).

Geographically, most areas of the state were at or near
the 50 percent mark in support of legal pot, with the strongest support coming
from suburban Wayne County (57 percent support, 41 percent oppose) and Macomb
County (52-40 percent approval). Some might be surprised that the city of
Detroit is the least supportive (44 percent approve, 50 percent oppose) in
southeast Michigan.

If a ballot proposal calling for the legalization and
taxation of weed is in the works, the campaign will have the most trouble in
the Upper Peninsula, according to the poll. In the U.P., only 26 percent favor
the idea and 69 percent are in opposition.

“While attitudes
toward marijuana may be mellowing, most Republican voters and those 65 and
older are still not ready to legalize it,” said Tom Shields, president of MRG.
“Maybe support for the legalization of marijuana continues to grow if (backers)
suggested using pot taxes to fill the potholes. I would not be surprised to see
a successful ballot proposal within the next few years.”