New Hampshire voters' support for policy reform in medical and personal use of marijuana

A new survey documents that a substantial majority (71%) of New Hampshire voters support a change in state law to allow seriously and terminally ill patients to use and grow medical marijuana for their personal use. A majority in each demographic subgroup (age, gender and political party) supported the change in law.

Voters also support a change in law to reduce the penalties for simple possession of marijuana for personal use. A clear majority (53%) of voters statewide support a change in law to eliminate the current jail term of up to one year, and to reduce the fine for simple possession from $2000 to $100.

These findings of support for the use of medical marijuana among voters in both political parties are consistent with both national and state survey research.

The Marijuana Policy Project commissioned the survey. 625 voters were interviewed by telephone April 7-8, 2008 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, Inc. of Washington, D.C. The margin for error is plus or minus 4%.

QUESTION: Do you support or oppose changing the law in New Hampshire to allow seriously and terminally ill patients to use and grow medical marijuana for personal use if their doctors recommend it?

QUESTION: Current New Hampshire law provides for a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,000 for simple possession of marijuana. Would you support or oppose a change in the law to provide for a $100 fine without jail time for those who possess an ounce or less of marijuana for personal use?