A poll released Thursday indicates that three out of five residents of New Mexico support legalizing, regulating and taxing recreational marijuana in the state.
The survey, conducted by the Albuquerque-based firm Research & Polling Inc., shows that 61 percent of New Mexico residents back legalizing cannabis possession and use for adults 21 and older. Just 28 percent of residents oppose legalization.
Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc., said the poll was quite blunt.
“We just said straight up, ‘Do you support or oppose a bill that would legalize, regulate and tax marijuana sales for adult use in New Mexico?’”
The survey, conducted by telephone between January 8th and 13th, reached 406 New Mexico residents, and has a margin of error of 5 percentage points. It was paid for by both private and nonprofit groups, including the pro-legalization Drug Policy Alliance.
“Even in eastern New Mexico, which we consider typically our most conservative region, 58 percent supported this,” said Sanderoff.
Rep. Bill McCamley (D-Mesilla Park), said it’s not likely that Republican lawmakers would bring his legalization bill up for a vote on the floor during this 30-day session.
Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino ( D-Albuquerque) said he will work to pass a constitutional amendment that would block Republican Governor Susana Martinez from vetoing any eventual legalization bill that passes.
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