With legislation to legalize cannabis in the state of Connecticut advancing through the legislature, a survey recently found out that cannabis reform has strong support among state residents. The survey was conducted March 23–31, 2021, and involved 1,000 Connecticut residents.
The poll, which was released earlier this week by Sacred Heart University, revealed that nearly 66% of residents in the state supported the legalization of marijuana for adult use, with only 27% opposing reform.
If the policy change is approved, 62% of the respondents stated that those who had been convicted of cannabis possession and other related charges prior to the policy’s enactment should have their records expunged.
In comparison with those who identify as Republicans or individuals aged 65 or older, individuals who identify as Democrats as well as younger individuals were also found to be more likely to be in favor of ending prohibition.
The survey also asked respondents about the perceived harms of marijuana, with 77% of those who responded admitting that they felt marijuana had comparable or fewer adverse effects as compared to alcohol. Nearly 72% of the respondents admitted to feeling the same way about marijuana and other drugs such as prescription painkillers, amphetamines and heroin.
The poll results are similar to a previous survey conducted by the university in February.
The survey also revealed that while almost half of the residents in the state supported the change in policy, residents were also concerned about the possible negative safety implications of marijuana legalization. This is in addition to discovering that two in five respondents were of the opinion that cannabis was a gateway drug.
In other news, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s marijuana legalization measure was recently approved by the Judiciary Committee. Additionally, the Labor and Public Employees Committee approved a competing measure sponsored by Rep. Robyn Porter earlier in March.
The governor’s measure had included a few amendments, among them was the provision for the erasure of prior cannabis convictions for the sale or possession of up to six mature cannabis plants or up to four ounces of marijuana. This policy has been supported by a majority of residents in the state.
Gov. Lamont has described his legalization measure as an extensive framework for the growing, manufacture, use, possession, sale and taxation of marijuana, adding that his plan also prioritizes social justice, public safety and public health.
Should efforts to approve the measure fail, the matter will be decided on by voters through the state’s 2022 ballot.
While the debate on cannabis legalization is just beginning to gather steam in Connecticut, many other states have already legalized the substance, and several companies, such as Hero Technologies Inc. (OTC: HENC), are now setting the stage to become multistate operators (“MSOs”) in order to benefit from the different regulated marijuana markets across the country.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Hero Technologies Inc. (OTC: HENC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/HENC
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