Half of New York Voters Support Medical Marijuana: Poll

A new poll reports half of New York voters support legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The Siena Research Institute shows 50 percent back legalization, while 41 percent are opposed and 9 percent say they don't have enough information.

Pollster Steven Greenberg pointed out demographic divisions in the results, with 72 percent support among those who consider themselves liberal, 62 percent among those 18 to 34, and 55 percent among Democrats.

“Half of New York voters support legalizing the use of medical marijuana in New York, while 41 percent oppose it,” Greenberg said.

"One of things that hits me about it is that there has not been a huge amount of public debate in New York state, like there has been in California and other places" Greenberg said. "I think people are just going on a gut reaction.... people hear this word "marijuana" and they hear this word "legalization" and they got ot their roots".

The law does not permit people to grow marijuana privately, but allows certain patients to buy up to 2 ounces per month at state-monitored dispensaries.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC New York