Poll: More Illinoisans Favor Gay Marriage Than Recreational Marijuana

While four in five voters in Illinois support the legalization of medical marijuana, more than half are opposed to legalizing pot for recreational use, according to a new poll.

The poll by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University found 82 percent of voters support legal medical marijuana while just 16 percent said they’re opposed. But when asked about legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes, voters were split, with 51 percent in favor and 45 percent against.

“We see clear support for medicinal marijuana, but recreational use is a mixed bag,” said David Yepsen, director of the Institute. “Medical use, recreational use, and decriminalization are all related but are still distinct public policy issues in the minds of many voters. They are likely to be issues in the debate over criminal justice reform, new revenues and public health.”

Voter support for medical marijuana has increased by 19 percentage points since the Simon Institute last conducted a similar poll in 2013. At the time, 63 percent of voters polled said they supported the policy while 32 percent were opposed. Legal sales of cannabis to approved patients began on Nov. 9 as part of the state’s four-year medical marijuana pilot program.

Here's how the poll results breakdown by age, location and political party, as well as how voters responded to questions about same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

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