MOVE TO LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA SUPPORTED BY 2-1 MARGIN

Michigan voters like the idea of decriminalizing the use of marijuana
for medical purposes, backing the measure 61%-30%, the Detroit Free
Press/Local 4 Michigan Poll shows.

Nine percent said they were undecided about allowing medical
marijuana, designated as Proposal 1 on the ballot.

Support for Proposal 1 comes from Michiganders of various backgrounds
and parts of the state. But it was stronger among voters under age 45
(66%) than those 65 and older (47%), and among Democrats (76%) than
Republicans (49%).

The poll is based on telephone interviews with 616 Michiganders who
said they are definitely voting in Tuesday's election. The poll was
conducted by Selzer & Co. Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa, Tuesday through
Friday. it has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

If approved by voters, Michigan would become the 13th state to allow
marijuana to be cultivated and used as a medical treatment. Patients
with debilitating medical conditions and a doctor's authorization
couldn't be prosecuted. Marijuana possession would remain illegal
under federal law.

A coalition of medical and law enforcement organizations that formed
in the last month to oppose the proposal says approval would send the
wrong signal about society's attitude toward illegal drugs and make
pot more accessible to juveniles.

Carrie Roman, a 31-year-old unemployed Detroiter, said she's not
buying that argument. "I think it's got a lot of benefits," Roman
said. "If kids want pot now, they already know where to get it."

But Carol Menard, 70, of Woodhaven, who voted by absentee ballot, has
already said no to the idea. Menard said marijuana isn't medicine,
and that conditions requiring relief from pain or nausea can be
treated with approved pharmaceuticals.

"We have grandchildren," Menard said. "Is it going to get to the
point where kids can buy marijuana out of vending machines? There
will be more crime, more theft. This isn't a close call."

Matt Resch, spokesman for the opposition group, conceded the
anti-Proposal 1 campaign was slow to get under way. But it has been
busy in the last month, he said, and is now airing TV commercials, as
are backers of medical marijuana.