POLL: NEARLY 70% OF UPSTATE NEW YORKERS SUPPORT MEDICAL

ALBANY - A poll released today by Cornell University Survey Research
Institute found that nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers are in favor of
legalizing marijuana for medical use.

A higher percentage of upstate residents support it than people who
live downstate - 67 percent versus 62 percent.

There is a marked difference in attitude between Democrats and
unaffiliated voters on one side and Republicans on the other,
according to the poll. Sixty-six percent of Democrats and 68 percent
of unaffiliated voters support legalization for medical use, while a
plurality of Republicans -- 48 percent - said they are against it.

More men support medical marijuana than women -- 67 percent to 61
percent. The higher the household income, the more likely the support
for legalization -- 53 percent for people with household incomes below
$30,000 compared to 73 percent for those with incomes of $100,000 or
more, the Survey Research Institute said.

The 2010 Empire State Poll surveyed New Yorkers on a number of issues
facing their community and the state, including medical marijuana,
community satisfaction, economic perceptions, drilling in the
Marcellus Shale and the state budget. More than 800 telephone
interviews were conducted in February and March.

Legislation to legalize medical marijuana didn't get through the
Senate or Assembly this year. It would have allowed patients
registered with the state Department of Health to have up to 2.5
ounces of marijuana on hand at any one time. It could not be smoked in
public places. The state would register organizations that would
acquire, manufacture, sell, deliver, transport and distribute
marijuana for medical use.

Bills on the topic have been introduced for more than a dozen years.
The Assembly has passed legislation twice before. Neither house
brought the bill to the floor for a vote this year.

Fourteen other states allow the use of marijuana for patients who have
serious or life-threatening medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and
multiple sclerosis. Users have said it relieves nausea and reduces
chronic pain and muscle spasms.

There are strong supporters and opponents of allowing patients to
smoke marijuana for medical reasons. Groups that oppose it argue there
are synthetic drugs in pill form that are legal, and allowing
possession of marijuana could lead to more drug abuse and crime.

Those that support it, including patients, say smoking marijuana is
more effective and can be controlled better if it is smoked versus
taking a pill.

Quinnipiac University found in a February poll that 71 percent of New
York voters think legalizing marijuana for medical use is a good idea.
Twenty-five percent said no.