Finally we have solid proof that the public is behind HB 1623. In fact, although HB 1623 in its current form only asks for a threshold of 1/4 ounce and a fine of $200, this poll shows that 53 percent of New Hampshire voters would support reducing the penalty for possessing up to one ounce of marijuana to a violation punishable only by a $100 fine! Only 34% were opposed to the idea, with 13% undecided. The independent poll of 625 registered voters was conducted by telephone April 7-8 by Mason-Dixon Research for the Marijuana Policy Project and NH Common Sense.

Does it look like some of our state's top decision-makers have been misreading public opinion? Take a look at the poll question, and the numbers it generated:

QUESTION: Current New Hampshire law provides for a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,000 for simple possession of marijuana. Would you support or oppose a change in the law to provide for a $100 fine without jail time for those who possess an ounce or less of marijuana for personal use?

	STATE	MEN	WOMEN	<50	50+	DEMS	REPS	INDS
SUPP	53%	48%	58%	62%	44%	63%	44%	54%
OPP	34%	38%	30%	28%	40%	22%	45%	32%
UND	13%	14%	12%	10%	16%	15%	11%	14%

The two-question poll also asked voters about medical marijuana and found a full 71% in support with only 21% opposed. (A poll last March by the Becker Institute found 67% of voters in support.)

QUESTION: Do you support or oppose changing the law in New Hampshire to allow seriously and terminally ill patients to use and grow medical marijuana for personal use if their doctors recommend it?

	STATE	MEN	WOMEN	<50	50+	DEMS	REPS	INDS
SUPP	71%	65%	77%	79%	63%	87%	56%	72%
OPP	21%	24%	18%	15%	27%	9%	32%	20%
UND	8%	11%	5%	6%	10%	4%	12%	8%

Voters were interviewed by telephone April 7-8, 2008 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, Inc. of Washington, D.C. The margin for error is plus or minus 4%.

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