Pubdate: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 Source: Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ) Copyright: 2014 Newark Morning Ledger Co Contact: http://www.nj.com/starledger/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424 Author: Jeff Goldman, The Star-Ledger MOST IN NJ SAY ALCOHOL, TOBACCO ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN POT, POLL FINDS Alcohol and tobacco are more dangerous than marijuana. That's the opinion of the majority of 803 New Jersey adults quizzed in a Monmouth University/Asbury Park Press released this morning. Nearly 60 percent of those asked said alcohol (59 percent) and tobacco (58 percent) pose more of a hazard than marijuana. The same poll also revealed that Garden State residents are split on whether to legalize marijuana. About 48 percent are in favor of making it lawful to purchase a small amount of marijuana. Another 47 percent oppose the idea. Residents are also divided along the lines of political affiliation, gender and age, according to the poll. More Democrats (49 percent) than Republicans (37 percent) are OK with making it lawful to purchase marijuana. Fewer women (39 percent) than men (56 percent) said possessing marijuana should be legal. More people younger than 35 (53 percent) want to legalize marijuana than their older counterparts (45 percent for those 35-54 and 43 percent for those 55 or older). State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) introduced a bill last month that would let people buy and sell pot. Gov. Chris Christie has vowed to never sign legislation that would make marijuana legal. Thirty-six percent of the people surveyed admitted they have smoked marijuana. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D