The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Alaska is pushing recent poll numbers that indicate perceptions of the ballot initiative are remaining steady.
In a press release from the campaign Wednesday, spokesman Taylor Bickford cited two polls conducted in recent months that show support for the effort.
An annual poll commissioned by the Alaska House Majority Caucus -- which polled 800 Alaskans statewide on a variety of issues, from education to a gas line -- found that 52 percent of Alaskans polled were in favor of the initiative. The poll, conducted by Dittman Research and released Monday, found another 44 percent against the initiative and 4 percent undecided.
In February, a poll by Public Policy Polling found the numbers in Alaska to be only slightly higher -- 55 percent in favor, 39 percent against and 6 percent undecided.
"Alaskans are clearly fed up with the failed policies of marijuana prohibition and believe it's time for a more sensible approach," said Chris Rempert, political director for the campaign, in a statement. "The poll results reflect momentum and support we are seeing on the ground for regulating marijuana like alcohol in Alaska."
In late February, the state certified the initiative for the August primary election. If passed, it would legalize possession of limited amounts of marijuana for adults 21 years of age or older and establish a system under which marijuana is taxed and regulated similarly to alcohol.