TRENTON — A poll released today shows New Jersey voters are evenly divided in their support for legalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use — although the results show wide gaps among different sexes, age groups, and political affiliations.

The Quinnipiac University survey found that 48 percent of registered voters backed the idea, while the same number were opposed.

But gaps emerged when the groups were broken down:

• Men back legalization 54 percent to 43 percent, while women are opposed 52 percent to 43 percent.

• Voters 18 to 29 support legalization 56 percent to 43 percent, while voters over 65 disapprove 63 percent to 33 percent.

• Democrats are for it 55 percent to 41 percent, Republicans are against it 61 percent to 34 percent, and independents are divided, 48 percent to 48 percent.

"There’s enormous interest in the proposal to legalize marijuana, but voters split down the middle," Maurice Carroll, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll, said. "Republicans say no, Democrats say yes, and the highest support comes from younger voters."

Recreational marijuana use is legal in only two states: Colorado and Washington. New Jersey is one of 20 states to have legalized medical marijuana.

Last month, state Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) introduced legislation that would make the sale and possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use legal in New Jersey.

But Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday that he would oppose any effort to legalize or decriminalize marijuana.

Today's poll shows 41 percent of New Jersey voters admit to having smoked marijuana — including 56 percent of voters younger than 30.

Moreover, 49 percent of voters say marijuana is just as dangerous as alcohol, while 16 percent say it is more dangers, and 31 percent say it is less dangerous.

Half of voters say using marijuana does not lead to other drug use, while 42 percent say the opposite.

Sixty percent say if marijuana possession was legal in New Jersey, they would not be bother if a neighbor grew the drug in their home.

But 87 percent say they would be somewhat uncomfortable or very uncomfortable riding in a car driven by someone who had consumed a moderate amount of marijuana.

The poll, which surveyed 1,356 voters by telephone from April 2 to 7, had a margin of error of 2.7 percentage points.

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