The Regulate Marijuana Like Wine ballot initiative in California hasn’t secured a place on the 2012 ballot yet, but it is already racking up some big poll numbers.

A whopping 62% in a new poll by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, Inc. of 800 likely CA voters say they favor regulating marijuana like wine, versus 35% against it.

Digging deeper into the numbers shows why there is such strong support. 80% of respondents say they agree with the statement “State and federal drug laws are outdated and have failed, therefore, we need to take a new approach that makes sense for today.”

71% of respondents say they feel authorities waste too much time and money enforcing marijuana laws. When it comes to a definite yes vote versus a definite no vote, the numbers still hold up, 41% to 28%.

Two years ago Prop 19 started off with poll numbers in the 50% to 55% range, numbers that dipped into the 30′s toward the end of the campaign. With this campaign starting with higher numbers, it certainly looks better so far.

The Regulate Marijuana Like Wine initiative also has something else going for it, and that’s the fact that turnout will be higher this year due to the Presidential election. The more people at the polls, the better the chance marijuana law reform has.

2012 is going to be an historic year for marijuana legalization, and as usual, California will likely lead the way.

- Joe Klare

And be sure to check out our Open Letter on Behalf of 30 Million Cannabis Users and join us in our fight!