A strong majority of New Yorkers support legalizing the use of medical marijuana, according to a state-wide poll by the Siena College Research Institute.

Researchers say 57 percent support legalizing pot for medical use.

“Over two-thirds of voters are paying attention to the debate over legalizing medical marijuana in New York State,” said Dr. Don Levy, Siena College Research Institute Director.

Poll results show that Democrats and independents strongly support legalization. Other demographics agree, except  Republicans and self-described conservatives, who are divided on the issue.

Among the 68 percent following the issue closely, support is running high at 62 percent.

Other results in the poll:

– Synthetic Marijuana: New Yorkers are fairly closely divided on whether to make the possession and sale of synthetic marijuana a crime. Forty-one percent are in favor and 38 percent are opposed.

– Hydrofracking: 37 percent support allowing the controversial method of extracting natural gas from shale, while 36 percent are opposed.

– Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): 32 percent support legalizing MMA in the state, while 26 percent are opposed. Thirty-eight percent say they need more information before deciding. Interestingly, only a quarter of those polled are following the issue.