ALBANY — Half of New York voters support legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes, according to a poll released yesterday.

The Siena Research Institute says 50 percent back legalization, while 41 percent are opposed and 9 percent say they don’t have enough information.

Pollster Steven Greenberg pointed out demographic divisions in the results, with 72 percent support among those who consider themselves liberal, 62 percent among those 18 to 34, and 55 percent among Democrats. Opposition includes 61 percent of those who consider themselves conservative, 59 percent of Republicans and 48 percent of those 55 and older. .