Two-Thirds Of Canadians Favor Pot Legalization Or Decrim: Poll

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Simple Cannabis

​Two-thirds of Canadians support legalization or decriminalization of marijuana according to a new poll released on Tuesday, with just 20 percent supporting leaving the pot laws as they are now.

The poll, by Toronto-based Forum Research Inc., showed that British Columbia residents were the most likely to support cannabis law reform, with 73 percent indicating laws should be changed, reports Ian Vandaelle at the National Post. Quebec had the lowest support, although even there, a sizable majority, 61 percent, supported legalization or decrim.

The show of public support comes just after a new party policy approved by the Liberal Party of Canada’s convention, pushing for the legalization and regulation of marijuana.

Forum Research
Lorne Bozinoff, Forum Research: “For a majority of Canadians, the war on this particular drug needs to end”

​While it was the youth wing of the Liberal Party that originally put forward the motion, the new poll showed that Baby Boomers are the most supportive of reforming the marijuana laws among all age groups.
Poll respondents between 55 and 64 years old were the most likely to support legalization or decrim, with 73 percent in favor. But support went across all age groups, with every demographic polling in the mid- to high- 60s in support of cannabis law reform.
“The public no longer favors devoting the time and resources required to restrict marijuana use and possession, while many feel the best strategy is to legalize and tax its sale,” said Lorne Bozinoff, president of Forum Research Inc.
“For a majority of Canadians, the war on this particular drug needs to end,” Bozinoff said.
Of Liberal-voting respondents, 64 percent supported cannabis law reform. Even Conservative voters favored changing the marijuana laws, with 59 percent favoring reform. Green Party voters were the most likely to support reform at 78 percent, with 71 percent of NDP voters supporting legalization or decrim.
The poll was taken December 13 of 1,160 residents 18 or older. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percent.
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