Pubdate: Thu, 31 Jul 2014
Source: National Post (Canada)
Page: A4
Copyright: 2014 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/wEtbT4yU
Website: http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Mark Kennedy
Referenced: 2014 national justice survey:
http://mapinc.org/url/5DpzjD3O

70% Want Pot Laws Eased: Poll

OTTAWA * More than two-thirds of Canadians want marijuana laws
softened, says an opinion poll conducted for the federal government.

A survey of 3,000 Canadians conducted for the federal government found
support for marijuana decriminalization.

And while a small majority believes companies should not be permitted
to sell marijuana just as they sell alcohol and cigarettes, it's clear
many people have no problem with the proposition.

Among the poll's highlights: ❚ 37.3% say marijuana should be
legalized. ❚ 33.4% want possession of small amounts of
marijuana decriminalized, leading to a fine rather than a criminal
record. ❚ 13.7% say the marijuana laws should stay the same.
❚ 12% want penalties increased.

The results of the national survey of 3,000 people, commissioned by
the Department of Justice, will add fuel to the debate that is heating
up before the 2015 election.

The Liberals under Justin Trudeau want marijuana legalized so its sale
is regulated, making it harder for youths to obtain.

The Conservatives say such a change would lead to more kids smoking
marijuana. Instead, the government is considering allowing police to
fine anyone caught with small amounts of the drug.

Ottawa hired Ipsos-Reid to conduct focus groups and an extensive poll
to gauge Canadians' views on hot-button issues such as marijuana and
prostitution.

The results were posted online Wednesday.

"The government of Canada wanted a clear and current understanding of
the Canadian public opinion on a range of justice issues," said the
report.

"This research was conducted to provide insight into the views,
concerns and priorities of Canadians on criminal justice issues."

The poll, conducted Jan. 30 Feb. 7, found respondents were divided
about how the government should legislate on prostitution. In June,
Justice Minister Peter MacKay introduced contentious legislation to
prohibit buying sex from prostitutes. It also bans sex workers from
selling their services near schools, playgrounds and daycare centres.

Critics say the bill is deeply flawed and will eventually be struck
down by the courts. By comparison, the poll suggested Canadians are
not happy with the status quo on marijuana.

Many of them don't think legalization would increase pot-smoking:
52.6% believe marijuana use would "stay about the same" if legalized,
38.4% say it would increase and 6.3% say it would decrease.

If marijuana is legalized, it is unclear how it would be distributed
and who would be allowed to sell it.

To the question, "should companies be allowed to produce and promote
the sale of marijuana just like tobacco and alcohol?," 55.6% said no
and 42.4% said yes.

However, 82.9% of respondents believe doctors should be allowed to
prescribe marijuana to patients - something that is now allowed.

The pollster also organized 14 focus groups of 10 people each to
discuss the issue. Most participants supported leaving the law alone
or fining people with small amounts of marijuana so they would not
have a criminal record. There was some support for legalization in
focus groups held in B.C., but elsewhere there was "very little support."

Deputy Liberal Leader Ralph Goodale said Wednesday the poll shows
Canadians don't believe the current marijuana laws accomplish their
"public policy objectives."

"The status quo is obviously failed policy," he said.

"That's clearly recognized by the vast majority of Canadians. They
come to some different conclusions about what exactly to do about it,
but clearly they want change."

Mary Ann Dewey-Plante, a spokeswoman for Mr. MacKay, said Mr. Trudeau
would "fully legalize recreational marijuana, which would make it
easier for kids to buy and smoke in their neighbourhoods, like
cigarettes today."  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D