Support for marijuana legalization
steady at more than half
Just one tenth think current
laws are appropriate
TORONTO August 20th, 2015 -In a random sampling
of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 1473 Canadian voters, the
majority, more than half, favour the legalization of marijuana (53%), and this
is very similar to the proportion who said this in March (55%). One third
disagree with legalization now (34%) and this proportion is stable since March
(34%). One tenth don’t have an opinion, then (11%) and now (12%). Enthusiasm
for legalization is highest among the youngest (61%), males (59%), wealthier
groups ($60K to $100K - 61%), in Atlantic Canada (63%) and BC (67%), but not in
Quebec (46%), among Liberals (63%) and New Democrats (60%) but not among
Conservatives (32%).
7-in-10 favour legalization
or decriminalization
When voters are asked specifically how the government should
deal with Marijuana, close to 7-in-10 say either it should be legalized and
taxed (35%) or decriminalized for small amounts (33%) for a total of more than
two thirds (68%) who are in favour of relaxing regulations. This compares
closely to the two thirds who answered in a similar manner when we last asked
this question in August 2014 (66%, legalization - 35%, decriminalization -
31%). Very few think the laws should be left as they are (9%) or that penalties
should be increased (12%). Males are more likely to favour legalization
(47%) than females (28%), and females are more likely to support
decriminalization (males - 31%, females -36%). One fifth of Conservatives
favour legalization (21%), while one third approve of decriminalization (35%).
They are the most likely to think laws should stay as they are (26%).
“We’ve been
tracking attitudes to marijuana legalization since the last election, and the
sentiments haven’t shifted significantly. The majority want their boo
legalized, and if they can’t have that, then they want decriminalization. I’m
sure the Prime Minister is consulting experts on this , but I’m not sure he’s
listening to the same ones the voters are. Most see no harm in marijuana, other
than the fact it is illegal,”said Forum
Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.
Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is
the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com
or at (416) 960-9603.
