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.