Two-Thirds of Canadians Say Decriminalize Pot

Nearly two out of three Canadians favor decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana, according to an Ipsos Reid poll released Sunday. Some 65% of those polled said they favored decriminalized, while only 34% opposed it.

The poll results continue a long-term trend in support of laxer marijuana laws in Canada. In 1987, only 39% supported decriminalization. By 1997, that number had climbed to 51% and by 2003, it had climbed to 55%.

Support for decriminalization was strong around the country, but strongest in Atlantic Canada (71%), Ontario (69%), British Columbia (69%), and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (69%). Support was stronger among those with university degrees (71%) than those with some college (71%) and those with only a high school diploma (63%). And more affluent Canadians had the strongest support for decriminalization, at 77%.

- Read the entire article at Stop the Drug War.