Canadians Want Pot Laws Relaxed

Nearly two-thirds of Canadians support either decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana, according to a new Forum Research poll. This comes on the heels of Canada’s Liberal Party voting in favor of supporting legalization at its convention last weekend. “Canadians clearly feel the possession of small amounts of marijuana should be legalized," says Forum President Lorne Bozinoff. "For a majority of Canadians, the war on this particular drug needs to end.” The poll showed that 40% of respondents favor legalizing and taxing pot, while 26% favor decriminalization. Approximately 20% want no change in the current laws, while 11% want existing punishments increased. British Columbia is the province most in support of legalization (50%), while the idea was least popular in Quebec (36%). Men are more likely to support legalization than women (45% vs. 34%), but women support the decriminalization option more often than men (31% vs. 22%). An October 2011 poll showed that half of Americans support legalizing marijuana.