QUEBECERS IN FAVOUR OF THE LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS

Although still very divided on the way to achieve it, a small majority
of Quebecers declare themselves favorable to the legalization of
cannabis, reveals an exclusive Leger Marketing poll conducted this
month for the Journal de Montreal.

The results of the poll show that 50% of the people interviewed agree
with the legalization of marijuana, while 44% are opposed. The
supporters of legalization are found mainly amongst people who have
already consumed cannabis (72% are favourable), young people of ages
18 to 24 (68%), people who have a higher than average income (59%) and
men (54%)

Yes, But...

To this day, Quebecers are divided on the idea of allowing the sale of
cannabis to adults in government licensed establishments. The results
show that only 50% are for and 46% are against the idea. Here again,
the support is mainly concentrated within groups which have used
cannabis (71%) the young (65%) and men (58%). Finally, while
Quebecers show a certain openess towards legalization, this tolerance
diminishes when questioned on specific scenarios

55% of the people polled are opposed to allowing the possession of
cannabis for personal use and 64% are against the idea of allowing
growing for personal use.

The study which was conducted about a week ago, also shows that one
Quebecer out of three (35%) admits to have consumed cannabis even
though it is illegal. Almost 2/3 (62%) of young people ages (18-24)
admit to have "smoked".

These 'law-breakers'are more numerous in higher revenue groups (45%),
men (42%). Only 27% of women said they had experimented with the substance.

POLL RESULTS:

Have you ever used cannabis?

35% YES

64% NO

Legalization of cannabis:

50% FOR

44% AGAINST

Sale to adults in licensed establishments:

50% FOR

47% AGAINST

Legalization will come ...

26% WITHIN THE NEXT 5 YEARS

41% WITHIN THE NEXT 10 YEARS

26% NEVER

Methodology:

Leger Marketing conducted the poll by phone from May 9 to 13, 2001
interviewing 1007 adult Quebecers. It is accurate within 3.4%, 19
times out of 20.

[sidebar]

A REALITY WITHIN 10 YEARS?

A large majority of Quebecers believe that the legalization of
cannabis is only a question of time . "Within five or ten years" is
what they've confided to the polling team at Leger Marketing. by
Laurent Soumis

Only 26 percent of the respondents believe it will never happen. On
the other side, 41 percent believe legalization will come within 10
years and 26 percent believe that legalization of marijuana will
happen within the next five years.

Until that happens, 90 percent of Quebecers declare themselves
favorable to a law which would permit the use of marijuana for medical
use. 72 percent of the people interviewed conclude that the present
laws actually favor the activities of organized crime.

A Clear Distinction

Over 2/3 (67%) of people polled hope that new legislation will make a
clear distinction between cannabis (a 'soft' drug) and cocaine and
heroin ('hard' drugs). However, even in spite of scientific studies
to the contrary, 70% of the population still continue to believe that
the consumption of cannabis can eventually lead to dependency.

A small majority (51%) even believe that cannabis can lead to the use
of harder drugs.