SUPPORT FOR CLINICAL TRIALS OF CANNABIS

MOST Australians would support clinical trials of cannabis for
medical use, a survey has found.

More than 23,000 people over the age of 12 were quizzed about their
personal use and attitudes to drugs for the 2007 National Drug
Strategy Household Survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Almost 50 per cent of respondents said they would support regulated
heroin injecting rooms.

The nationwide survey found 70 per cent supported legalising cannabis
for medical reasons, while approval of clinical trials for cannabis
approached 75 per cent. Most people also looked favourably on needle
and syringe programs, which were supported by more than 65 per cent.

When it came to tobacco, there was firm support across the board for
bans on smoking in workplaces, pubs and clubs. More than 80 per cent
wanted smoking banned in the workplace, with Canberrans most strongly
in favour at close to 85 per cent. More than 75 per cent of
respondents wanted smoking banned from pubs and clubs.

On alcohol, 80 per cent of Australians also wanted tougher bans on
drink driving, but there was far less support for tax hikes, such as
Labor's alcopops tax rise before the Senate. Less than a quarter of
respondents supported a hike on alcohol prices. But about 40 per cent
would support a hike if the funding was used for drinking education programs.

Respondents over the age of 14 were also asked about personal drug
use. About 20 per cent of males and 15 per cent of females had used
marijuana in the 12 months before the survey.