POT GAP GROWING, SAYS POLL

A massive pot-smoking generation gap between Canada's young people and
their parents is widening, a new Sun-Leger poll shows.

More than a third of young adults (36%) aged 18-24 have smoked
marijuana in the past year, compared to only 8% of their parents --
those in the 35-54 age range -- according to the new survey taken in
early April.

The percentage of Canadian youth who smoke marijuana -- 58% have tried
it by age 24, according to the poll -- has been continually rising
since 1993 and is now among the highest in the world.

The poll also revealed more Canadians support liberalizing laws
regulating marijuana use than oppose the moves.

Of 1,501 Canadians surveyed, 40% supported outright legalization of
the use of cannabis or decriminalizing personal possession, while
another 43% backed legalizing its medicinal consumption.

Only 14% insisted the drug should always be kept illegal.

The poll comes as federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon readies
legislation to decriminalize possession of small quantities of
marijuana, expected to be tabled this spring.

The bill is a response to the number of marijuana possession cases
thrown out by judges.

"In the past three to five years, we're starting to see a growing
acceptance (of liberalization), not just in the public but at the
government level, which is the most significant," said Dave Sholz,
Leger's VP.

"The general perception is it's okay to have it legalized in some
format."

The format that's grown in popularity is the medical use, with
perceptions of the drug altered by the government's own painstaking
efforts to cultivate cannabis underground in Flin Flon, Man., said
Leger.

But there's still a strong undercurrent among Canadians running
against general legalization that would see it sold in stores, he added.

"There's still a stigma to it with that illegal context ... people say
they don't want it in their face all the time," said Leger.

A majority of those polled stated they didn't believe cannabis use
would lead to harder drugs, with 58% saying the drug would either have
no effect or would decrease the chance.

Leger said views on the "gateway drug" issue have shifted dramatically
and are crucial in marijuana's growing acceptance.

"If we were to go back 20 years or less, there was a perception if you
were a teenager smoking pot, you'd end up on the street shooting
heroin," he said.

"Now it's thought to be no worse than drinking beer or (could) even be
better for you."

As for overall use of the drug, 56% of Canadians say they've never
smoked it, while 5% admitted to smoking it in the past week and 2% in
the last month.

B.C., which is seen as Canada's premier marijuana growing region,
offered the most enthusiasm for decriminalization or legalization with
52% backing.

Ontario showed the lowest support at 36%, while Alberta came in at
39%.

The poll is considered accurate to within 2.5%.