cannabisnews.com: Most Canadians Support Decriminalizing Pot: Poll Most Canadians Support Decriminalizing Pot: Poll Posted by CN Staff on May 16, 2003 at 21:02:37 PT By The CTV.ca News Staff Source: CTV A majority of Canadians think decriminalization will make it harder for Canadian law enforcement agencies to crack down on drug dealers, but they support the change anyway, according to a new poll.Figures released from an Ipsos-Reid/CTV/Globe and Mail poll Friday showed 55 per cent of Canadians don't think smoking marijuana should be considered a criminal offence -- and support for decriminalization gets even higher when fines are suggested as a penalty for marijuana offenders. In fact, 63 per cent of Canadians supported the rumoured changes to Canada's pot laws, which reportedly include fines for possession of under 15 grams of marijuana as opposed to criminal charges. Thirty-five per cent of those polled opposed such changes.Though Justice Minister Martin Cauchon has yet to publicize the details of his proposed legislation, reports put the fines at $150 for possession of small amounts of marijuana with reduced fines for minors. But despite the apparent support for Cauchon's decriminalization plan, the Ipsos-Reid/CTV/Globe and Mail poll found that 53 per cent of Canadians feel the proposed changes would make fighting the illegal drug trade harder for police and 51 per cent believe decriminalization will translate into more teenagers smoking pot. Fifty-one per cent of Canadians also say the plan will result in an increased demand for pot -- which will contribute to increased criminal activity -- while 48 per cent disagree with the view.Support for decriminalization is up slightly from 1997, when only 51 per cent of Canadians thought smoking marijuana should not be a criminal offence. In 1987, only 39 per cent supported decriminalization.Across Canada, Quebecers are the most likely to be supportive of the decriminalization plan, with 63 per cent of residents in favour of removing criminal penalties. In Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, residents were evenly split on the issue.Meanwhile, 64 per cent of men compared to 49 per cent of women are in favour of fines over criminal charges. University graduates and younger Canadians are also more likely to support decriminalization.But Canadians acknowledge that decriminalizing marijuana would not be without consequence -- half of Canadians believe more teens under the legal age will now take up smoking marijuana with the strongest agreement (58 per cent) in Atlantic Canada and 55 per cent in Ontario. Half of those polled also say the changes will create a heightened demand for marijuana and in turn grow the drug trade. That view is led by people in Ontario (58 per cent) followed by Alberta (52 per cent) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51 per cent).The poll, which is based on a randomly selected sample of 1,001 adults, is considered accurate for the entire adult Canadian population to within ± 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Marijuana Backgrounder: http://www.ctv.ca/generic/WebSpecials/marijuana/Source: CTV (Canada)Published: May 16, 2003Copyright: 2003 Bell Globemedia Interactive Inc. Website: http://www.ctv.ca/Contact: newsonline ctv.ca Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmLighter Penalties for Minors in Pot Billhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16309.shtmlNew Pot Plan Just Token Effort http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16308.shtmlStop The Reefer Madness http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16301.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #5 posted by markjc on May 17, 2003 at 08:16:45 PT Prohibitionists It doesnt matter if decriminalizing pot has no negative effects, the antis will still and always will come up with imaginary problems and most of the public will believe it just like always. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by JSM on May 17, 2003 at 03:27:40 PT the sky is falling... This is a momentous decision. Watch the prohibitionists start screaming now, especially those south of the border. But despite all their dire warnings nothing out of the ordinary will happen and the big question will be: What was all the fuss about?However, what will be the impact of this ruling on those with existing records or currently incarcerated? Without any law, can they still be held? Also, how will this impact the Canadian Supreme Court in regards to the cases presented within the last two weeks. No matter what happens, things are going to change in some significant manner. WAY TO GO CANADA! [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on May 16, 2003 at 21:48:30 PT Ipsos-Reid Poll - May 16, 2003 Majority (55%) of Canadians Don’t Believe Smoking Marijuana Should be a Criminal Offence – Support Rises to Two-Thirds (63%) When Fines, Instead of Criminal Charges, are Suggested for Marijuana Possession for Personal Use.However, Majority (53%) Feel Change Will Make Fighting Drug Dealers and Drug Trade Harder for PoliceHalf (51%) Believe Change Will Increase Number of Teenagers Smoking Pot http://www.ipsos-reid.com/media/dsp_displaypr_cdn.cfm?id_to_view=1816 [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on May 16, 2003 at 21:42:14 PT puff_tuff Thank You! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by puff_tuff on May 16, 2003 at 21:33:12 PT Prince of Pot: Ontario Cannabis Laws Invalid? 16 May 2003In a much anticipated ruling, Justice Steve Rogin has today upheld the judgment of an Ontario court judge which dismissed a marihuana possession charge against a 16 year old youth. The Jauary 2, 2003 ruling of Justice Phillips of the Ontario Court of Justice received nationwide attention in finding that there was, effectively, no longer a valid law criminalizing the possession of marihuana. The Crown immediately appealed that decision. Since that time, hundreds of marihuana possession prosecutions in Ontario have been on hold awaiting the outcome of the appeal. Marc talks to Lawyer Brian McCallister who brought the case through the courts. http://www.pot-tv.net/archive/shows/pottvshowse-1972.html [ Post Comment ] Post Comment