Drug Use and Offending

Q4. What do Canadians think about the medical use of soft drugs?

Eight-in-ten Canadians are in favour of the legalization of marijuana use for medicinal purposes.

Support is high in Quebec and British Columbia

In a recent poll conducted in March 2002 by Gallup, support for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes was highest among Quebec and British Columbia residents (89% each), followed by Ontario (84%), the Atlantic region (78%) and the Prairie provinces (74%).

High support for medical use of marijuana in all age groups

There is considerable support for the medical use of marijuana in all age groups and men and women support legalization in similar proportions.

Figure 2 : Characteristics of Public Support for Legalization of Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes 2001

Figure 2 : Characteristics of Public Support for Legalization of Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes 2001

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Source: The Gallup Poll, April 19, 2002, Volume No.62, No.22.