Majority of Americans Ready to Legalize Marijuana

[Seraphim]

(08/09/11) - Majority of Americans Ready to Legalize Marijuana

As was the case last year, most respondents believe the "War on Drugs" has been a failure.

Many Americans continue to believe that marijuana should be legalized, but are not supportive of making other drugs readily available, a new Angus Reid Public Opinion poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of 1,003 American adults, 55 per cent of respondents support the legalization of marijuana, while 40 per cent oppose it.

The groups that are the most supportive of making cannabis legal in the U.S. are Democrats (63%), Independents (61%), Men (57%) and respondents aged 35-to-54 (57%).

However, only 10 per cent of Americans support legalizing ecstasy. Smaller proportions of respondents would consent to the legalization of powder cocaine (9%), heroin (8%), methamphetamine or "crystal meth" (7%), and crack cocaine (7%).

Across the country, 64 per cent of respondents believe America has a serious drug abuse problem that affects the entire United States, while one-in-five (20%) perceive a drug abuse problem that is confined to specific areas and people. One-in-twenty Americans (5%) think America does not have a serious drug abuse problem.

Only nine per cent of respondents believe the "War on Drugs"–the efforts of the U.S. government to reduce the illegal drug trade–has been a success, while two thirds (67%) deem it a failure.

Analysis

The survey shows a country that is concerned about the effects of drugs, and at the same time deeply disappointed with the efforts of the U.S. government to deal with the drug trade.

However, as has been outlined in Angus Reid Public Opinion surveys conducted in 2009 and 2010, a majority of Americans are calling for the legalization of marijuana. Cannabis is definitely not seen as a substance that is as harmful as other illegal drugs, as evidenced in the minuscule level of support for the legalization of cocaine or heroin.

Full Report, Detailed Tables and Methodology (PDF)
CONTACT:

Mario Canseco, Vice President, Angus Reid Public Opinion
+877 730 3570
mario.canseco@angus-reid.com

Methodology: From August 4 to August 5, 2010, Angus Reid Public Opinion conducted an online survey among 1,005 American adults who are Springboard America panelists. The margin of error–which measures sampling variability–is +/- 3.1%. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of the United States. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

Original article: Majority of Americans Ready to Legalize Marijuana | Angus Reid Public Opinion

 

[Seraphim]

If we know this information, I have to assume that the politicians also know this information.

Then, the question that begs to be asked is WHY ISN'T OUR GOVERNMENT WORKING TOWARDS FOLLOWING THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE???????

Answer: Because the government is broken. It needs to be fixed or replaced altogether.

Have a nice day!

 

[Space Oddity]

It blows my mind that weed has yet to be legalized, based not only on information like this but also research determining the actual effects (short- and long-term effects) that smoking regularly has on your body.
I mean, if you have dope in one hand, and liquor in the other hand... How is one legal but not the other?

 

[adobeboxer]

And so when politicians, as Ron Paul, and his son, Rand Paul, have suggested that there be a philosophical discussion over the U.S. Constitution, one should not merely shrug one's shoulders and roll his eyes. Ideas are important, and I believe that there is no "replacing" or "fixing" of the govt. that is necessary. I do believe, however, that our elected officials become very familiarized with the U.S. Constitution. This would be a good starting point.

 

[J9BLACK]

It blows my mind that weed has yet to be legalized, based not only on information like this but also research determining the actual effects (short- and long-term effects) that smoking regularly has on your body.
I mean, if you have dope in one hand, and liquor in the other hand... How is one legal but not the other?

I can tell you that medical cannabis has helped to quit my weekend drinking. I have lost 12 percent of my total weight, and my blood pressure has dropped 20 points to 117/72. I am eating healthier than ever. I am enjoying my most consistent and demanding workout routine since basic training--28 years.

So, I smoked occasionally in HS and College and into my late 20s. I always loved it and preferred it, but alcohol was legal and easily obtained. End of story.


I never paid a serious price for drinking, for that I am blessed.

Now that I am a patient, my eyes are opened... Cannabis prohibition is an evil contrivance. Who stands to lose? Alcohol pushers and maybe pharma...

 

[J9BLACK]

It is like having alcohol on one hand while wearing a wife-beater, and cannabis on the other hand wearing a doctor's smock or lab coat.

I am a member of the ASA and I contribute to the legal defense fund. My money is where my mouth is...

This libertarian will never vote in a prohibitionist republican again.

 

[Flipper]

The government will never legalize it. Why? because the power that be would lose their jobs and their take. War on drugs, it's just a big business!

Flipper

 

[J9BLACK]

I don't want cannabis to be easier than cigarettes for children to obtain. It should be available, but discreet--like all adult material. Can you imagine a pharmacy with a giant neon Viagra sign shaped like an erect penis, a quarter mile from a school? There must be decency limits, and the government can play a role...but proibition of cannabis? That's immoral.

I am for ending the war on drugs. I am not for ending the war on synthetic drug manufacturing. That poses a public health risk. If someone wants to grow poppies, shrooms, and chamomile for personal use, more power to her.

Tweakers suck.

 

[onPOT]

Here is an economists view on the topic.
Milton Friedman pwns!

Milton Friedman - Why Drugs Should Be Legalized - YouTube

 

[budbro]

It will be legalized, but it's a matter of simple demographics. As much as we would like to think it should, and we are the majority, we are not. Well, we might be the majority that clicked on the "yes" button in a poll or said "yes" when a pollster called them. But that same majority does not hand pick candidates who share our views, encourage them to run for office, support them, and show up at the polls to get them elected. The older generation does precisely this, and they oppose legalization. Take a look at congress and what is the most obvious thing you see? They are the older generation, average age for the senate is over 62! It's no wonder it's still illegal, you can't blame the politicians (government) for doing what their supporters elected them to do, which is oppose legalization. Until the young and middle age replace them with people who share our views or time does this for us, it will remain so.

FYI, I'm getting up there in age myself, so don't anyone take this personal. I am speaking from a purely statistical view.

 

[J9BLACK]

I wonder if Herman Cain as CEO ever allowed anyone to be fired for testing positive in a MMJ permitted state--even though the employee was never involved in any safety sensitive positions. I think I can guess that answer.

 

[budbro]

I wonder if Herman Cain as CEO ever allowed anyone to be fired for testing positive in a MMJ permitted state--even though the employee was never involved in any safety sensitive positions. I think I can guess that answer.

Lol, where did that come from brah?

 

[J9BLACK]

I simply wanted to point out that advocating states' rights is lip service by our leaders--both political and economic.

 

[Llama]

I don't want cannabis to be easier than cigarettes for children to obtain.

Right now it is easier for kids to get pot than it is for them to get alcohol or cigarettes.

To buy tobacco or alcohol, one must show an ID. I don't know of any dealer who checks ID. Do you? To buy pot, little Jonnie only has to ask little Billy in
6th period who's got some.

I think marijuana should be made legal for legal aged adults and controlled similarly to alcohol and tobacco. It should also be legal to grow your own up to a certain amount(similar to homebrewing beer.).

The only people who would not benefit from the legalization of mj are the drug cartels, dealers, and the DEA.

If marijuana were made totally legal,Big pharma will want in on the action of course. This could help the big commercial growers who would focus on medical grage mj which they could sell to the pharmaceutical companies, along with the recreational user market.

There will always be a market for the connoisuer so I envision coffeshop type establishments similar to Amsterdam. Many of these would be supplied by local growers.


Another plus which I have never seen mentioned is the tourist dollars. If MJ is made legal in the US, people from all over the world will come here to enjoy one of life's little pleasures. (How many people from around the world visit Atlantic City and Las Vegas for legal gambling?)

Here's the downside as I see it.
1.If the government legalizes mj it's going to be taxed.

2.For any type of commercial sale, the govt is going to impose a myriad of restrictions on THC/CBD etc content

3.If the government is involved, you'll need all kinds of licenses and permits for any type of commercial grow operation.

4. If the govrnment is involved the will find a way to screw up the whole thing.

 

[budbro]

Another plus which I have never seen mentioned is the tourist dollars.

I'm on my knees praying everyday the prop passes in Colorado next year. It's a close enough drive to make a trip once a month. I can't wait and I bet their government can't either, it will become a mecca overnight if it passes.

 

[420 Warrior]

Now that I am a patient, my eyes are opened... Cannabis prohibition is an evil contrivance. Who stands to lose? Alcohol pushers and maybe pharma...

don't forget tobacco as well as oil, not to mention the DEA...lost of money being threatened by mj legalization, all at the potential cost of our freedom