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Most Americans Support Legalizing Marijuana
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States are willing to legalize marijuana, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 53 per cent of respondents support this notion, while 43 per cent are opposed.
Less than 10 per cent of respondents support the legalization of other drugs, such as ecstasy, powder cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or "crystal meth" and crack cocaine.
The use of marijuana is illegal in the U.S. except in some regulated cases of medical use. The amount allowed for such purposes varies depending on the state. Some states have passed laws to reduce law enforcement for possession of small amounts of the substance.
In May, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, ruled out a push to legalize marijuana, adding, "I've never advocated legalization and certainly the president has made it clear that's his position."
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose the legalization of each of the following drugs?
|
Support |
Oppose |
Not sure |
|
|
Marijuana |
53% |
43% |
4% |
|
Ecstasy |
8% |
88% |
4% |
|
Powder cocaine |
8% |
89% |
3% |
|
Heroin |
6% |
91% |
3% |
|
Methamphetamine or "crystal meth" |
6% |
91% |
3% |
|
Crack cocaine |
5% |
92% |
3% |
Source: Angus Reid Public Opinion
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,004 American voters, conducted on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4, 2009. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.