Pubdate: Thu, 23 Aug 2001
Source: USA Today (US)
Copyright: 2001 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc
Contact:  http://www.usatoday.com/news/nfront.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/466
Author:  Dennis Cauchon, USA TODAY
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

MARIJUANA SUPPORT AT 30-YEAR HIGH

Marijuana Poll: 34% Favor Legalization

Support for legalizing marijuana is at its highest level in at least 30 
years, according to a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup poll.

The poll found that 34% favored legalizing marijuana use while 62% were 
opposed, the most support for legalization since pollsters began asking the 
question in 1969.

Support for legalization had been constant at about 25% for 20 years before 
the USA TODAY poll recorded a rise to 31% in August 2000 and 34% earlier 
this month.

"We are literally winning the hearts and minds of the American people," 
says Keith Stroup, founder of the National Organization for the Reform of 
Marijuana Laws.

He says the government's opposition to letting doctors prescribing 
marijuana for pain relief and nausea has helped legalization efforts.

"The longer they fight this battle, the more progress we make," Stroup 
says. "Americans rethink their position on marijuana when they see a 
government disinterested in helping dying patients."

But Robert Hussey, executive director of the California Narcotics Officers 
Association, says the fight against legalizing marijuana -- for medical or 
recreational use -- is still worth waging. "We have enough legal drugs out 
there. We don't need another one," he says.

Hussey agrees that medical marijuana has given momentum to advocates of 
legalization. "They've chosen this issue to get their message out, and 
they've had money to back it up in (voter) referendums," he says. "We 
haven't been able to get our message out."

Since 1996, voters in eight states have passed initiatives supporting 
medical marijuana. Polls show more than 70% of voters support medical 
marijuana.

Polls in Canada and the England have shown half the population now supports 
legalizing marijuana.

The USA TODAY/CNN poll found support for legalization highest among 18- to 
49-year-olds, people in the West, and independent voters.

Opposition was greatest among the elderly, those who attend church weekly, 
and Republicans.

Parents with children under 18 had similar views as others.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager