Pubdate: Fri, 29 Aug 2008
Source: Australian, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2008 Australian Asociated Press
Contact:  http://www.theaustralian.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/35
Referenced: The Survey 
http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10670
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Supervised Injection Sites)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

SUPPORT FOR CLINICAL TRIALS OF CANNABIS

MOST Australians would support clinical trials of cannabis for 
medical use, a survey has found.

More than 23,000 people over the age of 12 were quizzed about their 
personal use and attitudes to drugs for the 2007 National Drug 
Strategy Household Survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Almost 50 per cent of respondents said they would support regulated 
heroin injecting rooms.

The nationwide survey found 70 per cent supported legalising cannabis 
for medical reasons, while approval of clinical trials for cannabis 
approached 75 per cent. Most people also looked favourably on needle 
and syringe programs, which were supported by more than 65 per cent.

When it came to tobacco, there was firm support across the board for 
bans on smoking in workplaces, pubs and clubs. More than 80 per cent 
wanted smoking banned in the workplace, with Canberrans most strongly 
in favour at close to 85 per cent. More than 75 per cent of 
respondents wanted smoking banned from pubs and clubs.

On alcohol, 80 per cent of Australians also wanted tougher bans on 
drink driving, but there was far less support for tax hikes, such as 
Labor's alcopops tax rise before the Senate. Less than a quarter of 
respondents supported a hike on alcohol prices. But about 40 per cent 
would support a hike if the funding was used for drinking education programs.

Respondents over the age of 14 were also asked about personal drug 
use. About 20 per cent of males and 15 per cent of females had used 
marijuana in the 12 months before the survey.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake