Pubdate: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 Source: Metro (Edmonton, CN AB) Page: 4 Copyright: 2014 Metro Canada Contact: http://www.metronews.ca/Edmonton Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4475 Author: Jeremy Nolais Referenced: Insights West poll: http://mapinc.org/url/FdxY8clo POT POLL. MAJORITY OF ALBERTANS SUPPORT LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA A new poll has found that slightly more than half of Albertans support the legalization of marijuana and seven-in-10 don't believe Canada has to wait for other countries to become more bud-friendly before passing legislation of its own. The poll, released Tuesday by Insights West, found that 52 per cent of Albertans supported legalization, compared to 42 per cent opposed. By comparison, just five per cent of Albertans would support legalization of ecstasy, heroin or powder cocaine and four per cent supported legalizing crack cocaine or crystal meth, according to poll results. Respondents were split evenly when asked whether legalization of marijuana in some U.S. states is changing their attitudes to similar legislation in Canada. "Albertans are looking at marijuana as a substance that is more akin to alcohol and tobacco than other illegal drugs," said Mario Canseco, vice-president of public affairs for Insights West. "Residents are leaning towards legalization, but do not appear to be swayed by what is happening south of the border." Fifty-two per cent said they've seen somebody smoking marijuana in the last month, yet 48 per cent said they've never tried the drug themselves. The poll was conducted online between July 15-18 and the study group was made up of 627 Your Insights panel members who were 18 years of age or older. use under our zoning bylaw," she said. Several other cities have created unique bylaws for the facilities. St. Albert councillors reviewed proposed bylaws earlier this week. Carol Bergum, St. Albert's director of planning said they wanted the facilities separate from other areas. "We were trying to create some distance requirements between the same type of establishments as well as between other things like daycares and residential areas." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D