After conducting a marijuana-legalization survey, The Partnership at Drugfree.org found about 40% of responding adults support marijuana legalization – a slap in the face. While it’s less than the numbers from other polling sources, the anti-drug organization is being forced to defend the War on Marijuana it helps to support.
According to CBS News, the organization paired with an advertising agency to survey a cross section of the population, about 1,600 people of which 1,200 were parents of children between the ages of 10 and 19. What they found is that more parents than they expected actually support marijuana, and not the sort of free-for-all that new, freer pot laws have been characterized as—but strictly regulated and well-controlled policies instead.
Over 80% of parents believe pot advertising should be banned and the majority also thinks it should be illegal to provide marijuana to children at home. Seventy percent said they support medical marijuana and another 50% support decriminalization.
But, the organization—being quick to defend it’s own anti-drug stance—says these parents are largely misled about the current state of the failing War on Pot. They say new laws aren’t going to offer them the safe regulations they are hoping for.
“The reality is that marijuana is now legalized for recreational use in the states of Colorado and Washington and it’s clear that society’s views on marijuana are evolving dramatically,” said president and CEO Steve Pasierb, in a statement. “The data bring to life the fact that parents — including the large number who favor legalization— have serious expectations that legal marijuana will be regulated and restricted to protect kids and teens. Those expectations far exceed how legal marijuana is being implemented.”
Related Read: Why is Marijuana Illegal?
The Pew Research Center, a more unbiased research firm found that the majority of American adults supported legalization. In their survey released this spring, 52% of those surveyed supported legalizing the healing plant, more than ever before.
While it’s difficult for certain to say which survey’s results are most accurate, one thing is clear—the opinion about cannabis use is changing. In addition to new laws in Colorado and Washington, legislation and ballot measures are being crafted in states and localities across the nation, all changing how marijuana is regulated and penalized.
Studies have linked this criminalized plant with cancer cell death and numerous other health benefits. It is able to provide relief to chronic pain sufferers without addiction and negative side effects. As citizens begin to accept it as a healer rather than a drug, the federal government will soon have no choice but to back down.
I have experienced the effects of Marijuana and due a clinical background was involved in personal research on its effect on people who used it occasionally and those that wiped themselves out regularly. Fact 1. It is a psychotropic form of medication. Fact 2 Its effects are amplified and distorted when used with alcohol. Fact 3 It can cause psychotic breaks. Fact 3. If a family history of major mental disorder using a drug that causes psychotropic disturbance is very unwise. Not enough research has been done to confirm or deny DNA risks to offspring but I have seen severe congenital deformities present where High Cannabis use is present in either parent (coincidence or possible) either way we have enough threats to our health without bring in another one. It all comes down to susceptibility and there is no way to guarantee no harm. Legalising it would not save anyone from its dangers, it will not put dealers out of business, but it will open the door for companies to market just another drug for profit and the government could get its taxes from this process. In the final analysis if money can be saved or made from it will be the only factor that brings about its legalisation. Look at the history of alcohol, in all its glory; some use it sensibly but, too many don't and the lives destroyed with the attendant cost to health and welfare should give some a reason to pause and consider…right! Joanna van der Drift
Considering the benefits of Marijuana's (unaltered) products, I'd fall into the 40%, but I’m really surprised that the 40% is not higher