Survey Finds More Than Half of Canadians Support Marijuana Legalization

The news follows police arrests of high-profile marijuana advocates.

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A new study reveals that more than half of Canadians support the legalization of marijuana. The survey was conducted by employees at the NRG Research Group and Peak Communications, who utilized an online form to poll 1000 citizens last month. According to their findings, 51% of Canadians are in favour of outright legalization, while 33% are strictly against it, and a small 14% remain entirely unsure. Perhaps most unsurprising, is that Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34 strongly support the move to legalize and distribute the drug.

In the researcher's official press release, NRG president Andrew Enns, noted that most Canadians believe taxing the drug would be a welcome boost to the nation's economy. “It appears Canadians have an economic perspective in mind as they consider the issue of legalizing marijuana in the country,” said Enns. “A majority (63%) of Canadians support a specific sales tax on marijuana if it were to be legalized.” The survey also shows that citizens believe the green light on legalization would decrease underground sales of weed as well as quell criminal activity.

Despite the majority of Canadians supporting legalization, the country itself is still facing some serious roadblocks regarding the matter. Prime Minster Justin Trudeau has been a proponent of marijuana legalization, but the federal government has yet to implement an accepted nationwide program. Most recently, authorities cracked down on local dispensaries and also arrested popular marijuana activists, Marc and Jodie Emery, who were caught traveling with the drug at Pearson International Airport. Earlier this month, the Canadian government promised media that new changes in restriction will apply later this summer.

To read the rest of the extensive study, check out the entire press release from NRG and Peak Communications here.

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