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Newsbrief:
Oakland
Poll
Shows
Strong
Support
for
Legalization
of
Marijuana
9/17/04
https://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle-old/354/oakland.shtml
press release from California
NORML, http://www.canorml.org
A new poll conducted by David
Binder Research shows unprecedentedly strong support for legalization of
marijuana among Oakland voters.
The poll was commissioned
by the campaign for Measure Z, the Oakland Cannabis Initiative, which would
make private adult marijuana offenses the lowest enforcement priority and
put the city on record in favor of taxed and regulated marijuana sales.
Out of 400 likely voters, 65% said they were inclined to support Measure
Z.
Surprisingly, the poll found
that 70% of voters believe marijuana should be legalized, the largest margin
for legalization ever recorded in any poll. A somewhat smaller majority,
64%, said marijuana should be decriminalized. Because of the sample
size, the difference may not be statistically significant.
Only 18% of voters felt that
legalizing marijuana would lead to increased use of "hard" drugs, while
61% felt that legalization would separate marijuana from the illicit market
and discourage access to hard drugs. In addition, 73% of voters agreed
that the drug war has been ineffective, costly and racist.
"This marks a turning point
in public opinion," commented California coordinator Dale Gieringer, campaign
chair of Measure Z. "Until now, the 'L-word' has been considered
to be political poison. Drug warriors have sought to stigmatize their
opponents as 'legalizers.' Now it turns out this label may be a compliment.
Oaklanders have come to recognize that marijuana prohibition is bankrupt,
and as with alcohol, the only sensible policy is legalization."
-- END --
|
Issue #354, 9/17/04
Editorial: What Is It About Opium? |
Canada Cannabis Cauldron Bubbling Again |
DEA Brings Traveling "Drugs = Terror" Exhibit to NYC as City Commemorates 9/11 Anniversary |
Drugs and Sports: A New Arena for Drug Reformers? |
Newsbrief: In Gotham Shocker, New York Post Calls for Repeal of Rockefeller Laws |
Newsbrief: Drug Reformer Challenger Defeats Hard-Line District Attorney in Albany, New York |
Newsbrief: Yes, Four Ounces of Marijuana at Home is Legal, Says Alaska Supreme Court |
Newsbrief: Drug Czar Attacks Oregon Medical Marijuana Initiative |
Newsbrief: Oakland Poll Shows Strong Support for Legalization of Marijuana |
Newsbrief: South Africa to Reject Marijuana Decriminalization |
Newsbrief: More Drug Executions in Iran, Saudi Arabia |
Newsbrief: This Week's Corrupt Cops Story |
Newsbrief: Mexico Shuts Down Three "Youth Treatment" Centers, Deports Kids Back to US |
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