CANNABIS CULTURE – As the annual 4/20 cannabis celebration approaches, a new poll shows overwhelming support for a plan to decriminalize and then legalize marijuana in BC.
The Stratcom poll was commissioned by Sensible BC, a group working towards a provincial referendum on the Sensible Policing Act.
“The Sensible Policing Act has two parts,” said Dana Larsen, director of the Sensible BC campaign. “The first part would essentially decriminalize possession in BC, by instructing police to stop spending any time or resources on detaining people for personal marijuana possession.”
“The second part calls upon the federal government to repeal marijuana prohibition, so that BC can legally regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol and tobacco.”
Both parts of the legislation received over 70% support among British Columbians, with less than 20% opposed.
The poll also showed that 50% of British Columbians would be more likely to vote for a candidate who called for marijuana reform, with only 16% less likely to do so.
“The Sensible Policing Act has over two-thirds support sustained across every age group, and across urban and rural areas,” Larsen said. “Even a majority of Conservative party voters said they supported both parts of the Sensible Policing Act.”
“We’re preparing for a massive signature-gathering effort this September,” Larsen said. “If we can collect the required signatures in a three-month period, then there will be a provincial referendum on the Sensible Policing Act in September 2014.”
However, Larsen questioned the need for a referendum when there is such overwhelming, cross-partisan support.
“Passing the Sensible Policing Act would be wildly popular, save our province well over $50 million over the next four years, and eventually lead to big tax revenues from a legal marijuana industry,” Larsen said.
“Hopefully our next Premier will do the right thing and avoid the need for an expensive referendum. The people of British Columbia are definitely ready for a sensible marijuana law.”
Visit SensibleBC.ca for more information.
