Western Americans support legal marijuana

February 22, 7:59 AMCivil Liberties ExaminerJ.D. Tuccille

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America's western libertarian tradition appears to be alive and well in a new Zogby poll that shows majority support in that region for legalizing marijuana. A national poll of 1,053 likely voters by Zogby International found that 58% of respondents on the West Coast agreed that marijuana should be "taxed and regulated like alcohol and cigarettes." By comparison, 48% of Easterners and 37% of respondents in the Southern and Central regions agreed. National support for legal marijuana in the poll stands at 44%.

The sponsors of the poll, NORML and Oaksterdam University, are both committed to marijuana legalization, but Zogby is a respected polling company and the poll's results are in line with a recent Rasmussen poll showing support for legal marijuana at 40%. The Zogby poll is also in line with Gallup polls over the years showing support for legalizing marijuana rising from 12% in 1969 to 36% in 2005.

Last week, a commission led by three former Latin American presidents, issued a report calling harsh, U.S.-led drug prohibition policies a failure that contribute to violence and corruption in their countries. The commission called for alternatives to drug prohibition, including consideration of marijuana decriminalization.

Contact J.D.: civilliberties (at) tuccille.com