New research: Young men are shaping up as the biggest supporters of cannabis reform in Victoria.
64% of men aged 18 to 24 are backing calls for the Victorian Government to allow adults to buy cannabis for personal use under tight conditions. 58% of men aged 25-34 also backed the change, as did a commanding 67% of men aged between 35 and 49.
More than half of young men (55%) say they’d consider switching their vote to a candidate or party that supports cannabis reform.
Overall, new research by Penington Institute (conducted by independent polling firm YouGov) found 57% of Victorians support allowing “adults to buy cannabis legally – similar to alcohol – but with stricter safety and regulatory controls”.
This result affirms past polling, representing steady and growing support for cannabis regulation in Victoria. Other sections of the Victorian community strongly backing reform include: independent voters (64%), minor party voters (74%), Greens voters (77%) and ALP voters (63%).
Opposition to cannabis reform remains the strongest among Baby Boomers – a declining electoral demographic. When this cohort is removed from calculations, support for cannabis reform jumps to more than 60%.
Penington CEO John Ryan said cannabis reform is long overdue.
We need to safely regulate cannabis and impose strict controls to reduce harm, protect the community and shut out the crime gangs. Victorians are now loudly telling us they are ready for this reform. There’s not a single gender, age or geographic voter group in Victoria where more people oppose regulation than support it.
John Ryan, Penington Institute CEO
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There are regulated cannabis models in operation across more than 20 US states, as well as Canada and other countries. How products are regulated, sold and consumed differs in each jurisdiction.
Penington Institute has been working with experts to develop a comprehensive cannabis regulation model for Victoria. This model will be presented to Victorian Parliamentarians later this month.
“The status quo simply isn’t working. Criminalisation isn’t reducing harm or making people safer. There is a better way,” Mr Ryan said.
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia. More than 40% of Australians have consumed cannabis in their lifetime, including more than one-in-ten Australians in the past year.
“Let’s get on with it,” Mr Ryan said.
Penington Institute will release a comprehensive model for safe cannabis regulation for adult personal use later this month.
Community Views on Cannabis in Victoria: Research Findings
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Penington Institute CEO John Ryan is available for comment.
Media Contact
Media contact: Ryan Sheales on ryan@theagendagroup.com.au or 0402 351 412
Penington Institute is an independent drug policy nonprofit. It supports cost-effective approaches to maximising community health and safety in relation to drugs. Read more at penington.org.au