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Britons Assess “Soft” And “Hard” Drugs

January 28, 2004
(CPOD) Jan. 28, 2004 – British residents firmly believe the sale and possession of "hard" drugs should remain a criminal offence, according to a poll by YouGov published in the Daily Telegraph. 89 per cent of respondents believe heroin and crack cocaine should be illegal.

The public holds more flexible views when assessing "soft" drugs. Only 43 per cent of respondents say the possession and sale of cannabis should remain a criminal offence.

A majority of Britons argues for either the decriminalization or the legalization of "soft" drugs. 28 per cent say the possession and sale of marijuana should be treated as a "minor offence," and 23 per cent argue for full acceptance.

Support is significantly lower for both policies when it comes to "hard" drugs.


Polling Data

With regard to hard drugs --such as heroin and crack cocaine-- and soft drugs --such as cannabis-- which of these statements comes closest to your own view?



The sale and possession of such drugs should remain a criminal offence as now
"Hard" 89%
"Soft" 43%

The sale and possession of such drugs should remain illegal but should be regarded as a minor offence, such as parking in the wrong place, rather than a criminal offence
"Hard" 4%
"Soft" 28%

The sale and possession of such drugs should no longer be illegal
"Hard" 5%
"Soft" 23%

Source: YouGov / The Daily Telegraph
Methodology: Interviews to 2,536 British adults, conducted from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2004. No margin of error was provided.