According to a recent survey conducted by the Centre for Public Opinion Research (CVVM), 62% of Czechs now believe that the use of cannabis is morally acceptable. This figure represents a notable increase of 9% compared to the survey conducted in 2019. However, the survey also highlighted that public opinion on the acceptability of other substances has remained largely unchanged over the past four years.

The study revealed that substances such as ecstasy, methamphetamine, and heroin continue to be met with the highest level of disapproval, with over 80% of respondents expressing their disapproval towards their use. On the other hand, more than 90% of participants considered the use of painkillers and alcohol to be morally acceptable.

The survey found that the regular or occasional use of painkillers, sleeping pills, or tranquillizers was viewed as morally acceptable by an overwhelming 97% of respondents. Similarly, 93% expressed acceptance of alcohol consumption, while 88% found smoking tobacco acceptable. In contrast, only 16% of participants viewed the use of ecstasy, methamphetamine, or heroin as morally acceptable. These results remained relatively unchanged compared to the 2019 survey.

While 76% of respondents believed that drug use is a current problem in the Czech Republic, only a third perceived it as a problem in their local communities. Furthermore, more than half of the citizens expressed confidence in the country’s relevant institutions effectively addressing the issue of drug use, while 29% believed the efforts to be insufficient.

The survey also shed light on public sentiment regarding support for drug addicts. A significant majority, 76% of respondents, believed that drug addicts should have access to free counseling services. Additionally, 70% agreed that every drug addict has a chance to recover, and 68% supported the provision of free treatment for drug addicts for a limited number of attempts.

Half of the participants agreed with providing addiction treatment without any restrictions, while a similar proportion of citizens favored the provision of clean syringes. Notably, the percentage of respondents who considered the work of drug addiction street workers as pointless decreased compared to the 2019 survey.

The authors of the survey highlighted that the Czech public’s views on drug addiction, addiction treatment, and related services have shown a growing level of tolerance. They emphasized that these attitudes have remained relatively stable over time, with the current survey reflecting the most tolerant view to date. The survey was conducted between 27 March and 22 May and involved 800 participants aged 15 and above.

Overall, the survey results suggest a shifting perspective in Czech society regarding the moral acceptability of drug use, particularly concerning cannabis. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and relevant institutions in their efforts to address drug-related issues and shape public opinion in the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum