The CBD.fr team has translated GALLUP's article into French for your convenience… you will find the original of this article written by MEGAN BRENAN.
The summary
- HIGHLIGHTS OF HISTORY
- Many key demographic groups support legalization
- Republicans, conservatives, and those who have been loyal to the week remain resisters
- Conclusion
HIGHLIGHTS OF HISTORY
- A record percentage want marijuana to be legalized
- The majority of many key demographic groups support legalization
- Less than half of Republicans, conservatives, and weekly faithful support him
WASHINGTON, DC – Americans are more likely today than at any other time in the past five decades to support the legalization of marijuana in the United States. The 68% of American adults who currently support the measure are not statistically different from last year's 66%; however, this is nominally the highest reading ever recorded by Gallup, exceeding the 64% to 66% range observed from 2017 to 2019.
Gallup first measured public opinion on marijuana legalization in 1969, when 12% of Americans supported it; by 1977, support had more than doubled to 28%. It did not exceed 30% until 2000 but increased sharply over the next two decades, and is now double what it was in 2001 and 2003.
The latest data is from September 30 to October 30. This 15-point poll, conducted before the election, saw proposals to legalize marijuana on the ballot in several states. Voters in all of these states—Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota—approved the legal use of marijuana for recreational purposes in the November 3 election. They join 11 other states and the District of Columbia in legalizing recreational marijuana. Additionally, voters in Mississippi and South Dakota join 33 states and the District of Columbia in passing laws legalizing or decriminalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Many key demographic groups support legalization
The majority of most demographic subgroups of Americans support marijuana legalization, including by sex, age, education, and household income. However, there is considerable variation in the extent of support within each group, as men, young adults, college graduates, and those living in households with an income of at least $100,000 are more likely than their counterparts to favor legalization.
Republicans, conservatives, and those who have been loyal to the week remain resisters
Most Americans who are politically left-leaning and center-right remain in favor of legalizing marijuana, while less than half of those who lean right support it. More than eight out of ten Democrats and liberals, and more than seven out of ten independents and moderates, support legalization, but slightly less than half of Republicans and conservatives do.
Opinions on legalization also differ considerably depending on how often people attend religious services. A slight majority of those who say they attend weekly oppose legalization. Yet, about three out of five of those who attend almost every week or once a month, and about four out of five of those who attend less frequently, support the legalization of marijuana.
The 83% of Democrats and 72% of Independents who prefer legalization are the highest values in the trend for both groups, but the current 48% of Republicans is slightly down from the slim majorities in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Conclusion
Since 2012, when Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use, a slow trickle of states has followed suit. During this period, American support for marijuana legalization has increased by 20 points to a record high of 68%. This measure has enjoyed majority public support since 2013. Furthermore, Gallup data from earlier this year shows that 70% of American adults now consider smoking marijuana morally acceptable, a five-percentage-point increase in just one year.
The trajectory of public support for marijuana legalization has coincided with an increasing number of states approving it. It is not entirely clear whether the shift in public opinion has led to changes in numerous state laws or vice versa. Given recent trends, more states are likely to legalize recreational marijuana in the future. Considering the high level of public support for such a measure, a change in federal policy could even occur.
See the answers to the complete questions and trends (PDF download).
Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
Editor-in-Chief specializing in CBD
Julien, born on July 17, 1978, in the Paris region, is a prominent writer and expert in the field of CBD products. Following his studies, Julien developed a passion for natural remedies, including CBD. In 2022, he joined the CBD.fr team as an expert and regular contributor. Thanks to his scientific expertise and clear writing style, Julien helps demystify the complexities of CBD, while highlighting its benefits and potential applications through his articles and conference presentations.
