The legalization of marijuana is on the horizon in the USA

The United States is making slow but steady progress in its marijuana legalization process. Advances are being made, and new proposals are emerging. This article will focus on the latest developments regarding marijuana legalization in the USA

The summary

• Latest news
• A change of trajectory!
• A financial niche that appeals
• The net is closing in on those opposed to the legalization of marijuana in the USA
• Gallup survey data on marijuana in the USA

Latest news

Indeed, recent news about marijuana legalization in the US is quite promising for those who want to see this plant legalized nationwide. On the one hand, current figures (according to vox.com) indicate that nearly half the country – about 43% of the population – now lives in a state where marijuana is legal for recreational use. Therefore, marijuana could very well be legalized in half the country.

Furthermore, following the previous trend, several states have made headlines regarding the legalization of marijuana in the US. These include New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and, more recently, New Mexico. Each has legalized the plant for recreational use. The relevant regulations have been established or are currently being developed.

A change of trajectory!

In fact, a few years prior, particularly between 2010 and 2012, the topic of marijuana legalization in the United States was almost taboo. Very few dared to discuss it. The first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use in 2012 were Colorado and Washington. It's worth noting that they did so through initiatives led by voters. Therefore, the question at the time was whether marijuana would one day be legalized in other US states.

But, as this article is being written, the situation has changed. Why? Because we've gone from 2 states in the US that have legalized recreational cannabis to 17. After 10 years, the process may seem slow. Nevertheless, progress is being made. It would be disingenuous to deny it. In short, we're no longer in the realm of speculation (whether the plant will be legalized); rather, we're in the realm of projection (when and how legalizations will occur in other states). Indeed, at least two-thirds of the American public support change, based on various public opinion polls over the past few years.

A financial niche that appeals

Let's not kid ourselves! The legalization of marijuana in the US doesn't just benefit consumers. In fact, it means creating a new legal sales industry (alongside the illegal one that has always existed). And a new industry means new businesses. Therefore, it means a broadening of the state tax base and the emergence of new businesspeople in the sector.

From this perspective, if drug lords are generally distinguished by their opulence, it necessarily means that this sector generates profit. In this sense, this financial data can attract other states, potentially pushing them to take control of the sector and make good use of the generated revenue.

The net is closing in on those opposed to the legalization of marijuana in the USA

Indeed, as in many other countries, there are generally three main camps regarding the legalization of cannabis. On one side are those who support legalization, citing the plant's purported benefits and individual freedoms. On the other are those who oppose legalization, arguing for public safety and consumer health. And in the middle are those who remain neutral and choose not to take a position.

That said, in the US, the noose seems to be tightening for those opposed to marijuana legalization. The facts speak for themselves. As the days go by, states are legalizing the plant. Similarly, many researchers, eager to find treatments for complex illnesses, are taking an interest in this plant and its components. The evidence is there: scientific journals, studies, research, surveys, analyses, and so on. Furthermore, politicians and legislators are now taking the issue of cannabis legalization seriously, either of their own volition or under pressure from public opinion. Because, until now, it is public opinion that has been the driving force behind change in the US.

At this rate, this country could well find itself in a point of no return, back to square one.

Gallup survey data on marijuana in the USA

In fact, Gallup conducted a series of public surveys on the subject. We have translated their data for our readers who are less comfortable with English. The original version is available on the Gallup website.

1 – Question : Do you think the use of marijuana should be legalized or not?

	Yes, legal	No, not legal	No opinion
	%	%	%
2020 30 Sept. 15 Oct.	68	32	*
October 1-13, 2019	66	33	1
May 15-30, 2019	64	34	2
October 1-10, 2018	66	32	2
October 5-11, 2017	64	34	2
October 5-9, 2016	60	39	1
October 7-11, 2015	58	40	2
October 12-15, 2014	51	47	2
October 3-6, 2013	58	39	3
November 26-29, 2012	48	50	1
October 6-9, 2011	50	46	3
From October 7th to 10th, 2010 ^	46	50	4
October 1st to 4th, 2009 ^	44	54	2
October 13-16, 2005 ^	36	60	4
November 10-12, 2003 ^	34	64	2
August 3-5, 2001	34	62	4
August 29, 2000 - September 5 ^	31	64	5
August 28-30, 1995	25	73	2
May 17-20, 1985	23	73	4
June 27-30, 1980	25	70	5
May 18-21, 1979	25	70	5
April 1-4, 1977	28	66	6
January 26-29, 1973	16	78	6
March 3-5, 1972	15	81	4
From October 2nd to 7th, 1969	12	84	4
^ Surveyed on a half-sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

2 – Question : Next, I will read a list of the problems facing the country. For each one, please tell me if you are personally very worried about that problem, quite worried, a little worried, or not at all. How worried are you personally about drug use?

	Good deal	Correct amount	Just a little	No way	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
March 1-15, 2021	39	28	20	12	*
March 2-13, 2020	42	25	20	12	*
March 1st to 10th, 2019	47	26	16	11	1
March 1-8, 2018	45	25	16	13	1
March 1-5, 2017	44	22	21	13	*
March 2-6, 2016	44	23	18	15	*
March 5-8, 2015	38	24	21	17	*
From March 6 to 9, 2014 ^	34	29	25	12	*
March 7-10, 2013	36	24	23	17	*
March 8-11, 2012	42	24	21	13	*
March 3-6, 2011	40	24	21	14	1
March 4-7, 2010	37	27	22	13	1
March 6-9, 2008	43	24	24	9	*
March 11-14, 2007	45	26	20	8	*
March 13-16, 2006	48	25	18	9	*
From March 7th to 10th, 2005	42	23	24	11	*
March 8-11, 2004	46	19	20	14	1
March 24-25, 2003	42	26	20	12	*
March 4-7, 2002	49	22	19	9	1
March 5-7, 2001	58	22	13	7	*
^ Surveyed on a half-sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

3 – Question : Next, I'm going to read you a list of problems. Regardless of whether you think it should be legal or not, for each one, please tell me if you personally think it's generally morally acceptable or morally wrong. How about smoking marijuana?

	Morally acceptable	Morally wrong	Depends (vol.)	Not a moral question (vol.)	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
From May 1st to 13th, 2020 ^	70	28	2	–	*
From May 1st to 12th, 2019 ^	65	33	1	1	*
From May 1st to 10th, 2018 ^	65	31	3	–	2
(vol.) = voluntary response; ^ Surveyed on a half-sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

4 – Question : Overall, how would you describe the drug problem – is it extremely serious, very serious, moderately serious, not too serious, or not serious at all?

	Extremely serious	Very serious	Moderately serious	Not too serious	No problem at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%	%
In the United States
October 1-13, 2019	37	36	22	4	1	*
October 1-10, 2018	37	32	22	5	2	2
October 5-11, 2017	33	38	23	4	1	*
October 5-9, 2016	32	33	27	6	2	2
October 6-9, 2011	n / A	n / A	n / A	n / A	n / A	n / A
October 1st to 4th, 2009	35	33	26	5	1	1
From October 4th to 7th, 2007	35	38	24	1	1	1
October 13-16, 2005	37	33	23	5	1	1
October 6-8, 2003	31	40	24	3	1	1
August 29, 2000 - September 5.	43	40	15	1	1	*
In the region where you live
October 1-13, 2019	16	17	37	22	8	*
October 1-10, 2018	14	17	37	22	ten	1
October 5-11, 2017	13	16	36	20	12	2
October 5-9, 2016	13	19	35	20	11	1
October 6-9, 2011	11	18	36	25	ten	1
October 1st to 4th, 2009	14	16	38	23	8	1
From October 4th to 7th, 2007	14	15	39	21	ten	2
October 13-16, 2005	14	19	35	23	8	1
October 6-8, 2003	13	17	36	22	11	1
August 29, 2000 - September 5.	13	21	39	19	6	2
* Less than 0.5%; n/a: not requested
Gallup

5 – Question : Now, how much progress do you think the country has made in the last two years in addressing the problem of illicit drugs – has it made a lot of progress, made some progress, stopped, lost ground, or lost a lot of ground?

	Made a lot of progress	Made some progress	Remained motionless	I've lost ground	I've lost a lot of ground	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%	%
October 2019	4	37	27	18	12	2
October 2018	5	33	26	19	14	3
October 2017	2	30	28	23	14	2
October 2011	3	28	31	21	14	3
October 2009	3	30	31	19	13	3
October 2007	3	31	31	19	13	3
October 2005	2	31	30	23	13	1
October 2003	3	35	32	17	11	2
September 2000	6	41	23	17	12	1
September 1999	4	42	27	14	12	1
November 1996	3	28	22	24	22	1
September 1995	2	36	30	19	11	2
June 1976	2	25	29	25	15	4
April 1974	4	36	21	19	16	5
May 1972	3	32	20	21	20	5
Gallup

6 – Question : Bearing in mind that all your answers to this survey are confidential, have you ever tried marijuana?

	Yes, I tried	No, I don't have	No opinion
	%	%	%
July 1-12, 2019 ^	45	55	1
July 5-9, 2017 ^	45	55	*
July 13-17, 2016 ^	43	57	1
July 8-12, 2015 ^	44	55	1
July 10-14, 2013 ^	38	61	1
From September 23 to 26, 1999	34	66	*
May 17-20, 1985 #	33	67	*
March 29, 1977 #	24	76	1
March 23, 1973 #	12	88	1
February 29, 1972 #	11	88	1
October 2-7, 1969 #	4	88	8
^ Asked about half a sample; * Less than 0.5%; # WORDING: Have you ever tried marijuana?
Gallup

7 – Question : Bearing in mind that all your answers to this survey are confidential, do you yourself smoke marijuana?

	Yes, do	No, don't do that	No opinion
	%	%	%
July 1-12, 2019 ^	12	88	*
July 5-9, 2017 ^	12	88	1
July 13-17, 2016 ^	13	87	–
July 8-12, 2015 ^	11	88	*
July 10-14, 2013 ^	7	93	*
^ Surveyed on a half-sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

8 – Question : Has drug abuse ever been a cause of problems in your family?

	Yes	No	No opinion
	%	%	%
July 1-12, 2019	27	73	*
July 1-11, 2018	30	70	*
October 13-16, 2005	22	78	*
October 6-8, 2003	24	76	*
August 29, 2000 - September 5.	22	78	*
From September 23 to 26, 1999	17	83	*
1995 Sept. 14-17.	19	81	*
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

9 – Question : Please indicate whether each of the following is a very important reason why you support the legalization of marijuana, a fairly important reason, or not an important reason. What would you say? – Asked those who think marijuana should be legal.

	Very important	Quite important	Not important	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
Marijuana helps people who use it for medical reasons	86	12	2	–
This would allow law enforcement to focus on other types of crime	70	23	7	–
It's a question of freedom and personal choice	60	29	11	*
It will provide a good source of tax revenue for state and local governments	56	30	13	*
Government regulation of marijuana would make it safer for those who use it	47	36	16	*
You don't think marijuana is harmful to the people who use it?	35	43	19	3
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup, May 15-30, 2019

10 – Question : Please indicate whether each of the following is a very important reason why you oppose the legalization of marijuana, a fairly important reason, or not an important reason. What would you say? Asked to those who believe marijuana should not be legal.

	Very important	Quite important	Not important	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
This would increase the number of car accidents involving drivers who use marijuana	79	12	8	*
This would lead more people to use stronger and more addictive drugs	69	18	13	*
This would encourage more people to use marijuana	62	21	17	*
Legalizing marijuana would not greatly benefit society or individuals	60	21	18	*
Do you think marijuana is harmful to people who use it?	54	22	24	*
You believe that drug use, including marijuana, is immoral	43	25	31	1
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup, May 15-30, 2019

11 – Question : Next, please indicate how often you currently smoke or use each of the following products – regularly, occasionally, or never. And marijuana?

	Regularly	Sometimes	Never	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
July 1-11, 2018	5	8	87	*
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

12 – Question : In general, to what extent do you feel each of the following is harmful to the people who use it – very harmful, quite harmful, not too harmful, or not harmful at all? And marijuana?

	Very harmful	Slightly harmful	Not too harmful	Not harmful at all	Depends (vol.)	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%	%
July 1-11, 2018	27	29	24	18	1	1
(theft) = voluntary response.
Gallup

13 – Question : For each of the following drugs, please indicate how much of a problem you think it is in your area – is it a crisis, a very serious problem but not a crisis, a fairly serious problem or not really a problem?

	Crisis	Very serious problem	Quite a serious problem	Not really a problem	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
Heroin	17	25	22	29	7
Prescription painkillers	14	30	28	24	5
Cigarettes	ten	23	33	33	2
Alcohol	8	24	35	32	1
Cocaine	8	20	29	37	7
Marijuana	6	17	25	50	2
June 14-23, 2016
Gallup

14 – Question : How much have you heard or read about problems with a type of prescription painkiller known as opioids – a lot, some, only a little, or nothing at all?

	A lot	Some	Just a little	Nothing at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
June 14-23, 2016	46	19	15	18	1
Gallup

15 – Question : To what extent do you blame each of the following for the opioid problem – a lot, some, only a little, or not at all?

	A lot	Some	Just a little	No way	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
The pharmaceutical industry encourages doctors to use opioids	55	22	13	7	4
Doctors are overprescribing painkillers to their patients	53	27	14	5	2
Lack of public awareness about the dangers of opioids	49	28	14	8	1
Patients requiring a prescription to relieve their pain	47	29	16	5	3
June 14-23, 2016
Gallup

16 – Question : As you may know, marijuana use is legal in some states. Do you think the federal government should take steps to enforce federal laws against marijuana in those states, or not?

	Yes, should	No, it shouldn't	No opinion
	%	%	%
November 26-29, 2012	34	64	1
Gallup

17 – Question : Would you be in favor of or opposed to making marijuana legally accessible to doctors to reduce pain and suffering?

	To favor	To oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
October 7-10, 2010	70	27	3
October 13-16, 2005	78	22	*
November 10-12, 2003	75	22	3
March 19-21, 1999	73	25	2
* Less than 0.5%; ^ WORD: Would you vote for or against making marijuana legally available to doctors to reduce pain and suffering?
Gallup

18 – Question : Some people have proposed legalizing marijuana and then taxing its sale as a way to generate revenue for state governments. Would you support or oppose this in the state where you live?

	To favor	To oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
October 1st to 4th, 2009 ^	42	56	2
^ Requested from a half sample
Gallup

20 – Question : Do you think that possession of small amounts of marijuana should or should not be considered a criminal offence?

	Yes, it should be	No, it shouldn't be	No opinion
	%	%	%
October 13-16, 2005 ^	43	55	2
November 10-12, 2003 ^	52	46	1
August 29, 2000 - September 5 ^	51	47	2
May 17-20, 1985	50	46	4
June 27-30, 1980	43	52	5
April 1-4, 1977	41	53	6
^ Requested from a half sample
Gallup

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References

• https://news.gallup.com/poll/1657/illegal-drugs.aspx
• https://www.vox.com/2021/4/12/22371929/marijuana-legalization-new-mexico-virginia-new-york-biden?mc_cid=f29051675e&mc_eid=35711c3bd8
• https://ctmirror.org/2021/04/13/connecticut-legalize-pot/?mc_cid=f29051675e&mc_eid=35711c3bd8