According to a Gallup survey, support for legalizing marijuana has reached a record-breaking high in the United States. This includes a majority of Republicans and Democrats, as well as independents.
The survey released on Wednesday shows that the support for legalization has reached its highest level ever since the firm began tracking public opinion in 1969. Majorities from every demographic polled are in favor of reform. Seventy percent of respondents support legalization. This is an increase of two percentage points from last year. Only 29 percent of Americans believe cannabis should be illegal.
Gallup.
Gallup noted that there was “no difference” in the support for legalization between those who live in states which have already implemented this reform and those who live in states in which cannabis is only legal on a medical basis or completely criminalized. The firm reported that “70% of adults are in favor” in both groups.
The majority of people support legalization, regardless of gender, race, age, education, region, ideology, and party affiliation.
Via Gallup.
Gallup reported that “the nation has reached a wide consensus on the legalization of marijuana. Seven out of 10 people now support it.” “Not only are the majority of U.S. adults in favor, but also majorities from all major political and ideologic subgroups.”
The analysis states that “despite the fact that some health organizations have expressed concerns over the medical risks associated with marijuana, the public’s desire to legalize it has not been tempered by this.” The high level of support for marijuana among young adults indicates that national backing is likely to grow in the future, leading more states and possibly the federal government to legalize the drug.
Support for marijuana has steadily increased in recent decades. It’s risen dramatically as more and more states have legalized it, before appearing to plateau at 68 percent between 2019 and 2022.
According to the latest poll, 79 percent support legalizing marijuana among those aged 18-34. This compares with 71 percent for those aged 34-54 as well as 64 percent for those 55+.
Democrats, at a record high 87 percent support legalization. Independents (69%) and Republicans (55%) follow. The support among Republicans has increased by four points since 2022.
The survey, which involved 1,009 Americans interviewed from October 2 to 23, shows that, despite marijuana’s overwhelming popularity among Americans, there is still room for expansion.
In 1969, Gallup began asking Americans about their views on legalization. Only 12 percent said they were against prohibition.
Gallup reported in an earlier report that despite the majority of Republicans supporting legalization, the partisan divide had widened during the last two decades with Democrats being even more eager to embrace the topic.
This is consistent with the broader trend identified by the firm in its report. It shows how partisan divides have grown on a number of issues, even those that still enjoy majority support between parties. Marijuana is still a hot topic, but the divide on it is smaller than other issues such as global warming, abortion and gun control.
A series of other polls released earlier in the year also show that Americans are willing to end federal prohibition of marijuana, regardless of their party affiliation.
While the majority of states now allow some form medical cannabis, the federal reform is far behind. GOP lawmakers have generally been resistant to the issue, despite growing bipartisan support from their constituents.
On Tuesday, voters in Ohio, a swing state, approved legalization. Florida, a crucial state in the presidential election, could also make a decision on the issue based on upcoming state Supreme Court rulings.
Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The post Support for Marijuana Legalization Reaches Record High of 70%, including Strong Majority of Republicans, Gallup poll shows first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
