In a groundbreaking shift, American support for legalizing marijuana has soared to a record 70%, marking a significant increase from the steady 68% observed in recent years. This unprecedented level of approval cuts across all major demographic and political groups, signaling a widespread change in public opinion.
The latest results stem from a Gallup poll conducted in October, revealing that while a majority backs legalization, 29% oppose it, and 1% remain undecided. Tracing back to 1969, only 12% supported legalization, but this number has grown significantly, especially after Colorado and Washington pioneered the recreational use of marijuana.
The increase in support parallels a rise in self-reported marijuana usage among Americans. Since 2013, the number of people admitting to smoking marijuana has risen by 10 points to 17%, and those who have tried it increased to 50%. Notably, while adults show low concern about marijuana’s effect on themselves, there is heightened unease regarding its impact on younger and teenage users.
Political alignment shows an interesting trend: while support is highest among liberals (91%) and Democrats (87%), it has also grown among conservatives (52%) and Republicans (55%). Young adults aged 18-34 show the highest approval rate at 79%, but a significant 64% of older adults are also in favor. These findings highlight a rare political consensus on a contentious issue.
Geographically, support for legalization does not significantly differ between states where marijuana is legal and those with stricter laws. This uniformity suggests a national consensus on the issue.
Despite concerns raised by health organizations and political commentators about marijuana’s medical risks, public support for legalization remains strong. The particularly high level of support among younger adults suggests that national backing for legalization will only continue to grow, potentially leading to more states and perhaps the federal government moving to legalize marijuana.
Source: Gallup Poll on Marijuana Legalization
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