Majority of Americans Support Legalization of Recreational Cannabis, Pew Research Center Finds

A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center has revealed that a majority of Americans (60%) support the legalization of recreational cannabis. This represents a significant increase from previous surveys, indicating a growing shift in public opinion on this issue. The survey also found that support for legalization is higher among all age groups and political parties, suggesting that the issue is becoming less polarized and that there is a growing consensus in favor of reform.

The survey’s findings come amid a growing body of evidence suggesting the potential benefits of cannabis legalization. Studies have shown that cannabis can be effective in treating a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. Additionally, legalization can lead to increased tax revenue, reduced crime rates, and a more efficient allocation of law enforcement resources.

Despite the growing support for legalization, there are still some concerns about the potential risks of cannabis use. These concerns include the potential for addiction, impaired cognitive function, and increased psychosis. However, it is important to note that these risks are often overstated and can be mitigated through careful regulation and education.

Overall, the findings of the Pew Research Center survey are encouraging for proponents of cannabis legalization. They suggest that public opinion is on the side of reform and that there is a growing consensus in favor of change. This is a major step forward, and it is likely to lead to further progress on this issue in the years to come.

Survey Details

The Pew Research Center survey was conducted from October 10 to October 16, 2022. A total of 1,501 U.S. adults were interviewed, and the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.

Key Findings

• Overwhelming support for legalization: 88% of U.S. adults say that marijuana should be legal for either medical or recreational use, while only 10% say it should not be legal.
• Increase in support: These views are virtually unchanged from April 2021, but they represent a significant increase from previous surveys.
• Partisan differences: Republicans are more wary than Democrats about legalizing marijuana for recreational use. However, support for legalization is still strong among both Democrats and Republicans.
• Age differences: Support for legalization is higher among younger adults than older adults. However, there is still significant support for legalization among all age groups.

Conclusion

The Pew Research Center survey provides compelling evidence that public opinion is shifting in favor of cannabis legalization. This shift is likely to continue in the coming years, as more and more people become aware of the potential benefits of cannabis and the harms of prohibition.

• The survey was conducted from October 10 to October 16, 2022¹.
• An overwhelming share of U.S. adults (88%) say either that marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use by adults (59%) or that it should be legal for medical use only (30%). Just one-in-ten (10%) say marijuana use should not be legal¹.
• These views are virtually unchanged since April 2021¹.
• The survey follows President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon people convicted of marijuana possession at the federal level and direct his administration to review how marijuana is classified under federal law¹.
• There continue to be sizable age and partisan differences in Americans’ views about marijuana¹.
• Republicans are more wary than Democrats about legalizing marijuana for recreational use: 45% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents favor legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use, while an additional 39% say it should only be legal for medical use¹.
• By comparison, 73% of Democrats and Democratic leaners say marijuana should be legal for both medical and recreational use; an additional 21% say it should be legal for medical use only¹.

Learn more:

1. pewresearch.org2. pewresearch.org3. benzinga.com4. marijuanamoment.net5. marijuanamoment.net