More than two-thirds of Americans want legalization, reports NORML. The percentage of Americans who believe that “the use of marijuana should be legal,” remains at a record high level. The level matches that reported in the previous two annual nationwide polls conducted by Gallup.
Sixty-eight percent of respondents endorse legalization. That matches the same lofty level of support reported by Gallup in 2021 and 2020. Majorities of nearly every subgroup were in favor of legalization.
“An overwhelming majority of Americans have consistently opposed our failed prohibition of marijuana for nearly a decade,” said NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri. ”It defies common sense and the concept of sound public policy that our elected officials at the federal level have yet to take meaningful action.”
“Voters of almost every age and in virtually every region of the country agree that marijuana should be legal,” Altieri said.
It’s past time Congress reforms our nation’s laws and relegates our disastrous prohibition policies to the trash bin of history.
Only 12 Percent Supported Legalization In 1969
Back in 1969, when Gallup first began asking the question, only 12 percent of Americans backed Cannabis legalization.
By 1996, when California voters became the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use, 25 percent of Americans said that marijuana should be legal for those ages 21 and older.
In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize marijuana for adults. Since then, public support for legalization has risen nationally by some 20 percentage points. Legalization has enjoyed majority support among Americans since 2013.
Democrats, Independents Overwhelmingly Support Legalization
Consistent with previous polls, Gallup reported most Democrats (81%) and political independents (70%) support marijuana legalization. By contrast, Republicans are nearly evenly split on the question, with just 51% in favor.
Only two subgroups were below the 50% support threshold. Those groups were self-identified conservatives (49%) and individuals who attend church services weekly (46%).
Full survey results are available HERE.
