Marijuana Legalization Support Hits Record 70% As Republicans Join The Majority, Shows Gallup Poll

Seven in 10 Americans now think marijuana use should be legal, the highest level yet after holding steady at 68% for the past three years, according to a Gallup poll released on Wednesday. And this was before Tuesday's Ohio’s historic vote legalizing recreational cannabis.

This significant shift in public opinion was reflected in the survey that involved interviews with 1,009 Americans conducted from October 2 to October 23, 2023.

The latest poll marks a two-percentage-point increase from last year and the highest level of support since Gallup began tracking public opinion on the issue in 1969.

All Groups, Races, Ages And Party Affiliations Say: Yes To Weed

The poll's findings demonstrate that, for the second straight year, majority support for legalization spans all major subgroups, including age, race, political party and ideologies. This includes:

• 79% of adults aged 18-34,
• 71% of those 34-54,
• 64% of those 55 and older.

Notably, self-identifying conservatives were the last major subgroup to express majority support, reaching 51% in 2022. Additionally, the level of support remains consistent across genders, races, education levels, regions, party affiliations and ideologies. Support is highest among self-identified liberals (91%).

Interestingly, the poll revealed no significant difference in support for legalization between individuals living in states that have already enacted reform and those in states where cannabis remains illegal or only medically legal. This suggests that public perception of marijuana has largely shifted towards acceptance regardless of local regulations.

GOP And Dems Agree On Support Of Legal Cannabis

The growing support for legalization extends to political affiliations as well. Democrats continue to be the most supportive group, with 87% in favor. However, the poll also indicates a notable increase in support among Republicans, with 55% now backing legalization, a four-percentage-point rise since 2022. This suggests that the issue is becoming less partisan, as a majority of individuals from both major parties now endorse legalization.

Also, noted Gallup, there are no major differences by gender, race or education and regional differences are also not statistically significant. 

Photo: El Planteo