Open Weed Use Is Cool, But What About Local Pot Shops? Majority Of Americans Say...

That marijuana has definitely gone mainstream, confirms a new CBS News/YouGov survey conducted between April 14-18 2023, just ahead of the popular unofficial marijuana holiday.

A nationally representative sample of 1,582 U.S. adults revealed that the majority (53%) of Americans think consuming weed openly is socially acceptable. This is an important shift from when CBS News asked the same question in 2021.

Even though the majority (64%) confirmed they won’t be judging others for marijuana use, or that they believe won’t be judged if using it themselves, most Republicans, conservatives, the elderly (over 65), and those who often attend religious services don’t agree.

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Survey Key Takeaways

• The majority of surveyed Americans say they wouldn’t think any less of a person for consuming cannabis, even those who hardly ever or never used it themselves;
• The report indicates that the social acceptability aspect is more connected to the attitudes in people’s social circles, rather than one’s personal experience with marijuana.
• Americans who think that none of their friends or family members consume the plant are most likely to judge others, and feel they would be judged if using it;
• Some two-thirds say they never use it, but more than four in 10 Americans are aware of people close to them using it recreationally; Only three in 10 claims they don’t know anyone who consumes it;
• Of those who do consume cannabis at least from time to time, almost half say their friend and family are aware;
• 37% oppose the idea of having a legal cannabis shop in the neighborhood, mostly worried about access to minors, and crime, while 31% are favoring the idea because of safety and boosting the economy; the remaining 32% are indifferent;
• Similar to the previous year, the majority of Americans in 2023 (64%) agreed that recreational marijuana use should be legal.
• Photo: Benzinga edit; Source: Shutterstock