Americans View Cannabis As Less Harmful Than Cigarettes And Alcohol, Gallup Poll Suggests

The U.S. perspective on substance consumption has seen a monumental shift in recent years. Newly released data from Gallup's Consumption Habits Survey paints a telling picture of these evolving attitudes.

In a survey that involved 1,015 adults from July 3 to 27, 2023, there was a surprising revelation regarding cannabis.

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Data Says

According to Gallup’s data, "40 percent of participants stated that marijuana was either 'not too' or 'not at all' harmful," in stark contrast to the minimal "four percent who held the same view about cigarettes." The disparity was equally prominent when it came to alcohol, with only "16 percent" of respondents expressing this sentiment.

Furthermore, cigarette consumption has now reached an all-time low, with "12 percent among adults who reported smoking in the past week."

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Millennials & Gen Z Embrace Cannabis Over Tobacco

Meanwhile, marijuana consumption is skyrocketing among the youth, surpassing both cigarette and vaping use. Since 2019, an astounding "27 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds" have admitted to using cannabis. Despite the survey focusing solely on smoking, it's crucial to recognize that these figures likely omit users of non-smoking cannabis forms, such as edibles and oils.

However, the narrative doesn't end with a widespread embrace of marijuana. “Still, most Americans view vaping and marijuana as at least somewhat harmful to health, and public health experts who agree may want to make sure young adults get those messages too,” reported Marijuana Moment.

What About Alcohol?

The changing sentiment is not limited to cannabis and cigarettes. A record-breaking "39% of Americans currently believe that consuming one to two drinks a day negatively impacts health," a stance that has seen an "11-percentage-point surge since 2018."

The broader perspective on alcohol resonates with the recent findings of established health organizations. Both the "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization indicate that no level of alcohol consumption is considered safe for one's health."

Another striking discovery is the young adults' change in viewpoint on alcohol. Between 2018 and 2023, the belief that moderate alcohol consumption is harmful has risen by "18 points" in the 18-34 age group. It's worth noting that this trend also aligns with the increasing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, such as "mocktails."

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However, attitudes vary based on gender, region and religion.

• "Women are more inclined (41%) than men (35%) to perceive moderate drinking as harmful," and geographically, individuals in the "Western (44%) and Midwestern (44%)" regions of the U.S. seem more concerned than their counterparts in the East and South.
• Furthermore, religious beliefs play a part as "those not affiliated with any religion (47%) are more likely than Christians (35%) to view moderate drinking as detrimental."

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As the U.S. navigates changing consumption trends and viewpoints, these subjects and more will surely be discussed at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Join us in Chicago on September 27 and 28. All information is available on bzcannabis.com 

Image by El Planteo