Shift in Public Opinion: Americans Now View Marijuana Negatively

Americans are now more likely to view marijuana as harmful to both society and individual users compared to two years ago, according to a recent Gallup poll. This shift in public opinion highlights a significant change in the way people perceive the effects of marijuana use.

Society’s Perception of Marijuana

The Gallup poll reveals that 54% of Americans believe that marijuana use has a negative impact on society, either very negatively (20%) or somewhat negatively (34%). In contrast, only 41% believe that marijuana has a positive impact on society, either very positively (6%) or somewhat positively (35%). This 13-point gap marks a stark change from 2022, when Americans were closely divided on the issue, with 50% believing marijuana use was negative and 49% believing it was positive.

Individual User Perception

Similar to the perception of marijuana’s impact on society, Americans are also more likely to view marijuana use as having a negative impact on individual users. According to the poll, a slim majority (51%) of Americans believe that marijuana use negatively affects most users, either very negatively (19%) or somewhat negatively (32%). This marks a significant shift from 2022, when 53% believed that marijuana use had a positive impact on most users.

Demographic Breakdown

While some demographics still view marijuana use as having a mostly positive effect on individual users, these groups are now less likely to hold this view compared to two years ago. For instance, 58% of those aged 18-34 believed that marijuana use positively affected most users in 2024, down from 65% in 2022. Similarly, among Democrats, 53% viewed the individual effects positively in 2024, compared to 62% in 2022. Individuals who seldom or never attend religious services were also less likely to view marijuana use positively, with 52% holding this view in 2024, down from 65% in 2022.

Comparison to Other Substances

Interestingly, marijuana is viewed as the least harmful of eight substances included in the Gallup survey. Only 26% of Americans consider marijuana to be “very harmful.” This ranking is significantly lower than that of substances like cigarettes (79% deemed “very harmful”), chewing tobacco (61%), and e-cigarettes or “vaping” (57%).

Government Initiative

The survey comes as the Department of Justice is reconsidering marijuana’s classification as a federal drug. Currently, 24 states have legalized marijuana, and this shift in public opinion may influence the government’s decision. The Gallup poll’s findings may also inform policy-making and public health initiatives related to marijuana use.

Methodology

The Gallup survey consisted of 1,010 adults and has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

Conclusion

The shift in public opinion regarding marijuana use, as revealed by the Gallup poll, underscores a significant change in how Americans view the effects of marijuana use on both society and individual users. As policymakers and public health experts consider the legalization and regulation of marijuana, it is essential to understand the evolving views of the American public.

FAQs

Q: What is the main finding of the Gallup poll regarding marijuana use?

A: The poll shows that Americans are now more likely to view marijuana as harmful to both society and individual users, with 54% believing marijuana use has a negative impact on society and 51% believing it has a negative impact on most users.

Q: Has the public’s perception of marijuana changed over time?

A: Yes, the Gallup poll reveals a significant shift in public opinion, with Americans now more likely to view marijuana as harmful compared to two years ago.

Q: Which demographics are most likely to view marijuana use as having a positive effect on individual users?

A: Certain demographics, such as those aged 18-34, Democrats, and individuals who seldom or never attend religious services, are still more likely to view marijuana use as having a positive effect on individual users. However, these groups are now less likely to hold this view compared to two years ago.

Q: What is the government’s current stance on marijuana use?

A: The Department of Justice is reconsidering marijuana’s classification as a federal drug, and 24 states have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use.

Q: What is the significance of the Gallup poll’s findings?

A: The poll’s findings may inform policy-making and public health initiatives related to marijuana use, as well as influence the government’s decision on marijuana’s classification as a federal drug.