Americans' Views on Marijuana Worsen Amid Growing Concerns
08/30/2024
Over the past two years, Americans' perceptions of marijuana have shifted significantly, with slim majorities now viewing the drug as having a negative impact on both users and society. This change contrasts with Gallup’s 2022 findings, when the public was more divided on the issue, with a slight majority believing marijuana had a positive effect on its users.
According to Gallup's July 1-21 Consumption Habits poll, 54% of Americans now believe that marijuana negatively impacts society, while 51% say it has a detrimental effect on most who use it. This marks a notable change from 2022, when 53% of respondents believed marijuana had a positive impact on users, and only 45% viewed it negatively.
The data reveals that opinions on marijuana are sharply divided along demographic lines. Younger adults aged 18-34, Democrats, those who have tried marijuana, and individuals who rarely or never attend religious services are more likely to see marijuana in a positive light. Conversely, older adults, Republicans, those who have never tried marijuana, and regular churchgoers tend to view marijuana as harmful. Notably, all demographic groups have become less likely to view marijuana positively since 2022.
When it comes to marijuana's impact on society, less than half of the respondents in each group now believe it has a positive effect, indicating a broader shift in public opinion.
In a related survey question, respondents were asked about the harmfulness of various substances, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. While majorities view all these substances as harmful, marijuana is perceived as the least harmful, with 26% considering it very harmful and 40% somewhat harmful. However, this perception has worsened slightly since last year.
Interestingly, the percentage of U.S. adults who report smoking marijuana has decreased slightly, from 16-17% in 2022 and 2023 to 13% in 2024. Edible consumption remains steady at 12%, closely matching the 11% of Americans who smoke cigarettes.
As marijuana remains legal for recreational use in 24 states and the U.S. Justice Department moves to reclassify it as a less dangerous drug, these findings highlight a growing concern among Americans about the potential negative effects of marijuana on individuals and society.
Reference
According to Gallup's July 1-21 Consumption Habits poll, 54% of Americans now believe that marijuana negatively impacts society, while 51% say it has a detrimental effect on most who use it. This marks a notable change from 2022, when 53% of respondents believed marijuana had a positive impact on users, and only 45% viewed it negatively.
The data reveals that opinions on marijuana are sharply divided along demographic lines. Younger adults aged 18-34, Democrats, those who have tried marijuana, and individuals who rarely or never attend religious services are more likely to see marijuana in a positive light. Conversely, older adults, Republicans, those who have never tried marijuana, and regular churchgoers tend to view marijuana as harmful. Notably, all demographic groups have become less likely to view marijuana positively since 2022.
When it comes to marijuana's impact on society, less than half of the respondents in each group now believe it has a positive effect, indicating a broader shift in public opinion.
In a related survey question, respondents were asked about the harmfulness of various substances, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. While majorities view all these substances as harmful, marijuana is perceived as the least harmful, with 26% considering it very harmful and 40% somewhat harmful. However, this perception has worsened slightly since last year.
Interestingly, the percentage of U.S. adults who report smoking marijuana has decreased slightly, from 16-17% in 2022 and 2023 to 13% in 2024. Edible consumption remains steady at 12%, closely matching the 11% of Americans who smoke cigarettes.
As marijuana remains legal for recreational use in 24 states and the U.S. Justice Department moves to reclassify it as a less dangerous drug, these findings highlight a growing concern among Americans about the potential negative effects of marijuana on individuals and society.
Reference
