A majority of Americans, nearly 9 in 10, support legalizing marijuana in some form, according to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center. The survey found that 87% of respondents agree with enacting marijuana reform, with 54% believing it should be legal for both medical and recreational use, and 33% advocating for its legalization only for medical purposes.
Only 12% of Americans think marijuana should remain prohibited across the board. The poll also showed that support for legalization is widespread across various demographics, including age, race, and political party affiliation.
Democrats were the most in favor of marijuana legalization, with 93% supporting some form of reform. A majority of Republicans, 81%, also backed legalization, with 43% believing it should be legal for both medical and recreational use.
The Pew Research Center’s findings build upon a growing body of research showing a shift in public opinion towards marijuana legalization. A recent survey by the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation found that 7 in 10 American voters want to see the end of federal marijuana prohibition.
Despite the growing support for marijuana legalization, the Trump administration has been criticized for its lack of action on the issue. President Trump has been silent on the topic, and his latest budget request has proposed removing existing protections for states that have legalized medical marijuana.
The survey’s results have significant implications for the future of marijuana policy in the United States. As the country continues to shift towards a more permissive approach to marijuana, it is likely that we will see more states legalize the drug and the federal government take steps to reschedule it.
