A Record High: 17% of American Adults Now Use Marijuana
According to a recent Gallup poll, the self-reported rate of marijuana use among American adults has reached an all-time high of 17%. This marks a significant increase from the 7% recorded in 2013, when Gallup first began tracking marijuana use. The 2026 figure is also tied with the 2023 rate, and represents a notable surge from the 13% reported in 2024.
The poll’s findings are based on a single question: “Keeping in mind that all of your answers in this survey are confidential, do you, yourself, smoke marijuana?” This open-ended question allows respondents to interpret their answers as they see fit, potentially including occasional or recreational use.
The poll also explored Americans’ perceptions of marijuana, revealing a nearly even split in opinions. A majority of 47% believe the drug has a “very” or “somewhat” positive effect, while 46% hold a “very” or “somewhat” negative view. The remaining 7% offered a neutral response or declined to answer.
This shift in attitudes and behaviors may be attributed to changing social norms, relaxed laws, and increasing accessibility of the drug. As the debate surrounding marijuana use continues, these statistics provide a snapshot of the current landscape in the United States.
