Recent surveys conducted by Gallup in 2023 and 2024 offer new insights into adult American cannabis usage patterns and public opinions about legalization. These findings illustrate trends in cannabis consumption, reveal demographic breakdowns, and provide a snapshot of shifting attitudes towards marijuana over the years.
Key Findings from Gallup’s 2024 Data
Gallup’s latest report, published on November 1, 2024, focuses on the percentage of Americans who report using cannabis, as well as their views on its legalization. Several key insights emerge from the data:
- Cannabis Use: According to the Gallup poll, 15% of Americans report using marijuana in 2023-2024, consistent with the trend observed in recent years. While the percentage is slightly up from 14% in 2021-2022, it marks a notable increase from just 7% in 2013, the first year Gallup asked about cannabis smoking.
- Demographic Breakdown:
- Gender: Men (17%) are more likely to report using cannabis than women (11%).
- Age: Younger adults (19%) and middle-aged adults (18%) are more likely to use cannabis than those aged 55 and older (10%).
- Education: Adults without a college degree (17%) are more likely to smoke cannabis than college graduates (11%).
- Political Affiliation: Democrats (23%) are more than twice as likely to use cannabis as Republicans (10%). Independents fall in between, with 14% reporting cannabis use.
- Region: The West (19%) has the highest rates of cannabis use, followed by the Midwest and East (16% each), with the South having the lowest rate at 11%.
Broader Trends in Cannabis Usage
In a separate survey, Gallup asked participants if they had ever tried marijuana, with 47% of respondents indicating they had tried cannabis. This marks a slight increase from 49% in 2021, and a significant rise from just 4% in 1969. This upward trend reflects changing social norms surrounding cannabis use over the past several decades.
Cannabis Legalization Support: Public Opinion
The question of legalization remains a central issue in the cannabis debate. Gallup data from 2024 shows that public support for legalization has surged dramatically. In 1969, only 12% of Americans believed marijuana should be legal, but by 2024, that number had risen to 68%. This shift in public opinion demonstrates a growing consensus toward cannabis legalization.
Pew Research Center’s 2024 Cannabis Opinion Survey
Earlier this year, the Pew Research Center also released findings on marijuana legalization. The January 2024 survey of 5,140 respondents found that:
- 57% of Americans believe cannabis should be legal for both recreational and medical use.
- 32% support legalization only for medical use.
- 11% remain opposed to legalization in any form.
Additionally, a February 2024 Pew study revealed that 79% of Americans now live in states with at least one cannabis dispensary. California leads the country with over 3,600 dispensaries, out of a total of 15,000 across the United States.
Implications for Cannabis Policy and Legalization
The increasing public support for cannabis legalization and the steady rise in usage suggest that more states will likely continue to adopt policies legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use. As societal attitudes evolve, the cannabis industry is poised for further growth, and with it, the possibility of federal reform.
