Most Americans now view marijuana use as morally fine or not a moral issue, outpacing gambling, abortion, and more in a fresh Pew Research Center survey. Just 23 percent call it unacceptable, while 76 percent say otherwise. This shift marks the US as a global standout amid changing norms.
Americans stand out in their take on marijuana. The Pew survey from early 2025 asked about nine behaviors. For cannabis, 24 percent deemed it morally acceptable. Another 52 percent saw no moral angle at all.
This adds up to strong backing. Marijuana tops the list for broad acceptance in the US. People tie it with divorce at 76 percent okay. It beats alcohol at 84 percent only slightly behind, but crushes others.
The poll hit 3,605 US adults in March 2025. It used the American Trends Panel for solid results.
Stacks Up Against Hot Button Issues
Marijuana fares better than many touchy topics. Only nine percent okay affairs while married. Birth control wins big at 91 percent.
Gambling draws 29 percent saying wrong. That leaves 70 percent fine with it. Homosexuality sits at 60 percent acceptance. Abortion lags at 52 percent.
Pornography views split more. Just 47 percent see it as okay or neutral.
| Behavior | % Morally Unacceptable (US) | % Acceptable or Not Moral Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Affairs | 90% | 9% |
| Gambling | 29% | 70% |
| Marijuana | 23% | 76% |
| Homosexuality | 39%? Wait, from data 40% unacceptable implied | 60% |
| Abortion | ~48% unacceptable | 52% |
| Porn | ~53% | 47% |
| Divorce | 24% | 76% |
| Alcohol | 16% | 84% |
| Birth Control | 9% | 91% |
This table shows clear rankings. Marijuana shines bright.
Education Plays Key Role in Opinions
Views differ by background. Folks with less schooling lean against marijuana more. Those with college degrees say 79 percent okay or neutral. Less educated hit 74 percent.
Age matters too. Older adults frown more in most spots. Women object higher than men across board.
Religion factors in. Christians often see it as wrong, especially in places like Kenya or Mexico.
One short note stands out. These splits echo wider trends on vice and virtue.
World Sees Cannabis Differently
The US bucks global trends. In 25 nations, 52 percent call marijuana immoral on average. Indonesia tops at 91 percent against. Nigeria follows at 83 percent.
Canada matches US tolerance at 19 percent wrong. Australia 24 percent. Germany 25 percent.
- High disapproval: India (81%), South Korea (80%), Turkey (82%)
- Medium: Brazil (63%), Mexico (56%)
- Low: Netherlands (32%), UK (35%)
Pew polled 28,333 abroad from January to April 2025. Face to face or online fit each land.
America’s acceptance ties to legalization wave. Nearly 40 states allow medical pot. Half plus let adults buy recreational.
This moral nod speeds policy shifts. It eases stigma for users. Families rethink old fears. Jobs boom in green fields.
As states expand shops, public comfort grows. Expect federal moves soon.
This poll spotlights a sea change. Marijuana sheds sin label faster than peers. It promises less judgment, more choice.
