Americans are pushing hard for full marijuana legalization, but a fresh poll reveals a big split among Donald Trump’s supporters just as the president gears up for a game-changing decision on rescheduling the drug. This divide could shake up politics and policy, raising questions about how Trump will balance his base with growing public demand. Stick around to see the numbers and what they mean for the future.
A new survey spells out clear support for making marijuana legal across the US. The poll, run by YouGov for the Ethics and Public Policy Center, found that 57 percent of people either somewhat or strongly back legalization. That’s a solid majority ready to end old restrictions.
This fits with broader trends seen in other recent studies. For example, a Gallup poll from earlier this year pegged overall support at 68 percent, showing how views keep shifting toward acceptance.
Younger folks lead the charge, with 79 percent of those aged 18 to 34 in favor, according to data from pollster Frank Luntz. Older groups trail behind, but the momentum is clear.
Experts say this reflects years of state-level changes, where places like California and Colorado have already legalized cannabis for adult use. The poll was done last week, timing right with talks of federal moves.
Trump Supporters Mostly Say No, But Youth Buck the Trend
Dig into the numbers, and Trump’s voters show resistance. The same YouGov survey broke it down by age and politics. A majority of Trump voters over 46, at 53 percent, oppose legalization outright.
That opposition drops among younger Trump backers. For those aged 18 to 45 who supported him in the last election, 49 percent actually favor the change. It’s a slim plurality, but it highlights a generational gap in the Republican base.
This isn’t new. Other polls echo the divide. One from Trump’s own campaign pollster earlier this year found Republicans overall at 55 percent support for legalization, but that dips when you zoom in on core Trump fans.
Why the split? Analysts point to cultural views. Older conservatives often see marijuana as a gateway drug tied to crime, while younger ones focus on personal freedom and medical benefits.
One younger Trump voter in the survey shared anonymously that legal weed could boost the economy without harming values. It’s a viewpoint gaining ground.
What Trump’s Rescheduling Move Could Mean
President Trump is set to sign an executive order soon that would shift marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug laws. This wouldn’t fully legalize it, but it would ease rules, open up medical research, and cut taxes for cannabis businesses.
Sources close to the White House say the order, expected this week, recognizes the drug’s medical potential. It could let Medicare cover some CBD products for seniors and spark more investment in treatments.
This rescheduling aligns with America’s shifting views, where 70 percent of people now support some form of legalization, per multiple surveys. But for Trump, it’s a tightrope walk with his base.
Industry leaders warn of upsides and risks. On one hand, it promises tax relief and banking access for legal sellers. On the other, it might bring stricter federal oversight, creating new legal headaches.
Here’s a quick look at potential impacts:
- Economy Boost: Cannabis firms could deduct business expenses, saving millions in taxes.
- Health Access: Easier research might lead to new therapies for pain and anxiety.
- State Power: States keep control, but federal changes could harmonize laws.
A table from industry analysis shows how rescheduling stacks up:
| Current Schedule I | Proposed Schedule III |
|---|---|
| No accepted medical use, high abuse risk | Moderate abuse risk, accepted medical uses |
| Strict federal bans | Allows prescriptions, research |
| Heavy taxes on businesses | Tax deductions available |
This move comes amid calls from both parties for reform, though Trump’s team frames it as an “America First” policy to cut red tape.
Broader Shifts in Public Opinion
Support for marijuana isn’t just a flash in the pan. Over the last decade, attitudes have flipped dramatically. Back in 2010, only about 46 percent of Americans backed legalization, according to Pew Research Center data. Now, it’s climbed to around 64 percent in some polls, driven by evidence of its safety compared to alcohol.
Democrats lead with 87 percent support, independents at 70 percent, and Republicans at 55 percent, based on aggregated survey results from this year. That’s a bipartisan wave, even if it’s uneven.
Surprisingly, even in conservative circles, there’s growing acceptance for medical use. A NORML poll from April found 70 percent of respondents want federal rescheduling, including many Republicans.
What fuels this? Real-life stories of veterans using cannabis for PTSD or patients easing chronic pain without opioids. These tales humanize the issue and counter old fears.
One study from Marijuana Moment highlighted that states with legal weed see lower teen use rates, debunking myths about increased youth access. It’s counterintuitive, but data backs it up.
As more states vote on ballot measures, the pressure builds on Washington. Florida’s recent push, though it fell short, showed 57 percent voter support there.
This evolution affects everyday lives, from job opportunities in a booming industry to safer alternatives for pain relief. Families dealing with medical issues could see real hope if barriers drop.
The poll’s timing adds urgency. With Trump’s decision imminent, it underscores how out of step some opposition feels in 2025. Will this force a rethink among holdouts?
America stands at a crossroads with marijuana policy, where a majority craves change but political divides linger, especially among Trump loyalists. Yet the youth surge suggests evolution ahead, promising economic gains, better health options, and less stigma for millions. As Trump weighs his executive order, it could mark a pivotal shift toward sensible reform that honors diverse views while prioritizing facts over fear.
