More than half of Americans are fine with people openly using marijuana socially, according to a poll released Thursday, which also happens to be the marijuana appreciation holiday 4/20.
According to the CBS News/YouGov survey, 53% support using marijuana open socially compared to 45% who don’t. This survey was conducted with a sample of 1,582 U.S. adult residents interviewed between April 14 and April 18.
CBS said the results show a “shift from when CBS News asked this question two years ago.”
While “most Americans also say they wouldn't think any less of a person for using marijuana – including most who hardly ever or never use marijuana themselves,” most Republicans, conservatives, seniors over 65, and most Americans who regularly attend religious services disagree, said the outlet.
However, a majority of Americans (67%) said that if they used marijuana recreationally most of their friends and family members would not change their opinion of them. Around 40% of Americans said they know at least some friends and family who use marijuana recreationally.
At the same time, only 46% of U.S. adults said they had ever used marijuana, per the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health as cited by the Pew Research Center. More people said they had used alcohol or tobacco products.
“Majority acceptance of using marijuana openly comes at a time when many Americans are witnessing a burgeoning legalized marijuana industry in the places where they live and work,” said CBS. “Americans are largely divided on whether or not they want a licensed business in their neighborhood that sells recreational marijuana, but those who already live near a licensed dispensary are the most likely to favor the idea.”
Poll results showed that 31% are in favor of dispensaries near them, 37% are opposed and 32% said it doesn’t matter.
According to National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws data cited by the Pew Research Center, 21 states and the District of Columbia “have legalized small amounts of marijuana for adult recreational use,” as of this month. CBS found that 64% of poll participants believe recreational marijuana should be legal in their state. Democrats are most likely to be in favor with 73%, but a majority of independents (66%) and Republicans (53%) are also in favor.
“Support for marijuana legalization has increased dramatically over the last two decades,” Pew said this month. Additionally, most Americans now support easing penalties for people with marijuana convictions.
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