The majority of American adults now view the effects of marijuana as negatively impacting society and those who use it, according to a new Gallup poll.
Fifty-four percent of American adults view the societal effects negatively, while 51% look at the drug as being negatively impactful on the individual, his or herself.
Gallup acknowledged its 2022 polling, which showed a more positive view of marijuana at 53%, while the negative was a slim minority at 45%.
The Consumption Habits poll data showed unsurprising favorable majorities among 18-34-year-olds, Democrats and those attending religious worship less than monthly or just not at all.
The demographics of those with a negative perspective included those who never used the drug, adults 55 and older, Republicans and adults who attend religious services monthly.
Among the divided were independents and those aged between 35 and 54.
All in all, every demographic has been less inclined to hold a positive view of the effects of marijuana since Gallop’s 2022 survey. Now, less than half of US adults within each group view marijuana as positively impacting society at large.
A separate poll conducted by Gallop in July found American adults believe marijuana to be the least harmful among other substances, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, alcohol and even nicotine patches.
Majorities believe the eight substances mentioned above to be “very” or “somewhat” harmful to the user, whereas two-thirds said marijuana is “very” (26%) or “somewhat” (40%) harmful. Over 90% view cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco to be “harmful,” with majorities considering it “very harmful.”
Gallup reported that marijuana usage has slightly decreased from 17% in 2023 to 13% today. Still, consumption of marijuana edibles remains steady at 12% and 7% for vape or e-cigarettes.
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With 24 states having already legalized recreational use and the Justice Department’s efforts to reclassify marijuana, polling insights may not dictate Americans’ future views on the drug’s harmfulness to society or the user.
