Almost two thirds of Americans now favor legalizing marijuana. In the latest Gallup poll on the subject, a whopping 64% support the end of marijuana prohibition.
The gallup poll has taken place about every year since 1969, when only 12% of respondents were in favor of legalization. Each year, respondents are asked the question: “Do you think the use of marijuana should be made legal, or not?” The 12% figure in the first poll doubled by the late 1970s, but held steady in the 23-28% range through the 1980s and 1990s.
In 2001, the support for legalization hit one-third (34%) for the first time and it has been on a steady climb ever since. The 2013 poll marked the first time a clear majority of Americans favored marijuana legalization (58%) than opposed it.
Democrats and Independents have historically been more likely to be in favor of ending prohibition. In that 2013 poll, only 35% of Republicans supported ending pot prohibition while 65% of Democrats and 62% of Independents were in favor. But in the 2017 Gallup poll, a majority of Republican respondents expressed support for legalizing marijuana for the first time. The 51% Republican support for legalization was up nine percentage points from just one year ago.
Remember, this is not polling just on medical marijuana, which already receives upwards of 80% support in most recent polls. These latest numbers are for general legalization of marijuana, including medical and recreational use. It seems Americans have seen that legalization is working in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon, and have adjusted their attitudes accordingly.
