Why it matters:
– This article discusses the changing attitudes and behaviors towards marijuana in the United States. It highlights the increasing percentage of adults who smoke marijuana and the growing support for its legalization.
What they are saying:
– The percentage of American adults who smoke marijuana has remained relatively stable at 17% in 2023, but this figure represents a significant increase from only 7% in 2013.
– Young adults aged 18 to 34 have the highest rate of marijuana use at 26%, followed by 18% among adults aged 35 to 54, and 11% among adults aged 55 and older.
– Gender, education level, and political party identification also influence marijuana use, with men, those without a college degree, and Democrats being more likely to use marijuana.
– Half of American adults (50%) have tried cannabis at some point in their lives.
– Public support for marijuana legalization has been steadily increasing, with 70% of Americans now believing marijuana use should be legal. Support has grown significantly since 1969 when only 12% of Americans supported legalization.
– Support for legalization is highest among self-identified liberals (91%) and Democrats (87%), while conservatives (52%) and Republicans (55%) have lower levels of support.
– A majority of U.S. adults (52%) believe the U.S. has lost ground in coping with the illegal drug problem, compared to a record-low 24% who believe progress has been made.
The big picture:
– The survey findings reflect a changing landscape regarding marijuana use and legalization in the United States. The increasing rates of marijuana use and support for legalization suggest a shift in societal attitudes towards the drug.
What to watch:
– It will be important to monitor if the percentage of Americans who smoke marijuana continues to increase or if it stabilizes or decreases in the future.
– The level of support for marijuana legalization may continue to evolve as more states consider and potentially enact legalization measures.
My take:
– The findings of this survey highlight the growing acceptance and normalization of marijuana use in American society. The increasing rates of marijuana use and the high levels of support for legalization among certain demographic groups indicate a changing perception of the drug. It will be interesting to see how these trends develop in the coming years and how they may influence drug policies and regulations.
