Washington, DC: Sixty-six percent of Americans believe that “the use of marijuana should be made legal,” according to nationwide polling data compiled by Gallup. The total marks an increase in support of almost 30 percent since 2012, when Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize adult marijuana use, and is the highest level of support ever reported by the polling firm.
Majorities of Republicans (53 percent), Independents (71 percent) and Democrats (75 percent) back legalization. Among those age 18 to 34, 78 percent support legalizing marijuana. Fifty–nine percent of those over the age of 55 similarly back legalization – more than three-times the level of support expressed by older Americans in the year 2000.
The Gallup poll comes just days after a new Pew Research Center survey reported 62 percent nationwide support for legalization – the highest total ever recorded by that firm.
“It is time for lawmakers of both parties to acknowledge the data-driven and political realities of legalization,” NORML Political Director Justin Strekal said in a press release. “It is time to stop ceding control of the marijuana market to untaxed criminal enterprises and implement common-sense, evidence-based regulations governing cannabis’ personal use and licensed production by responsible adults.”
For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500.