A recent survey reveals that 73 percent of American voters, including a majority of Republicans, support some form of marijuana legalization—whether for recreational or medical purposes—with most favoring legalization under all circumstances.
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The poll, conducted by the conservative Manhattan Institute, surveyed 2,304 voters from last month’s election, focusing on policy issues including cannabis reform. The findings highlighted widespread backing for legalization, but also raised concerns about public safety, underage use, and impaired driving.
When asked about marijuana policy preferences, 46 percent of respondents supported full legalization, 19 percent favored medical use only, and 8 percent supported possession and cultivation without commercial sales. Meanwhile, 12 percent opposed legalization altogether.
The survey also addressed specific aspects of cannabis regulation. Majorities supported allowing possession (61 percent) and purchasing (62 percent) of cannabis, while 43 percent approved of legal commercial sales. Additionally, 69 percent said adults should be permitted to smoke marijuana in their homes, but majorities opposed public consumption in parks (56 percent), bars or restaurants (74 percent), on public transit (82 percent), and near schools (82 percent). Similarly, 82 percent opposed smoking while driving.
On consumption methods, 63 percent approved of smoking marijuana. However, opinions were split on marijuana’s impact, with 41 percent viewing it positively and another 41 percent expressing negative views.
More than half (57 percent) agreed with the statement, “If people want to consume marijuana, it’s not the government’s job to stop them, as long as they aren’t harming others.” Conversely, 28 percent worried that legalization could lead to neighborhood smoke shops, odors, and increased youth access, advocating for keeping recreational marijuana illegal.
Concerns about legalization’s potential risks were also addressed. Respondents reported being extremely, very, or somewhat worried about:
Car accidents from impaired driving: 77 percent
Mental health issues: 55 percent
Rising cannabis addiction: 60 percent
Underage use: 79 percent
Declining motivation: 60 percent
The poll, conducted from December 4-7 with a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percentage points, underscores marijuana’s evolving role in public opinion. Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, remarked that bipartisan support for legalization shows Americans largely agree it’s time to regulate cannabis.
As President Joe Biden faces calls to expand cannabis-related clemency, another recent survey by Data for Progress found that 59 percent of Americans support pardons for all federal marijuana convictions, and 63 percent back clemency for simple drug possession charges.
Gallup’s latest polling data similarly reflect strong public support for legalization, with 68 percent favoring it, only slightly down from 70 percent the previous year.
Additionally, recent studies challenge assumptions about marijuana legalization and impaired driving. A report by researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University found no evidence that marijuana legalization increases tolerant attitudes toward driving under the influence of cannabis. The study, published in Biometrical Journal, compared data from states with and without medical marijuana laws, showing no significant shift in attitudes about impaired driving.
Using national survey data, the study matched responses from states without legalization to those with medical marijuana laws, controlling for demographic differences. Researchers found no indication that legalization led to greater acceptance of driving after cannabis use. However, they acknowledged limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and a focus on just two states, Kentucky and Tennessee, where marijuana was illegal during the study period.
Broader surveys also indicate Americans remain more concerned about other risky behaviors, such as texting while driving, speeding, and drunk driving, than cannabis impairment. A Pew Research Center poll found 82 percent consider marijuana-impaired driving a problem, but it ranked lower than concerns about cellphone distraction (96 percent) and drunk driving (92 percent).
Other research highlights difficulties in measuring marijuana impairment. Studies indicate no consistent correlation between THC levels in blood and driving performance. Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Justice suggest states may need to rethink reliance on THC blood tests as measures of impairment.
A Canadian study found self-reported rates of driving after cannabis use declined after legalization, dropping from 27 percent in 2019 to 18 percent. Researchers continue to explore improved methods for detecting recent THC use and its effects on driving.
As legalization expands, lawmakers and scientists emphasize the need for better tools to assess impairment and ensure traffic safety without unfairly penalizing cannabis users.
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