Gallup Poll: Americans See Cannabis as Less Harmful Than Tobacco

Americans View Cannabis As Less Harmful Than Tobacco Or Alcohol, Divided Over Impact On Society, Gallup Finds

A recent Gallup poll has revealed a notable shift in American attitudes toward cannabis, with a growing segment of the population expressing concerns about its societal and personal effects. Conducted in July with a random sample of 1,010 adults aged 18 and older, the survey indicates that while cannabis is still seen as less harmful than tobacco or alcohol, public opinion on its overall impact has become more conservative compared to two years ago.

The Haze After The Hype

The Gallup poll results show a clear divide in perceptions of cannabis. A majority, 54%, of respondents now believe that marijuana negatively affects society. Additionally, 51% view its impact on users as detrimental. This marks a significant change from 2022 when public opinion on cannabis’s impact was nearly evenly split. The increased concern reflects a shift towards more conservative views on the substance, even as cannabis continues to gain legal acceptance and efforts to reclassify it to a less dangerous substance are underway.

Cannabis Less Harmful Than Tobacco Or Alcohol

Despite growing concerns, cannabis is still perceived as less harmful compared to other substances. Only 26% of those surveyed consider marijuana “very harmful,” a notable contrast to the 79% who view cigarettes in the same light. This indicates that while concerns about cannabis are rising, it remains less stigmatized than tobacco and alcohol. However, the proportion of Americans who view marijuana as “very harmful” has increased since 2022, when only 23% of respondents held that view.

Decline In Positive Cannabis Views Amid Slight Drop In Use

The poll also highlights demographic variations in cannabis perceptions. Younger adults, particularly those aged 18-34, as well as Democrats and infrequent churchgoers, tend to have a more favorable view of cannabis. However, even within these groups, positive perceptions have declined since 2022. For example, only 58% of young adults now believe that cannabis has a positive effect on users, down from 65% two years ago.

Additionally, the poll notes a slight decrease in cannabis usage among U.S. adults. Thirteen percent of respondents reported smoking cannabis, a drop from 16-17% in recent years. In contrast, alcohol consumption remains widespread, with 58% of adults reporting occasional use.

Legalization Support High Despite Impact Concerns

The evolving perceptions of cannabis present a complex picture. While there is growing support for legalization, concerns about its societal impact continue to influence public opinion. According to a January survey by Pew Research Center, which sampled 5,140 adults, 90% of Americans support some form of legal cannabis. This strong backing underscores a shift in the debate from whether cannabis should be legal to how it should be regulated.

As the legal landscape for cannabis continues to evolve, the dialogue around its impact on society and individuals remains critical. The Gallup poll reflects a nuanced view where increasing concerns about the substance’s effects coexist with broad support for its legalization. The challenge moving forward will be to balance these perspectives, ensuring that cannabis policies address both public health concerns and the demand for legal access.