Legalization vs. Prohibition: Impact on Marijuana Use

Rates of marijuana use are nearly the same in states that have legalized versus those that maintain prohibition, which suggests that “criminalization does little to curtail its use,” a new Gallup survey found.

Advocates’ Long-Standing Argument

As advocates have long pointed out, debates about the merits of legalization often ignore the fact that the war on drugs has not stopped people from using cannabis. The difference largely comes down to whether the products are regulated by states or not. And the Gallup polling data released on Thursday reinforces that point.

Usage Trends Across America

Overall, one in 10 American adults say they’ve used marijuana 10 or more times in the past month, while one in five have used cannabis at least once in the past month.

Granular Data Insights

Gallup shared more granular data from the survey with Marijuana Moment on Thursday, revealing specific consumption patterns among different demographics.

Regional Consumption Trends

While average use is comparable between legal and non-legal states, there are “statistically significant differences in consumption trends based on region, with the highest usage rates observed in the Middle Atlantic (New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey).”

Bipartisan Support for Legalization

Polls consistently show bipartisan majority support for legalizing cannabis, with nine in 10 Americans supporting marijuana legalization for recreational or medical purposes, according to a Pew Research Center poll.

Conclusion: Changing Attitudes and Policies

Support for marijuana legalization is at record highs, indicating a shifting landscape in public opinion and potentially paving the way for further policy changes at both state and federal levels.