Key Findings from the 2024 Gallup Poll
The latest Gallup poll reveals a seismic shift in American attitudes toward cannabis. According to the survey, 65% of U.S. adults now believe alcohol and tobacco pose greater health risks than marijuana—a stark contrast to decades past. Notably:
- 72% rated tobacco as “very harmful,” while 67% said the same for alcohol.
- Only 21% classified cannabis as “very harmful.”
This growing acceptance aligns with state-level legalization efforts, with 24 states now permitting recreational use.
A Decade of Changing Views
Since 2013, when Colorado and Washington first legalized recreational cannabis, public opinion has steadily shifted. Gallup’s data shows a 40% drop in the perception of cannabis as “highly harmful” over the past 10 years, driven by increased medical research and destigmatization campaigns.
Why Are Perceptions of Cannabis Evolving?
Medical Advancements and Education
Studies highlighting cannabis’s therapeutic benefits for chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD have reshaped its image. Organizations like NORML and the Mayo Clinic have amplified data showing marijuana’s lower addiction potential compared to alcohol (9% vs 15%).
The Failure of Prohibition
With 52% of Americans now living in legalized states, the predicted societal harms (e.g., increased youth use, crime) haven’t materialized. Instead, tax revenues and reduced opioid overdoses in legal states have bolstered public support.
Alcohol and Tobacco’s Declining Reputation
The Alcohol Paradox
Despite its cultural ubiquity, alcohol contributes to 95,000 U.S. deaths annually (CDC), including liver disease and accidents. Tobacco, linked to 480,000 yearly deaths, faces similar scrutiny. Yet both remain legal, highlighting the inconsistency in drug policy.
Health Risks Compared
- Alcohol: High addiction risk, organ damage, impaired judgment.
- Tobacco: Cancer, heart disease, secondhand smoke risks.
- Cannabis: Low overdose risk, temporary impairment, no long-term lung damage when vaporized.
Policy Implications and the Road to Federal Legalization
The poll underscores a growing disconnect between federal law (which classifies cannabis as Schedule I) and public sentiment. Advocates argue this data could accelerate reforms like the SAFER Banking Act or rescheduling. Meanwhile, states like Florida and Pennsylvania are poised to vote on legalization in 2024.
What’s Next for Cannabis Legalization?
With 70% of Americans supporting legal medical use and 52% backing recreational access, federal reform seems inevitable. However, challenges remain, including standardized dosing regulations and addressing DUIs.
Source: https://norml.org/news/2024/08/22/gallup-americans-say-alcohol-tobacco-more-harmful-than-cannabis/?link_id=10&can_id=727ca046d598a3ab89b24b1212ca3bc2&source=email-norml-weekend-weed-read-8242024&email_referrer=email_2427661&email_subject=norml-weekend-weed-read-8242024