New research has been done on support for marijuana legalization – and it is surprising
The perception is Americans believe in religion, love guns, are always on social media and According to a recent Pew Research Center poll, 9 in 10 Americans now support the legalization of marijuana in some form. That level of support is not just high — it surpasses nearly every other social, political, or cultural consensus in modern America. In fact, marijuana legalization is now more widely supported than a key fundamental foundation of the current administration.
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Despite this broad consensus, federal marijuana law remains outdated. Cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug — the same tier as heroin — even as a majority of states (including Florida and Texas) move toward either full or medical legalization. The disconnect between national policy and public opinion is becoming harder to ignore.
With 90% of Americans favoring marijuana legalization for either medical or recreational use, support for cannabis reform now surpasses many of the cultural and political pillars often seen as deeply ingrained in American identity.
To put it in context:
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Belief in God: 81% (Pew, 2021)
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Church membership: 47% (Gallup, 2023)
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Trust in the federal government: under 30%
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Support for universal background checks for gun buyers: 89% (Gallup, 2024)
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Pet ownership: 66% of U.S. households (APPA, 2024)
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TV viewership (network and cable): now below 50% (Nielsen, 2024)
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Americans who eat burgers weekly: 62% (YouGov, 2023)
Even in America’s famously food-loving culture, cannabis wins. According to recent surveys, fewer Americans eat burgers every week than support legal weed. Meanwhile, online habits show that only around 35–40% of adults visit Pornhub annually, and 72% use social media — both well below cannabis approval rates.
“In my family, my dad uses cannabis for chronic pain, my niece for epilepsy, and I use it as a healthier recreational alternative to alcohol. Cannabis is a valuable medicine and a safer adult-use option—it’s time our regulations reflect the needs of today’s modern cannabis consumer.” shared Jesse Redmond, Head of Investor Relations for Leef Brands.
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At a time when Americans are split on nearly everything — from politics to public health — cannabis stands out as a rare point of unity. It’s more popular than God, guns, dogs, and dinner. The conversation is no longer about whether to legalize, but when federal law will catch up.
“With more and more issues becoming the subject of fierce political battles, cannabis legalization is the rare topic on which the average American agrees. The overwhelming majority of Americans believe in cannabis legalization, at least for medical use. The question is, when will the federal government’s treatment of cannabis reflect the will of the people?” shared Terran Cooper from the law firm Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP.
Cannabis is no longer counterculture. It’s common ground.
