Americans Overwhelmingly Oppose Federal Cannabis Prohibition

LOS ANGELES- A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that just 12 percent of U.S. adults support a federal prohibition on cannabis, with the remaining 88 percent favoring legalization in some form—either solely for medical use or both medical and recreational purposes. The January–February 2025 poll, involving more than 5,000 American adults, found that 54 percent support full legalization, while 33 percent back medical-only legalization .

Public sentiment is strongest among younger adults, with 65 percent of respondents aged 18–29 supporting full legalization compared to just 31 percent of those aged 75 and older. Political affiliation also plays a role: 66 percent of Democrats favor full legalization versus 43 percent of Republicans. The broad national shift aligns with the policy trajectory of state governments, as 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis and 40 have established medical programs. Notably, 54 percent of Americans now live in states permitting adult-use cannabis, and 79 percent reside in areas with at least one licensed dispensary.