A recent CBS News/YouGov survey reveals a significant shift in the way Americans view cannabis use, as the majority now considers open cannabis use to be socially acceptable.
This change in attitude comes as the country witnesses a burgeoning legalised cannabis industry.
Let’s explore the key findings from this survey, which interviewed a nationally representative sample of 1,582 U.S. adult residents between April 14-18, 2023.
Social acceptability of open cannabis use
According to the survey, a slight majority of Americans now view using cannabis openly as socially acceptable, marking a notable change from two years ago.
However, this opinion is not shared by most republicans, conservatives, seniors over 65, and Americans who regularly attend religious services.
Not only do most Americans think that using cannabis is acceptable, but they also say they wouldn’t judge others for using it or feel judged themselves.
This attitude extends even to those who hardly ever or never use marijuana. Social acceptability is more related to how openly people in one’s social circle use cannabis rather than one’s personal experience with it.
Friends, family, and cannabis use
Even though two-thirds of Americans claim they never personally use marijuana, most are aware of its use by people close to them.
Over four in 10 Americans know of at least some friends and family members using cannabis recreationally, while only three in 10 say no one they know uses it.
Licensed cannabis industry
The growing acceptance of open marijuana use coincides with the expansion of the legalized marijuana industry.
Americans are largely divided on whether they want a licensed business in their neighborhood that sells recreational cannabis, but those who already live near a licensed dispensary are more likely to favor the idea.
Proponents of having a licensed cannabis seller in their neighborhood argue that weed use is already widespread, and that legalization would make it safer and easier to regulate.
They also cite potential benefits to local jobs, the economy, and increased tax revenue.
On the other hand, opponents express concerns about access by minors, decreased neighborhood desirability, increased crime, harm to people’s health, and continued federal illegality.
Legalisation of recreational cannabis
In line with the growing social acceptance of marijuana use, nearly two in three Americans believe recreational cannabis use should be legal.
This includes large majorities of democrats and independents and a slim majority of republicans, though older republicans and those who consider themselves very conservative tend to disagree.
Embracing cannabis
The CBS News/YouGov survey underscores a clear shift in American attitudes toward cannabis use, as open consumption gains social acceptance, and legalisation efforts gain more momentum.
While some segments of the population still oppose weed use and legalisation, the general trend shows a growing embrace of cannabis as part of mainstream culture. Something we can only dream of in the UK at this time.
