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Over the past decade, marijuana legalization in the United States has expanded significantly. Since Colorado and Washington first legalized recreational use in 2012, nearly half of U.S. states and Washington, D.C. now allow marijuana for both medical and recreational use, while many others allow medical use only. Despite federal illegality, national attitudes and enforcement have softened in recent years, and a majority of Americans now support legalization in some form.
Public opinion strongly favors legalization overall, with about 55% supporting both medical and recreational use and another 33% supporting medical use only. Support varies by age and politics—younger adults and Democrats are much more likely to favor full legalization than older adults and Republicans. Views have steadily shifted over time: in 2000, only about 31% supported legalization, compared to roughly two-thirds today according to Gallup.
Americans are more divided on marijuana’s impacts. Many believe legalization benefits local economies and improves fairness in the criminal justice system, but opinions are mixed on whether it affects safety or other drug use. Meanwhile, access has expanded widely—more than half of Americans live in states where recreational marijuana is legal, and most people live in counties with dispensaries. Even so, opinions on whether state laws are too strict or about right remain split, reflecting ongoing debate as legalization continues to spread. For a full breakdown of the data, refer to the Pew Research Center report.
This is a summary.
Read the original article: 10 Facts About Americans and Marijuana
Original article written by Andy Cerda and John Gramlich. Published on May 26, 2026 by Pew Research Center.
