A new poll conducted by Emerson College and released on August 29 shows that nearly two out of three American voters consider nationwide marijuana legalization a “good idea.” The results underscore the increasingly mainstream acceptance of cannabis reform across the United States, reflecting a significant shift in public opinion over the past decade.
As advocates, industry stakeholders, and lawmakers await President Donald Trump’s decision on a more limited proposal to reschedule marijuana under federal law, the Emerson poll reveals that a majority of registered voters are inclined to go even further. Specifically, 65 percent of respondents said they favor ending prohibition entirely, while just 35 percent said legalization would be a “bad idea.” This contrast suggests a clear divide between the current federal approach and the views held by much of the electorate.
The level of support represents a five-point increase compared to the college’s October 2024 poll, which showed a 60–40 split.
By party affiliation, Democrats expressed the strongest support, with 79 percent in favor, followed by independents at 66 percent and Republicans at 49 percent.
Across age groups, a majority favored reform with the exception of voters aged 70 and older, who were closely divided: 52 percent opposed legalization and 48 percent supported it.
“Support is highest among voters under 30 (71 percent) and in their 40s (74 percent),” Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in a press release.
“If Trump was to make a decision and legalize it, boy, that could really turn things around on his favorability, which has been pretty stagnant for the last few months,” Kimball said in an interview about the survey.
The poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters between August 25–26, with a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
The findings align with numerous other national polls showing that nearly seven in ten voters believe marijuana should be legalized.
“The electorate is clearly ready for cannabis to be legalized for adult use,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Legalizing and regulating adult-use cannabis access is not only good policy, but it’s also good politics. State and federal politicians who continue to ignore their constituents’ sentiments on these issues do so at their own political peril.”
Together, the survey results underscore both the political and cultural momentum behind marijuana reform. With a growing majority of Americans backing legalization, pressure is mounting on federal leaders to align national policies with public sentiment.
- The news is soured from Marijuana Moment and NORML
Post time: Sep-11-2025
