Emerson College Poll: Two-Thirds of Voters Say Legalizing Marijuana Nationally Is a “Good Idea”

Nearly two-thirds of US voters (65 percent) “think that legalizing marijuana nationally is a good idea,” according to nationwide survey data compiled by Emerson College Polling.

The total is a five-point increase in support for legalization since Emerson pollsters last posed the question one year ago.

Voters’ support for marijuana legalization was strongest among respondents in their 40s (74 percent) and among those under age 30 (71 percent). All age groups, except for those over 70, endorsed legalization.

The results are consistent with those of numerous other national polls finding that nearly seven in ten voters believe that marijuana should be legal.

“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.”

Complete results of the poll are available from Emerson College. Additional surveys and polls are available from NORML.

Originally published on NORML.org.