9 figures that show cannabis has become normalized in the U.S.

Yahoo News and the Marist Polling Institute have compiled 9 statistics that prove cannabis use has become completely commonplace in the United States.

55 million Americans smoke cannabis

More than half of American adults have tried cannabis at some point in their lives. 55 million, or 22% Some of them continue to smoke more or less regularly. There are reportedly 35 million regular smokers, who smoke once or twice a month. This figure is up sharply compared to 33 million which we announced in August 2016. Here, the survey methods may explain this discrepancy. The Gallup survey was conducted in person on behalf of the government, while the Marist survey is conducted by telephone and anonymously.

Legalization Is Gaining Momentum

83 % Some Americans say they support the legalization of medical marijuana and 49% are in favor of legalization recreational use of marijuana. While public opinion is divided into two distinct camps,  70% of those who have tried cannabis are in favor of full legalization. Those who have never smoked it are only 26 % to support this reform.

Smoking has become acceptable

56% Americans now consider the consumption of weed as «socially acceptable.» In contrast, 79 % of people strongly disapprove of parents who smoke in front of their children.

Alcohol and Tobacco Are More Dangerous

72% of those surveyed consider cannabis less harmful to health than alcohol, and 76% than tobacco. However, 51% of Americans remain aware that cannabis is a drug and that its abuse can have harmful consequences for users.

Illegality: The Main Barrier to Use

27% of the non-smoking U.S. citizens surveyed in this study stated that the drug’s illegality is the main reason for their abstinence. Close behind are 26% people who dislike this drug. 16% do not smoke it because it poses a health risk.

However, only 28% of nonsmokers say they will try smoking if the federal ban is lifted.

Few people consume just for fun

Only 16 % of American smokers say they use marijuana for fun. This is far behind the 37% who say they smoke to relax. 20% report a therapeutic use of cannabis and 10% to improve their social lives.

Where do people hide their weed?

20% of smokers hide their cigarettes in their closets, 11% in containers specially modified for this purpose. 19% of people keep their cigarettes in a locked place to which only they have the key.

Many parents

Having children does not prevent cannabis use. 54% of marijuana smokers are parents of children aged 18 or younger. However, 94% of these parents report that they never use cannabis in front of their children.

Sharing and «Heavy Personal» Weed

31 % of consumers usually light up their joints «on their own.» 41 % prefer to share them, and 23% smoke only with their partner.