Top reasons why Americans are for or against cannabis legalization in 2019

In a previous survey last October, Gallup found that 66% of Americans now support cannabis legalization, a majority independent of region, age and political affiliation. A new survey Gallup this time looked at the reasons given by respondents for their position in favor or against the legalization of cannabis.

Pro-legalization

The vast majority of respondents consider that cannabis should be legalized so that medical cannabis patients can have access to it. Many also believe that criminalizing cannabis is a waste of law enforcement time. Finally, just under two-thirds of respondents consider that making cannabis illegal contravenes individual freedoms. In some countries, this argument has led courts to overturn prohibition (South Africa, Mexico, Colombia).

Anti-legalization

Among the anti-legalization crowd, surprisingly, the fact that cannabis is dangerous to health is not the main reason behind opposition to legalization. The main reason is road safety. The theory of cannabis as a gateway drug comes second, followed by the fear that legalization would increase the number of users. Although this is the least cited reason, 43% still consider all drug use to be immoral.

This poll once again revealed that a majority of Americans support the legalization of cannabis (64%). That said, this is 2% less than the previous poll in October. This is still considerably more than in 2009, when only 44% of respondents said they were in favor of legalization. In 1969, only 12% were. Public opinion seems to be moving steadily towards a growing acceptance of cannabis, and its legalization is even becoming a reality. an important electoral issue.