Majority of US population favors cannabis legalization, survey shows

A new survey by consulting firm YouGov reveals that the majority of adults in the United States support the legalization of recreational cannabis, with data released by the Cañamo portal and referenced in this scientific and public opinion study.

The survey was conducted by YouGov in December 2025 in the United States, with a representative sample of American adults. Participants were asked questions about their opinion regarding the legalization of recreational cannabis use and the legitimacy of its therapeutic use.

Support for the legalization of recreational cannabis

Of the respondents, 54% indicated that they believe recreational cannabis use "should be legal," while 27% opposed and 19% were unsure on the issue.

When specifically asked about the medical use of cannabis, 76% of participants considered the plant to have legitimate medical uses, with 43% "definitely" in favor and 33% "probably" in favor.

During the same period as the survey, an executive order signed on December 18, 2025 by the White House directed the Administration to expedite the federal reclassification of cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act, focusing on expanding scientific research on the plant and its derivatives, without directly changing the issue of recreational legalization at the federal level.

Cannabis Legalization in the US: State Legal Framework

The study also highlights that, while the federal debate is ongoing, 24 US states and the District of Columbia have already passed laws allowing recreational cannabis use at the state level, while the federal ban remains in place.

With information from Cañamo.Net.