New High in Americans’ Marijuana Use

50% of Americans now report that they have tried marijuana. The percentage has steadily crept upward since 1970 when just 4% of Americans reported marijuana use.

While over half of Democrats (57%) and Independents (52%) admit to having used the drug, only 39% of Republicans say they have.

Meanwhile, those aged 18 to 34 (29%) and aged 35-54 (17%) are more likely to have tried marijuana than those 55 and up (9%).

Discussion Questions

1. Should adult-use marijuana be legal? Why or why not?

2. If adult-use marijuana were legal at the federal level, what restrictions should be placed on its use? Explain your answer(s).

3. If adult-use marijuana were made illegal across all states again, what should the punishments for its use be? Explain your answer(s).

Source

Justin McCarthy, “Fully Half of Americans Have Tried Marijuana,” news.gallup.com, Aug. 10, 2023