Poll: 52% of U.S. Adults Have Tried Marijuana, Only 1 in 5 Believe it’s “Riskier” than Prescription Opioids
A majority of U.S. adults have tried marijuana at least once, according to new polling.
According to the new Yahoo/Marist poll, 52% of adults in the United States have consumed marijuana at least once, with 56% consider usage of the plant to be “socially acceptable.” The survey found an overwhelming majority of adults – 83% – to be in support of legalizing medical cannabis. A considerably lower number, but still a plurality (49% to 47%), support the legalization of cannabis for all uses.
Two-thirds of the poll’s respondents stated that the use of prescription drugs like Vicodin or OxyContin is “riskier” to use than cannabis, even when the drugs are rightfully prescribed by a doctor. Only one in five believe that marijuana is “riskier” than prescription opioids.
Among parents, only 21% consider marijuana use to be at the “top of their concerns” for their children, behind cigarette use (24%). 81% of parents – including 88% of those who have tried marijuana – believe it’s the right thing to do to tell their kids about their cannabis use. Despite this high number, 60% say that their parents did not talk to them about marijuana, including 95% of those in the Silent-Greatest Generation, and 72% of Baby-Boomers.
For a detailed summary of additional findings made by the Yahoo/Marist poll, click here.
