Overall Growth in Support for Marijuana Legalization Over Time

Support for marijuana legalization in the U.S. has shown a significant upward trend, increasing from 12% in 1969 to 70% in 2023. This gradual but steady increase reflects a shifting public opinion over more than five decades.

Stabilization of Support in Recent Years

After a period of rapid increases, support for legalization appears to have stabilized somewhat in the recent past, remaining at 68% from 2020 to 2021 and then increasing slightly to 70% by 2023. This pattern suggests a possible plateauing after years of growth.

Significant Decadal Increases

Every decade since 1969 has witnessed notable rises in support for legalization. For instance, support was at 12% in 1969 and saw an increase to 25% by 1995, indicating a doubling over approximately 26 years. The trend continued with support reaching 44% by 2010 and 70% by 2023.

Major Jumps in Public Opinion

There were two significant jumps in support for marijuana legalization: a 12-point increase from 58% in 2013 to 70% in 2023, and an earlier 8-point increase from 36% in 2005 to 44% in 2010. These leaps likely indicate periods of changing societal attitudes and possible impacts of policy debates and legislative changes.

Historical Low and High Points

The lowest recorded support was in 1969 at 12%, at a time when marijuana was widely illegal and public sentiment against its use was strong. The highest point reached so far has been 70% in 2023, showcasing a major shift in public perception over the years.