Majority of Americans Deem Marijuana Safer Than Alcohol or Tobacco, Says Poll
A recent survey by YouGov reveals that almost three out of five Americans view marijuana as less harmful than alcohol or tobacco. According to the study, 64% of respondents deemed regular alcohol use as more dangerous than marijuana, and a similar percentage, 63%, held the same view about tobacco.
In contrast, only 14% and 16% felt that marijuana posed more health risks than alcohol and tobacco, respectively. The survey further found that around 53% of the respondents considered both alcohol and tobacco to be more harmful than marijuana.
The research echo the findings of recent polls, such as those conducted by Gallup and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Both surveys reported that Americans perceive marijuana to be less harmful than tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
On the question of legalization, the YouGov poll disclosed that 62% of Americans are in favor of legalizing marijuana, including 71% of Democrats, 67% of independents, and 46% of Republicans.
Also, more than half (56%) of Americans admitted to having tried marijuana at some point in their lives, 24% said they’ve consumed marijuana in the past year, and 17% reported usage in the past month.
Overall, this research highlights evolving public opinions on cannabis and could potentially influence marijuana-related policy dec