According to an Emerson College poll published August 29, a majority of voters – 65% – believe legalizing cannabis nationwide is a good idea, while 45% believe it is the wrong choice.
The total represents a 5-point increase in support from October 2024 polling by the college, which found a 60%-40% split.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that “All age groups think national marijuana legalization is a good idea except those over 70, who think it is a bad idea 52% to 48%.”
The poll found support highest among voters under 30 (71%) and in their 40s (74%). Support among those under 30 did decline from the October poll, which found 78% among the cohort for the reforms, while support among 40-year-olds was 6 points higher.
In a statement, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said the poll shows that “The electorate is clearly ready for cannabis to be legalized for adult use.”
“Legalizing and regulating adult-use cannabis access is not only good policy, but it’s also good politics,” Armentano said in the statement. “State and federal politicians who continue to ignore their constituents’ sentiments on these issues do so at their own political peril.”
The Emerson College Polling national survey was conducted August 25-26, 2025.
