Survey shows just under half of Americans have tried cannabis

New survey data from Gallup shows that just under half of Americans have tried cannabis. The results are based on the annual Consumption Habits poll that was conducted in July 2021.

The Gallup data shows a steady increase in usage over the decades. More than 50 years ago, just 4 percent reported having tried cannabis but that grew to 20 percent in 1977. It showed a small increase between 1985 and 2015.  The current data is the highest measured to date at 49 percent, just under half of Americans.

The researchers note that a small percentage of cannabis consumers say they smoke it at 12 percent. This has remained steady between 11 to 13 percent since 2013.

Acceptance

It’s not just cannabis use that appears to be on the rise but also acceptance of the industry.

Prior polls report that 70 percent of Americans now view cannabis as ‘morally acceptable’ while 68 percent say it should be legal for adults.

Younger respondents who listed themselves as politically liberal and non-religious were the most likely to have tried cannabis. While more men at 16 percent compared to women at 9 percent identified as current consumers.

Read more: Cannabis and Emigration: I would tell people if you are thinking about it, relocate. 

Generational

The poll also showed generational gaps when it comes to using cannabis. Those born before 1945 were less likely to have tried cannabis compared with millennials.  About half of millennials, 49 of generation Xers and 50 percent of baby boomers.

Millennials are defined as anyone born between 1981 and 1994 while gen Xers are born between 1965 and 1980.

There are currently no figures for gen Z who were born after 1994.

Previous polls

Previous research conducted by cannabis analytics company, Brightfield Group revealed that millennials and gen Xers account for 71 percent of CBD users. Although it showed millennials take more doses each day than gen Xers.

The report said millennials learn about the plant through social media, looking through stores or talking to growers. This is different from the previous generation who prefer traditional sources such as news, TV ads or print. 

Brightfield reported that 18 percent of the consumers not using CBD feel they don’t know enough about the product.

The group said marketers looking to reach this generation may have to work through the negative misconceptions by providing education and making products more widespread.

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