Gallup: Majority of Americans back pot legalization
This is, I think, one of the more dramatic reversals of public opinion of the past 30 years.
As Gallup notes, this is the first year in which a majority of Americans polled say they support legalization of marijuana, and the clear trend line suggests that majority is likely to grow. The realities of life offer further reason to think that trend will continue. Support for legalization is lowest among those 65 and older, and highest among those ages 18-29.
Not surprisingly, Southern Republican conservatives older than 65 are least likely to support legalization. But even among that subgroup, it looks as though roughly a third or more think marijuana should be legal. That’s roughly the same level of support that existed in the nation as a whole just a decade ago.
I’m at a loss to explain that sudden shift in sentiment, because I have no idea what outside force might be driving it. It is, you might say, a homegrown movement.
– Jay Bookman
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866 comments Add your comment
Adam
October 18th, 2011
2:05 pm
Ok, seriously, if we were “like Greece” we would have much more encompassing social programs and we’d have defaulted on our debt already.
USMC
October 18th, 2011
2:05 pm
Great questions JM… I’d like to hear Jay articulate the “Occupy” crowd’s demands.
(with a straight face)
Mick
October 18th, 2011
2:07 pm
liberal parrot
What argument was there to be lost? Nothing, now go parrot that…
CobbGOPer
October 18th, 2011
2:08 pm
I’m in the Republican ‘legalize it’ or ‘at least decriminalize it’ minority.
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:08 pm
Usmc
My view of occupy Atlanta is a bunch of suburban yuppie hippies
But that view is through the lens of the Internet all the way from FL
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:08 pm
Well, now we know what jm thinks of these protestors.
Joe Mama
October 18th, 2011
2:09 pm
G. Incognito — “Think of the tax $$$$$ saved in not arresting some 17 year old kid for a joint. Or in the case of a number of professionals that I know with slight hick-ups on their records, there would no longer be a fear from job applications”
Relax. I’m on your side.
Joe the Plutocrat, paleo-neo-Carlinst and Hall Monitor
October 18th, 2011
2:09 pm
actually, Vinny; it is as easy to grow as tomatoes; which is one of the reasons it is NOT legal (could tax the seeds). that said, I suspect 75% or more of consumers will buy it at the retail level; so the folks to whom you refer will simply put it on their EBT tab.
USMC
October 18th, 2011
2:09 pm
Legalize drugs and you CRUSH the Drug Cartels!
(see prohibition)
Guy Incognito
October 18th, 2011
2:11 pm
CobbGOP
Join us Libertarians. All the fiscal responsibility with none of the social can’t-win-debates
Guy Incognito
October 18th, 2011
2:12 pm
Joe M
I knew you were. The sack comment was for you. The rest of the argument was just blog fodder
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:13 pm
Adam
Give it 10 years. Maybe less
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2011
2:14 pm
Just so it’s clear, I do get that there are Column 4 / Row 4 and Row 5 types out there among us.
Joe Mama
October 18th, 2011
2:15 pm
A worthwhile and timely read, and a sign you might want to copy near the end.
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/10/how-occupy-wall-street-is-like-the-internet/246759/
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2011
2:16 pm
I hear Florida has its own Occupy crowds. Jm should attend and report back.
Mick
October 18th, 2011
2:16 pm
jm
It’s time for some comic relief-
http://www.credoaction.com/comics/2011/10/invisible-hand-of-the-free-market-man-2/
Bruno
October 18th, 2011
2:16 pm
More example; less judgement, please!
Will do, Matti. Feel free to keep me straight anytime!!
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:17 pm
stands,
Don’t you mean, row 5 and 6??
Sam the Sham
October 18th, 2011
2:17 pm
I wonder if they could grow Marijuana in China or India since they are about the only producers of ANYTHING that Americans buy.
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2011
2:18 pm
A substantial part of our budget crisis could be solved by legalizing and taxing both marijuana and online poker.
well no, actually , it wouldn’t. It’d be a teensy tiny part of it. Let’s not get carried away.
There are good reasons to decriminalize the softer recreational drugs and, I guess, some online gambling. But making a massive dent in our revenue shortfalls isn’t one of them.
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
October 18th, 2011
2:18 pm
Gallup: The majority of voters disapprove of President Obama. 38% approve-54% disapprove.
Matti's Encouragement
October 18th, 2011
2:19 pm
stands,
GOOD one!
getalife
October 18th, 2011
2:19 pm
Free the weed to increase revenue.
Even the cons agree.
Just say yes.
Joe the Plutocrat, paleo-neo-Carlinst and Hall Monitor
October 18th, 2011
2:20 pm
folks, as has been noted, we are talking about a plant that has been consumed since the first days of the Republic. it was only made illegal (20th century) in an effort to “criminalize” the behaviors of certain groups (that would be non-whites; including Hispanics and of course negroes). it’s a plant, that when smoked, makes people happy and somewhat goofy; lord knows it is a threat to the Republic.
uspo
October 18th, 2011
2:20 pm
Pot already grows nearly everywhere by itself. You morons just don’t know where to look. It’s out there in the fields off all of the I’s. There are pot gardens in nature, man. And they’ve been around since Adam and Eve.
Remember, the female plants are susceptible to snakes………come with me to Eden, my fine friends, I have garden I want you to occupy………”ADAM!” (oh sheet, it’s god. damn. uh, yes, kind Sir)……”Why have you smoked the buds off the one plant I warned you not to smoke of?”……(how the F did you know?)……”How about Eve got the munchies and ate from the one plant I warned her not to eat of???”……(EVE!)……”Now. Get. OUT!!!” (hey, your god is bogue, man….”oh STFU”…)
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2011
2:20 pm
stands,
Don’t you mean, row 5 and 6??
no! I meant 4 and 5, dammit, and it would be a sign of WEAKNESS to admit I got it rongg so there!
/gooper faithful
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:20 pm
Mick
Mildly funny
Guy Incognito
October 18th, 2011
2:21 pm
Sam the Sham
October 18th, 2011
2:17 pm
I wonder if they could grow Marijuana in China or India since they are about the only producers of ANYTHING that Americans buy.
They do Sam, but 30 min after smoking it, you want to smoke some more
philosopher
October 18th, 2011
2:21 pm
jm could really, really use a toke or two…
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2011
2:22 pm
Gallup: The majority of voters disapprove of President Obama. 38% approve-54% disapprove.
well, Del, all you gots to do is field a viable candidate and you’ll beat him like a yard dog.
oh, wait…
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/president_obama_vs_republican_candidates.html
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:22 pm
Del,
So? He’s still beating all the GOP candidates in a one on one match up. When are you wingnuts going to realize approval ratings do not equal who you are gonna vote for?
What am I thinking, a wingnut using logic?
getalife
October 18th, 2011
2:22 pm
“I hear Florida has its own Occupy crowds. Jm should attend and report back”
cons don’t have the guts to spew face to face with protesters.
Don't Forget
October 18th, 2011
2:23 pm
Isn’t the republican mantra ” if you want to discourage something, tax it” ?
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:23 pm
stands,
Get out of my head (h/t to you of course).
Mick
October 18th, 2011
2:23 pm
jm
Well, at least you have some humor, I find it sarcastically funny…
carlosgvv
October 18th, 2011
2:23 pm
I’ve never smoked pot so I have a question. If you’re hight on pot and drive, is this as dangerous as driving drunk? If so, why would anyone want to legalize another substance which would result is still more traffic deaths?
Guy Incognito
October 18th, 2011
2:24 pm
And now, a legalize Haiku
Wasted tax dollars.
Incarceration, no sense.
legalize it Now!
Normal
October 18th, 2011
2:24 pm
India has the best pot grown by God! You know, if pot IS made legal,
world peace would prevail! Who would want to fight and ruin a good buzz?
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2011
2:24 pm
Anyone else notice the 9 point gender gap?
Maybe it’s because the old biddies live so long…
(ducking and running.)
philosopher
October 18th, 2011
2:25 pm
Thanks, Jay- I swear this blog has never been as fun as it is today- Inow if you just pass around some brownies, the few remaining angry heads will cool down and we’ll all laugh the rest of the day away!
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:25 pm
Mick. – herb streit was funnier
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:25 pm
getalife,
“cons don’t have the guts to spew face to face with protesters”
I’ve always found it rather cowardly of those amongst us who gripe and bitch about the welfare queens, why they don’t affront them in line at the grocery store. Cowards indeed.
philosopher
October 18th, 2011
2:26 pm
Now- sorry- laughing so much I can’t type well-
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:27 pm
“If you’re hight on pot and drive, is this as dangerous as driving drunk?”
Yes, but I don’t know too many people who get high and want to drive around.
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
October 18th, 2011
2:28 pm
stands,
If those head to head polls hold up after the R’s nominate their candidate the Dem’s can wipe a lot of sweat from their brow. For now I don’t believe the DNC shares your comfort level.
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:29 pm
Getalife
Sure we do. But not for a 1 hour drive
Besides. Why argue? It will be as successful as talking to stubborn liberals here.
philosopher
October 18th, 2011
2:29 pm
It’s probably really no less dangerous than an octogenarian driving- too slow and reflexes in slow motion.
Adam
October 18th, 2011
2:29 pm
Jm: 10 years for us to get on board with the rest of the industrialized world and have more encompassing social programs? I can dig it.
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:29 pm
carlosgvv,
And the people who do drive around stoned – are doing it now. Legalizing it or not has nothing to do with it.
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2011
2:29 pm
Wasted tax dollars.
Incarceration, no sense.
legalize it Now!
Or this version:
Wasted tax dollars.
Incineration, no sense.
legalize it Now!
philosopher
October 18th, 2011
2:29 pm
I mean no more dangerous-
getalife
October 18th, 2011
2:30 pm
Bosch,
The only time I have see cons voice their opinions face to face was at WalMart for the high costs of drugs.
Ben James
October 18th, 2011
2:30 pm
Zero deaths from pot use in the history of the planet, Zero, none, not one. The safest of all recreational drugs, much safer the alcohol or tobacco that both KILL thousands of people in the US every year and yet pot it is still illegal. You can buy pot products galore (pipes, water pipes, vaporizers, rolling papers) on Amazon.com (I recommend the Arizer Extreme vaporizer, pure heaven Amazon for $160) but it’s still not legal???? Everything about pot use is mainstream except the law.
stands for decibels
October 18th, 2011
2:32 pm
For now I don’t believe the DNC shares your comfort level.
What comfort level? I expect Romney to give Obama a decent run for the money. I just don’t think his chances of winning are anything like what one might expect from those lopsided numbers you’d posted, is all.
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2011
2:33 pm
Herman and Mitt are just two more of your typical Republicans.
Don't Forget
October 18th, 2011
2:34 pm
The prison industry is not amused.
Don't Forget
October 18th, 2011
2:35 pm
They should ask the candidates about this at the debate.
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
October 18th, 2011
2:35 pm
“I just don’t think his chances of winning are anything like what one might expect from those lopsided numbers you’d posted, is all.”
You can blame Gallup for the numbers. I’m not in the polling business I only read them.
kayaker 71
October 18th, 2011
2:35 pm
Bosch,
Rasmussen today…… Bozo 43%/Romney 42%
Cain 45%/Bozo 41%
Soothsayer
October 18th, 2011
2:36 pm
If marijuana was legal to grow and smoke, the price would go to practically nothing. I think it would be exceedingly difficult to tax it. Of course, that could be remedied by requiring a permit to grow it and paying a tax on the finished product.
Before you ask, I don’t smoke — anything.
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:36 pm
Ben James,
While I agree with your sentiments, I don’t think you can say that there have been zero deaths from pot use.
My daughter did a report on why pot should be legalized in school the other day and she was going to use that little tidbit, but I wouldn’t let her because she couldn’t find a source to show that as fact — I helped her look of course, but we didn’t find anything.
I think there is probably someone who has died from some every little thing — but, again, other than that opening factoid, you are preaching to the choir.
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:37 pm
Had a looooong discussion with my liberal friends at trackside Saturday night.
They’re more rational than OWS
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:37 pm
kayaker,
Those are pretty good numbers for Obama considering the source: Rasmussen, so what’s your point other than your poll is about as credible as you are considering you hate the man so much you can’t even spell out his name?
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
October 18th, 2011
2:37 pm
The Huffington Post, now there’s a fair and balanced publication.
Soothsayer
October 18th, 2011
2:38 pm
“Had a looooong discussion with my liberal friends at trackside Saturday night.”
You’re kidding me, right? You have liberal friends? I can’t believe it!
getalife
October 18th, 2011
2:39 pm
del,
The same stories you read at drudgey are at the HP.
They just spin the titles left and drudgey spins them right.
Matti's Encouragement
October 18th, 2011
2:39 pm
Joe the Plutocrat,
While social prejudices were one “perk” of criminalization, if we FOLLOW THE MONEY, we see much more of the picture. The DuPont petrochemical company and William Randolph Hearst were instrumental in bringing about this prohibition, and — surprise, surprise! — they also profited greatly when consumption of THEIR products skyrocketed as a result of removing hemp-based products from the market.
Tyranny almost always has a profit motive. Lies are but one tool that makes it possible.
getalife
October 18th, 2011
2:40 pm
jm,
Did they laugh at you like we do?
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:40 pm
Soothsayer
Believe it
Soothsayer
October 18th, 2011
2:41 pm
Will wonders never cease!
kayaker 71
October 18th, 2011
2:41 pm
In it’s ever growing wisdom and vision, it was announced today that the DOJ is opening a hot line for illegals to call if they feel they have a discrimination claim……. Persons who are in this country illegally being aided by our DOJ who is supposed to uphold our laws and protect our borders. I have lost all faith in Holder and his stable of clowns who export guns to drug cartels, protect criminals and refuse to prosecute black criminals. Department of Justice?…… what a joke.
Mick
October 18th, 2011
2:43 pm
jm
I have some millionaire friends and they admit that even though they don’t want to pay more taxes, it wouldn’t amount to a ding in their rolls…
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:43 pm
Getalife
No. They said OWS should get out of the park. They’re not doing anything and just going to cost the city a lot of $ to fix the park.
They also had a more reasonable view if bankers and wall st. They’re “southern flavored liberals”. Ie, not loco like you.
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
October 18th, 2011
2:44 pm
kayaker 71,
Obummer is clearly worried and his desperation shows when he disguises a campaign road show as a trip to promote his jobs bill. I guess by not spelling out his name, I’m now considered a hater. BTW…I wonder if whoever stole his equipment truck also got his teleprompter.
Jm
October 18th, 2011
2:45 pm
Mick
Most very rich folks are willing to pay more taxes, as I read it
However, that presumes it is part of deficit reduction and not just more spending, and that taxes go up in everyone to fix the situation
Very different than obama’s plans
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:45 pm
No Del, I consider you a hater because of the ridiculous things you write about the President, most stuff that isn’t even true.
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2011
2:46 pm
The Huffington Post, now there’s a fair and balanced publication.
Yup. And much more so than that FOXY So-Called News channel’s trashy talk.
carlosgvv
October 18th, 2011
2:46 pm
Bosch
Common sense tells us that if people regularly get drunk and drive, those high on pot will do the same. Your comments suggest you could not possibly care less if vehicle deaths increase due to leagilized pot. This says a number of things about you, none of them good.
an
October 18th, 2011
2:47 pm
There are about 100 million potheads in the us., let mobilize and vote Ron Paul 2012.
Don't Forget
October 18th, 2011
2:47 pm
Jay,
Any statistics on cost of enforcement? Size of market/tax revenue projections?
Bosch
October 18th, 2011
2:48 pm
carlos,
False logic. My comments didn’t say anything about what I care or care less about — it was just a statement of fact.
Yes, people who regularly smoke pot and drive do it now, legalizing it will not change that fact.
And next time you might want to stretch before making such a huge leap — wouldn’t want you to pull a hamstring.
Mick
October 18th, 2011
2:49 pm
jm
Actually, you are somewhat correct. The one thing they always want is more wealth, that’s why all that b.s. about sitting on the sidelines is laughable, if there’s a another dollar to be made – they’ll take it…
Adam
October 18th, 2011
2:49 pm
Recon: BTW…I wonder if whoever stole his equipment truck also got his teleprompter.
I wonder that too. I am especially interested to know the story of what happened to the guy when he’s caught. Should be fascinating stuff!
kayaker 71
October 18th, 2011
2:50 pm
Recon,
Meagan Kelly reported today that his teleprompter was stolen. McCain put pretty well today when he stated that the President is using taxpayer funds to campaign on his swing, including North Carolina. Bozo has done nothing but campaign lately. Interesting thing about his 37B dollar plan for teachers, firefighters and policemen….. It’s only funded for one year. Sort of like extended unemployment. Then the states have an unfunded mandate to continue funding with their own nickel. He has never mentioned this in his campaign speeches.
Kamchak
October 18th, 2011
2:50 pm
Common sense tells us that if people regularly get drunk and drive, those high on pot will do the same.
Sure, but pot doesn’t affect motor kills like alcohol does.
Matti's Encouragement
October 18th, 2011
2:50 pm
Soothsayer,
I have right-wing, Repub-voting friends. Some of them are seriously religious, while others are more “stock up on beans and ammo” types. The key to a good relationship there is that I don’t try to flip them. Sometimes (when drinking) they’ll want to “get into it,” but I’m an excellent diffuser. If they don’t hold the differences against me, I won’t hold it against them, which is what sets nice, decent people apart from azzhoes.
Of course I am talking about friendship, NOT intimacy! Heh… That’s a big NOPE, never again. Ever.
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
October 18th, 2011
2:51 pm
Adam,
I think he or she could very well be an “occupier”. Either way they should be water boarded.
Mick
October 18th, 2011
2:53 pm
yaker
What about the infrastructure? Lots of construction workers need the work, which could last years. Please don’t be naive, as if the previous president didn’t do the same thing for his re election, newsflash – every president will do the same….
philosopher
October 18th, 2011
2:53 pm
UH, Oh, another one who needs a toke- just one (or two in his case) and he’d unwind for the first time in his life…bet he’d never go back.
Adam
October 18th, 2011
2:54 pm
Recon: I was thinking more a steep penalty for stealing U.S. government property, not water boarding
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
October 18th, 2011
2:56 pm
Kayacker, astute campaign strategy on the part of Obummer’s handlers. Only fund it for one year to get the teacher and first responder vote in 012 and then dump it on the state’s.
kayaker 71
October 18th, 2011
2:57 pm
Mick,
I’m talking about people hired by state governments to fill state jobs, not private sector types. He specifically stated that this bill is about teachers, firefighters and police officers…. it has nothing to do with construction workers. After a year, the states will be obliged to either pick up the tab for their jobs or terminate their employment.
Recon (2nd.and 3rd.)
October 18th, 2011
2:58 pm
Adam, I stand corrected, you’re correct water boarding isn’t a very steep penalty.
Ron Paul 2012
October 18th, 2011
3:00 pm
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
Tecumseh
Abraham Lincoln
………………………….. liked the peace pipe.
getalife
October 18th, 2011
3:06 pm
jm,
They are being heard like the tea party.
Get over it and stop crying about freedom.
getalife
October 18th, 2011
3:10 pm
Sadly, our cons sound stoned but are not.
The dwell in la la land without any drugs.
Tommy Maddox
October 18th, 2011
3:10 pm
I wonder if Gallup sampled that poll from the OWS crowd?
Give me a break
October 18th, 2011
3:20 pm
What is sad about pot is that politicians don’t even want to talk about it. Yet, over 50% of the population want some discussion on it.
And, we are suppose to be a democratic state.
TaxPayer
October 18th, 2011
3:20 pm
Still no jobs bill from the Republican losers. Cantor continues to call US citizens, including war veterans and teachers and students and the jobless, a mob. Meanwhile, Boehner sits in the corner, a broken whatever. Unable to get his mob of House Republicans to do anything except whine about what Obama is doing rather than doing something themselves. They talk the talk. Not to worry though. I hear the Republicans are hardly at work talking about how to make life more unpleasant for immigrants and gays and those seeking real news, i.e., non-FOX.
getalife
October 18th, 2011
3:21 pm
“David Axelrod: ‘Ask Osama Bin Laden’ If Obama Was Prepared As President”Aol
Smoke that cons.