Gallup Poll Reveals 15% of Americans Continue to Smoke Cannabis

Despite shifts in legalization, cannabis use remains steady among Americans, according to recent Gallup findings.

A Gallup poll released on November 1st shows that 15% of Americans still smoke cannabis. This figure aligns closely with the 14% average recorded between 2021 and 2022. Interestingly, this rate remains consistent when compared to the 12% average from 2017 to 2019 and the 7% reported in 2013. It seems cannabis smoking has found a stable place in American lifestyles, neither booming nor dwindling significantly in recent years.

Men are more likely to report cannabis use than women, with 17% of males admitting to smoking compared to 11% of females. Age also plays a role; adults aged 55 and older are the least likely to smoke cannabis at 10%, while middle-aged and young adults show higher rates of 18% and 19%, respectively. These statistics highlight the demographic nuances in cannabis consumption, suggesting targeted approaches might be necessary for future policies and support systems.

Demographic and Regional Insights

Cannabis use varies not just by gender and age but also by education and political affiliation. Adults without a college degree report the highest usage at 17%, whereas college graduates stand at 11%. Politically, Democrats lead with 23% of their members smoking cannabis, more than twice the rate of Republicans at 10%. Independents fall somewhere in the middle at 14%. This disparity underscores the intersection of education, politics, and cannabis use, revealing deeper societal trends.

Regionally, the West tops the list with 19% of its population smoking cannabis, followed by the Midwest and East at 16% each. The South trails behind with an 11% usage rate. These regional differences could be influenced by varying state laws, cultural attitudes, and availability of cannabis products. Understanding these patterns is crucial for businesses and policymakers aiming to address cannabis use effectively.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key demographics:

Demographic	Percentage Who Smoke Cannabis
Men	17%
Women	11%
Adults 55+	10%
Middle-aged Adults	18%
Young Adults	19%
Without College Degree	17%
College Graduates	11%
Democrats	23%
Republicans	10%
Independents	14%

Trends and Public Opinion

While the current smoking rate remains steady, the percentage of Americans who have tried cannabis has seen a slight decline from 49% in 2021-2022 to 47% in 2023-2024. Additionally, support for broad cannabis legalization has dipped slightly from 70% last year to 68% this year. These minor shifts suggest a plateau in both usage and support, raising questions about the future trajectory of cannabis acceptance in the U.S.

Looking back, the experimentation with cannabis surged dramatically in the decades following the initial reform measure in 1969. From 4% in 1969, the rate jumped to 24% by 1977 and further to 33% by 1985. It remained under 40% until 2015, when it climbed to 44%. Although there has been a slight increase since then, it still hasn’t reached the 50% mark. This historical perspective shows that while cannabis use has grown, it continues to evolve rather than explode in popularity.

What This Means Moving Forward

The steady rate of cannabis use indicates that while legalization and social acceptance have normalized its presence, it hasn’t led to a dramatic increase in the number of users. This stability could be a sign of responsible use patterns or a plateau in market expansion. For policymakers, understanding these trends is essential for crafting informed regulations that balance accessibility with public health concerns.

Moreover, the demographic and regional variations highlight the need for tailored approaches in addressing cannabis use. Whether it’s through education, regulation, or support services, recognizing the unique characteristics of different groups can lead to more effective strategies in managing cannabis consumption across the country.