A new report from the reputable Pew Research Center sheds light on American attitudes toward marijuana in 2025, as well as how it’s being used in practice. The results show a continued liberalization in public opinion—while usage patterns are also shifting notably.
According to the survey, 88 percent of American adults believe marijuana should be legal for medical use, and 59 percent support legalization for recreational use. Only 11 percent think cannabis should be completely illegal—a number that has steadily declined over the past two decades.
Support is strong across all age groups under 75, but particularly high among young adults. Among those aged 18–29, 72 percent support full legalization. It is mainly the older population (75+) that remains more restrictive.
While more people say they support legalization than actually use cannabis, usage is widespread. About 24 percent of American adults report having used marijuana in the past year. Eleven percent use it monthly, and 6 percent say they use it daily or almost daily.
Men between 18 and 29 represent the largest group of daily users—14 percent in this group use cannabis every or nearly every day.
Smoking Still Dominates – But New Forms Are Gaining Ground
When it comes to consumption methods, traditional smoking still leads. Of those who used cannabis in the past year, 72 percent reported smoking it. However, alternative forms are growing: 47 percent have consumed edibles, 32 percent have vaped, and 22 percent have used oils, creams, or tinctures.
Despite strong support for legalization, there’s clear ambivalence about marijuana’s effects. According to the report, 52 percent believe regular use is bad for health, while only 15 percent think it’s beneficial. The rest view it as neither good nor bad.
When it comes to addiction, 62 percent believe cannabis can be addictive—but only 30 percent think it leads to “a lot” of addiction.
Pew Research Center’s data confirms that public opinion in the U.S. has dramatically shifted during the 21st century. Support for legalization is now nearly universal, especially among younger generations. At the same time, both usage rates and the variety of consumption methods are on the rise.
Still, concerns around health and addiction keep the issue nuanced. This ensures marijuana will likely remain a political and social topic of debate—even in the face of growing popular support.
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