Maram Faqqouseh
Pronouns: She/Her
Research Mentor(s): Daniel Kruger, Research Assistant Professor
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Institute for Social Research,
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 2 (11am – 11:50am)
Breakout Room: Room 11
Presenter: 3
Abstract
In the past three decades, more and more states in the United States have legalized or decriminalized the recreational or medicinal use of cannabis. President Biden, who once supported the War on Drugs implemented in the 1970’s, now supports the decriminalization and moderate rescheduling of marijuana. As with many other issues, Americans stand somewhat divided on the issue; however, over the years more and more people have begun supporting the legalization of marijuana. This research seeks to look at the trends in attitudes toward cannabis legalization and inform the audience of where Americans stand on the issue. Literature reviews were conducted that look at the trends in attitudes toward cannabis legalization. A majority of the literature found used surveys, polls, and interviews with a variety of people of different age, race, religion, political affiliation, and education level. From the literature review conducted there has shown to be a general increase in the percentage of Americans who favor the general legalization of marijuana. This support has increased from about 12% in 1969 to about 68% in 2020. There was a plateau in support at 28% in 1977; however, support did not exceed 30% until 2000. Over the past two decades, support has increased rapidly, with the majority of Americans supporting the general legalization of cannabis by 2013. Although support for cannabis legalization continues to increase, it remains illegal at the Federal level and its Schedule I status hinders research on its efficacy for treating health issues.
Authors: Daniel Kruger, Maram Faqqouseh, Amila Karahmet
Research Method: Survey Research
