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58% Of Americans Support Legalizing Marijuana
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 22, 2013
Modified Oct 22, 2013
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 22, 2013
Modified Oct 22, 2013
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Two states have legalized marijuana, the NYPD has begun to dial back the rate of cannabis arrests, and samples of the psychotropic substance are being handed out in public like coupons for gym memberships. Today Gallup released a poll showing that 58% of Americans support legalizing marijuana. When Gallup first asked the question in 1969, only 12% favored its legalization, which makes sense given marijuana's relative obscurity in the 1960s.
"The movement to legalize marijuana mirrors the relatively recent success of the movement to legalize gay marriage, which voters have also approved now in 14 states," Gallup's statement notes.
Rob Kampia, the executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a statement that "Most Americans realize it is unjust, wasteful, and counterproductive to invest in the criminalization of adults for using a substance that is far less harmful than alcohol."
The U.S. spends more than $51 billion each year to wage the War on Drugs; 749,825 people were arrested last year for a marijuana violation, 88% of them for mere possession.
California's Lieutenant Governor is spearheading an initiative to legalize pot in his state next year, a move that is estimated to reap $1.4 billion in annual revenue.
Tagged
cannabis
marijuana
war on drugs
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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