New Poll: 74% of Americans Think Alcohol is More Harmful Than Weed
A new nationwide survey has found that a significant majority of Americans believe alcohol poses greater health risks than marijuana, highlighting an evolving public perception about these substances.
According to the poll, approximately 74% of respondents indicated that alcohol is “more harmful” to a person’s health than cannabis. Only 13% viewed marijuana as the more dangerous substance, while the remaining participants either saw both as equally harmful or had no opinion on the matter.
The survey revealed interesting demographic patterns. While majorities across all political affiliations agreed that alcohol is more harmful, Democrats were most likely to hold this view (81%), followed by independents (75%), and Republicans (67%).
Age also played a factor in responses. Younger Americans aged 18-34 were most likely to view alcohol as more harmful (78%), but even among those 65 and older, 69% shared this perspective.
These findings come amid continuing shifts in marijuana policy across the United States. Currently, 24 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational cannabis use for adults, while 38 states permit medical marijuana programs.
The poll also explored attitudes toward federal marijuana law reform. A strong majority (69%) of respondents expressed support for federal legalization of marijuana, with only 23% opposing such a change. Support was highest among Democrats (79%) and independents (71%), though a majority of Republicans (56%) also favored legalization.
When asked specifically about the SAFER Banking Act—legislation that would protect financial institutions working with state-legal marijuana businesses—76% of respondents expressed support, with only 13% opposed.
Public health professionals note that these findings reflect a significant shift in public perception. While research continues on the health impacts of both substances, many health experts acknowledge that alcohol is associated with numerous serious health conditions, including liver disease, certain cancers, and involvement in fatal accidents.
The nationwide poll was conducted among 1,000 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.
