Poll Finds That Cannabis Consumers Report Higher Consumption to Cope With Trump’s Second Term

Key Takeaways

• Increased Usage: Half of cannabis consumers expect to use more under the current administration.​

• Demographic Insight: 59% of young female consumers (21–34) anticipate increased consumption.​

• Safety Concerns: 54% believe store-bought cannabis contains pesticides; 62% are uncertain about product contents.​

• Home Cultivation: 32% of informed consumers are more inclined to grow cannabis at home.​

• Economic Factors: 76% believe home growing is more cost-effective than purchasing from dispensaries.

As the political landscape shifts with President Donald Trump beginning his second term, a growing number of cannabis consumers say they expect to use more marijuana, primarily as a response to increased stress, economic uncertainty, and concerns over cannabis policy. A new Harris Poll commissioned by Royal Queen Seeds reveals that 50% of cannabis users in the U.S. anticipate an uptick in their usage under the current administration.

The survey, conducted online from March 13 to 17, 2025, included 2,011 adults aged 21 and over, of whom 782 identified as cannabis consumers. One of the most notable findings is that 59% of young women between the ages of 21 and 34 say they plan to increase their consumption.

Economic concerns and lack of trust in commercial cannabis products are two of the main drivers behind this shift. Many respondents indicated they’re increasingly skeptical of store-bought cannabis, with 54% believing it contains pesticides and 62% unsure of what’s actually in the products they’re purchasing. These safety worries are fueling a movement toward home cultivation.

“We’re seeing a groundswell of support for home cultivation across demographics, driven not just by cost, but by trust,” said Shai Ramsahai, president of Royal Queen Seeds, in a press release. “People want to know what they’re putting in their bodies. For many, growing cannabis is about wellness, empowerment and transparency.”

According to the poll, 15% of cannabis users already grow their own plants—a four-point increase from 2024. Furthermore, 76% believe cultivating at home would be more cost-effective than buying from dispensaries. While 62% said they would prefer to grow their own cannabis than buy it, 58% expressed concern about the potential legal consequences, even in states where it’s technically allowed.

The survey’s margin of error is ±2.5 percentage points.

Interestingly, the results somewhat contrast with a separate survey released last month by cannabis telehealth platform NuggMD, which found that 73% of cannabis users reported “high” or “moderate” trust in licensed dispensaries and their product safety, including concerns about pesticides or mold.

The apparent contradiction may reflect differing experiences across state markets or highlight a divide between more health-conscious consumers and casual users. Regardless, the Royal Queen Seeds poll underscores a broader trend: Americans are increasingly turning to cannabis not only for recreation or stress relief but also as a form of self-reliance and control during uncertain political times.

Did you increase your consumption since Mr. Orange is back? Let us know in the comments.