Cannabis revolution. So, guess what’s up? People’s thoughts on cannabis are doing a 180. Some countries like Uruguay, Canada, and Malta have given the green light for recreational use in recent years. Germany just joined the club, making recreational marijuana legal not too long ago. Plus, lots of places like the UK and Australia are cool with cannabis for medical reasons. In the US, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. Nationally, it’s still a no-go, but 38 states and Washington DC have said “okay” to either medical or recreational use.
Everyone’s Feeling the Buzz
The vibe around legalising cannabis is getting pretty popular in the US. Back in the ’90s, only a handful of folks were down for it. Fast forward to now, nearly 7 out of 10 people are all for it.
But wait, there’s more! When folks are asked specifically about using it for medical or just having a good time, almost 9 out of 10 say, “Yeah, why not?”
What’s Driving This Change?
Surprisingly, it’s not just the young crowd or those leaning left politically. Sure, they’re more into it, but support for cannabis is growing across all ages and political beliefs.
Changing Minds on the Danger Scale
Here’s the deal: People’s views on how risky cannabis is have totally shifted. The US National Survey on Drug Use and Health has been checking in on this for ages. Over time, folks have started to think that compared to alcohol or cocaine, cannabis is way safer. This idea has grown a lot since the early 2000s.
Back in ’97, about 1 in 5 people thought smoking pot once or twice a week was no biggie. By 2021, more than half were on board with that idea. Meanwhile, thoughts on other drugs stayed pretty much the same.
The Medicine Game-Changer
You know what really got people on board with cannabis? The medical side of things. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, studies showed that cannabis could help with nausea and boost appetite for folks dealing with HIV or going through cancer treatments. In ’96, California led the charge, letting folks use cannabis for medical reasons under a doctor’s watch.
Media’s Influence?
The news plays a part too. Researchers checked out how The New York Times covered cannabis. Around the late ’90s, they noticed more talk about the medical benefits and less about trafficking and abuse. Some folks think the news might’ve nudged the shift in views or maybe just caught up with what people were already thinking.
Compassion and Healing
The talk around cannabis went from freaking out about it to understanding how it could help sick folks. Most folks who support legalisation say it’s because of the good it can do for people’s health. In a survey, a whopping 86% said medical use was a major reason behind their support for legalisation.
Bottom Line
The world’s attitude toward cannabis is changing big time. People are warming up to it, especially when they see how it helps those who are really in need. It’s been a long journey, but it looks like the green wave isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
