For marijuana advocates, the last 12 months have been a period of unprecedented success as Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize recreational use of marijuana. And now for the first time, a clear majority of Americans (58%) say the drug should be legalized. This is in sharp […] Read more »
In U.S., 38% Have Tried Marijuana, Little Changed Since ’80s
Even as Americans’ support for legalizing marijuana has doubled, and more than 20 states have loosened marijuana restrictions in various ways, Gallup finds relatively little increase throughout the past three decades in the percentage of U.S. adults who say they have tried marijuana. Thirty-eight percent of Americans admit to having […] Read more »
Libertarianism is in vogue — again
Looking for the hot new(ish) thing in American politics? Try libertarianism. Yes, that long-dismissed political philosophy that eschews government intervention in favor of individual liberty is again coming into vogue — particularly among young voters. Two issues highlight the growing libertarian strain in the country. [cont.] Chris Cillizza, Washington Post Read more »
Blacks Are Singled Out for Marijuana Arrests, Federal Data Suggests
Black Americans were nearly four times as likely than whites to be arrested on charges of marijuana possession in 2010, even though the two groups used the drug at similar rates, according to new federal data. … During the same period, public attitudes toward marijuana softened and a number of […] Read more »
Video: The Politics of Marijuana Legalization
On May 29th, Governance Studies at Brookings and the Washington Office on Latin America hosted a public forum to discuss changing attitudes towards marijuana legalization. Read more »
The New Politics of Marijuana Legalization: Why Opinion is Changing
In less than a decade, public opinion has shifted dramatically toward support for the legalization of marijuana: A recent national survey showed a narrow national majority in favor of legalization, and its supporters translated this sentiment into ballot initiative victories in Colorado and Washington State in 2012, report E.J. Dionne, […] Read more »