CannabisFacts
Evidence-Based Cannabis Policy

The evidence on cannabis
legalization is clear.

Regulated, legal cannabis markets produce better public health outcomes, generate significant public revenue, and are more effective than prohibition at keeping cannabis away from minors. Here is what the data shows.

24 states have legalized adult-use cannabis, and forty states have legalized medical cannabis. Their experience shows that legalization reduces youth use, protects adult consumers, improves public safety, and generates billions in public revenue — without the harms that opponents predicted. The facts are in. It's time for federal policy to catch up.

24 / 40
adult-use and medical cannabis states — where three in four Americans live
NCSL, 2024 · Pew Research, 2024
−28%
decline in 10th grade youth cannabis use as states have legalized cannabis
MTF Survey, 2024
$25B+
in state tax revenues for schools, parks, and more since 2014
MPP, 2024
70%
of Americans of all political stripes support cannabis legalization
Gallup, 2024
United States Capitol Building — public domain
What the evidence shows

Why Legalize and Regulate Cannabis

Over a decade of data from states that legalized cannabis points in one direction.

Quality assurance lab testing for contaminants — ensuring product safety through tests for mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial taints
Consumer Protection
Regulated cannabis products are lab-tested for pesticides, potency, and contaminants before they reach a consumer — something no unregulated market can guarantee.
Mandatory lab testing, accurate potency labeling, and child-resistant packaging protect consumers. Without regulation, consumers don't know what they're buying.
Explore Consumer Protection →
No Sales to Anyone Under 21 sign at a licensed retail store — valid photo ID required for purchase
Public Safety
Teen cannabis use has reached a 30-year low as legal states replaced dealers with licensed dispensaries that check IDs, but illegal dealers don't.
In state after state, youth use dropped after regulated markets opened. Licensed dispensaries face license revocation for sales to minors. Illegal dealers don't card anyone.
Explore Public Safety →
Your Tax Dollars at Work sign in front of Westwood High School — new gymnasium and classroom addition funded by local taxes
Economic Impact
Legal cannabis has generated more than $24.7 billion in state tax revenue since 2014 — funding schools, parks, and public services.
Colorado directs cannabis revenue to public school construction. Illinois funds community reinvestment. Arizona supports community colleges. The legal industry employs 425,000 Americans.
Explore Economic Impact →
United States Department of Health & Human Services, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Washington D.C.
Medical Use
In 2023, the federal government found that cannabis has accepted medical use and low abuse potential.
After a full scientific review under the Controlled Substances Act, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
Explore Medical Use →
Setting the record straight

Myths spread quickly, but the facts are clear.

Cannabis prohibition has generated decades of misinformation. Explore the most persistent myths — from gateway drug claims to youth access and crime — with citations from federal health agencies and peer-reviewed research.

Explore Myths & Facts →
✕ Myth

"Cannabis is a gateway drug that leads to harder substance use."

✓ Fact

The CDC and DEA have both debunked the gateway theory. Federal health agencies twice found cannabis is not a precursor to other controlled substances.

✕ Myth

"Legalization leads to more teenagers using cannabis."

✓ Fact

In Washington State, youth cannabis use fell significantly between 2008 and 2021. Nationally, 10th-grade use dropped 28% in 2021 despite more states legalizing.

✕ Myth

"Legal cannabis only helps the illicit market grow."

✓ Fact

Legal states have collected over $25 billion in combined tax revenue since 2014 — funds directed to education, treatment, and public infrastructure.

Public Opinion

Where Americans stand

Support for cannabis legalization has reached historic highs — now a majority position across party lines, age groups, and regions. Public opinion reflects, and closely tracks, the growing evidence base. See the full public survey data →

Support for Cannabis Legalization by Age Group — Gallup, 2024
All Americans70%
Ages 18–3472%
Ages 35–5468%
Ages 55+57%
Gallup 2024 Annual Poll: "Do you think the use of marijuana should be made legal?"
Expert Voices

Researchers, Physicians, and Policy Leaders on Cannabis

For journalists covering cannabis and related issues, we offer a curated roster of experts — including physicians, researchers, law enforcement leaders, attorneys, and policy analysts.