A new national poll shows that most Americans now believe alcohol is more harmful than marijuana—a big shift from decades of outdated thinking. This growing awareness isn’t just about health facts; it’s about changing social attitudes, legal policy, and how we talk about responsible substance use. In this blog, we explore what the data really means, why alcohol’s risks are coming under new scrutiny, and how cannabis is stepping into a more accepted and informed spotlight.
A Major Shift: What the Poll Found
A recent YouGov poll asked Americans which substance they believe is more harmful to a person’s health: alcohol or cannabis.
The results were loud and clear:
• 58% said alcohol is more harmful than marijuana
• Only 23% said marijuana is more harmful
• 19% weren’t sure
This isn’t a one-off opinion—it’s a reflection of growing scientific knowledge and lived experience. Americans are looking at how these substances affect the body, the mind, and society as a whole—and cannabis is coming out ahead as the safer choice.
The Surprising Twist: Preference vs. Perception
While most Americans believe alcohol is worse for your health, the poll also found something interesting:
• 27% of adults still prefer drinking alcohol
• Only 13% said they prefer using cannabis
So, even though cannabis is viewed as safer, many still turn to alcohol first. Why?
There are a few reasons:
• Social norms: Alcohol has been legal and widely accepted for decades.
• Cultural traditions: Drinking is built into many social events and family gatherings.
• Accessibility: Alcohol is easy to buy in most states, while cannabis is still heavily regulated.
• Stigma: Despite legalization, cannabis still carries unfair baggage from years of prohibition-era messaging.
At High Science, we believe these numbers will continue to shift as education and access grow—and as people feel more comfortable using cannabis for wellness, relaxation, or even in social settings where alcohol used to dominate.
How Do People View Cannabis Across Political Lines?
One of the most promising findings from the YouGov poll is how widespread the agreement is across political groups.
• 64% of Democrats believe alcohol is more harmful
• 59% of Independents agree
• Even 52% of Republicans said alcohol is worse
This shows that cannabis is no longer a “partisan” issue. The shift in perception is happening nationwide—cutting across political ideologies, age groups, and backgrounds.
This also points to strong bipartisan potential for cannabis reform, both at the state and federal level. When most people from both sides of the aisle agree on something, change becomes possible.
Backed by Science: What We Know About the Health Risks
Let’s take a look at the science behind these beliefs:
Alcohol
• Addictive and linked to serious health problems, including liver disease, cancer, heart issues, and brain damage.
• Impairs decision-making, slows reaction time, and increases risk of accidents and violence.
• Long-term use can lead to serious dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Cannabis
• Not physically addictive in the same way as alcohol or opioids.
• Overdosing on THC is not fatal, though high doses can cause discomfort or anxiety.
• Some potential risks with heavy use (especially in teens or young adults), but many studies show therapeutic value in pain relief, anxiety, sleep, PTSD, epilepsy, and more.
Plus, cannabis is now being used as an exit drug—helping people reduce or stop their use of alcohol, opioids, and even tobacco.
What the Future Holds: From Perception to Policy
Public opinion is powerful. As more Americans view cannabis as safer than alcohol, it opens the door for:
• Federal legalization and de-scheduling of cannabis
• Expungement of non-violent cannabis convictions
• More cannabis education in schools, workplaces, and healthcare
• Better access to medical and adult-use cannabis in legal markets
The tide is turning. But for progress to continue, we need honest, science-backed conversations about responsible cannabis use—without the fear tactics, shame, or outdated “stoner” stereotypes of the past.
For more on topics like these, check this link out THE FUTURE OF PAIN RELIEF: HOW CANNABIS COMPOUNDS OFFER A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO OPIOIDS
