Nearly Half Of Australians Support Cannabis Legalization
Nearly half of Australian adults now support modernizing the nation’s policies to permit adult-use cannabis activity, according to a recent poll conducted by Roy Morgan. The poll found that support for recreational cannabis legalization in Australia has increased by 15% over the last ten years.
“Opposition has fallen to 41%, also down 15 points since 2015 (from 56% and 49% in 2019), while 11% remain undecided. The latest figures reflect a decisive shift in national sentiment towards legalisation.” the pollsters stated.
“Over 69,000 Australians were asked: “In your opinion should the smoking of marijuana be made legal – or remain illegal?” from April 2024 to March 2025.” Roy Morgan also wrote on its website regarding their poll.
Similar to polls conducted in other regions, younger adults were more likely to express support for legalization. Fifty-four percent of Australians aged 18-24 indicated that they support such a policy change, and 58% of Australians aged 25-34 support legalization. For the 25-34 year old category, support has increased by 24% compared to a decade ago.
Only 36% of polled Australians aged 65 and over support legalization. However, that is an increase compared to 2019, when 33% in the age category expressed support. Forty-eight percent of polled Australians aged 50-64 support legalization, which is a 19% increase since 2019.
“Analysis shows support for the legalisation of marijuana now varies clearly by region, with both Australian territories in favour. The N.T leads with 57% in favour (35% opposed), closely followed by the ACT (which decriminalised personal possession and cultivation on 31 January 2020) at 56% in favour (36% opposed).” Roy Morgan stated. “Tasmania shows strong backing at 52% (36% opposed), and Queensland records majority support at 51% (39% opposed). It’s worth noting that these are the only two states where the regional population is larger than the urban population.”
“Australia’s debate on marijuana legalisation continues to evolve. With nearly half of Australians now in favour, the national mood has shifted significantly over the past decade. While younger adults lead the charge for change, notable opposition remains, especially among older and teenage groups. International trends (including further US state legalisations) and local policy discussions, such as the ACT’s earlier reforms, continue to influence public attitudes. These results highlight how attitudes are diversifying across age cohorts as Australia considers its next steps.” Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said.
In New South Wales (NSW), a recent parliamentary report recommended that the government decriminalize cannabis possession and use by adults. The report has yielded calls by lawmakers in NSW to enact the policy change.
“NSW government members have suggested cannabis reform is inevitable in the state after a parliamentary inquiry found the current regime is discriminatory because people with means can obtain medicinal cannabis legally while others are criminalised.” The Guardian reported in its original coverage.
“The NSW upper house inquiry released its landmark report into the effectiveness of cannabis regulation last week. The recommendations to decriminalise and consider legalisation were backed by six of the seven committee members – including Labor, Liberal and crossbench legislative council members. One Liberal member voted against the recommendations.” the outlet also reported.
A recent analysis by Research and Markets found that “the Australia legal cannabis market was valued at USD 126.32 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 420.33 million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 22.16%.”
