For the first time, a majority of Americans (58 percent) support the legalization of marijuana, according to the latest Gallup poll published on Tuesday.
The results reflect current policy changes. Both Washington state and Colorado have legalized the drug over the last two months, Gallup reported. Policy changes may have also spurred greater tolerance. Acceptance levels increased 10 percent since last November when the drug was legalized in Colorado.
"Legal momentum shows no sign of abating," according to Gallup, evidenced by the recent statements of California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who asked marijuana be legitimazed in his state. A statewide proposal to support Newsom's ideas should be completed by 2014, according to Gallup.
The Federal government, which has long maintained a party line against marijuana legalization, will do nothing to slow momentum. Deputy Attorney General James Cole announced in late August that the Justice Department would not challenge the rulings in Colorado or Washington.
Colorado continues to lead the way. Almost a year after achieving legalization, Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Non-medical weed projects to hit Rocky Mountain stories in January of 2014, according to The Huffington Post.
Americans have slowly changed their attitudes to marijuana over the years. In 1969, just 12 percent believed in legalization. Last year, support was split 50-50. 2013 represents the first year of a "clear majority," according to Gallup polling.
More widespread use could be another reason for shifting perceptions, the polling system points out. Thirty eight percent of Americans admitted this year to having tried marijuana at least once.
Senior citizens make up the only demographic that does not support marijuana, according to the Gallup poll.
