38% Of Americans Admit Trying Marijuana

The information is the chart above is from a recent Gallup Poll (conducted between July 10th and 14th of this year, of 2,027 nationwide adults -- with a margin of error of 3 points). It represents the number of people, both demographically and overall, who admit they have at least tried smoking marijuana.

It looks like a lot more people are willing to be honest about marijuana these days. Back in 1970, only about 4% of the population would admit they have tried marijuana. Today, that has risen to 38% of the population. I still think today's figures are a bit low.

We must remember that the poll is asking people if they have broken the law, because using marijuana is still illegal in most states -- and is still a prison offense in some. The poll said the answers would be held in confidentiality, but there are always going to be a number of people who don't trust that to be true, and will never admit to having broken the law in any way.

Perhaps they think it will affect their employment, or keep them from getting employment, or tarnish their reputation, or get them into trouble in some other way (especially if they still use the gentle herb). Whatever the reason, I think the number who admit using marijuana is lower than the number who have actually tried it. I would put the figure much closer to 50%.

But I'm just guessing. What do you think?