Fear, Threat, and Resentment: Public Opinion Toward the “Green Rush” in the U.S.

The public has come to view marijuana reform favorably. However, the “green rush” has faced challenges, including stalled referenda and concerns about the effects of legalization. Given the public’s influence in spurring recreational marijuana reform (RML), it is critical to monitor public attitudes. Given this influence, we first examine to what extent does the public support legalization? Second, given fear of crime arguments, how do perceptions of crime/disorder affect support? Third, because marijuana use has historically been linked to minority groups, to what extent does ethnic threat affect support for RML? Fourth, what additional divides, along socio-demographic dimensions, are evident in regulation support? Drawing on a 2024 wave of the Pew Research Center Poll, this study examines public perceptions toward marijuana reform. Results show that while most Americans support legalization, crime-related concerns, ethnic resentment/threat, and key socio-demographic traits are tied to regulatory attitudes. Implications are discussed.