New research has been done on support for marijuana legalization – and it is surprising The numbers are in, and they tell a story America’s been building toward for decades. A new study reveals stance by physicians and the public about cannabis. The MRI-Simmons 2025 National Cannabis Study reveals use, interest, and acceptance are now part of everyday American life. What began as a counterculture experiment has matured into a mainstream market—and a movement reshaping everything from medicine to espresso martinis. Once seen as taboo, cannabis is now embraced by a broad cross-section of the country. Millennials and Gen Z lead the charge, but even boomers are catching up. The study shows a steep climb in the number of Americans who say they’ve tried or regularly use cannabis products, with sharp rises in interest in CBD, microdosing, and low-dose edibles designed for relaxation and wellness.

The shift in attitude coincides with a historic change in federal policy. After more than fifty years as a Schedule I drug—a category reserved for substances with “no accepted medical use”—cannabis is finally on track for rescheduling. Federal agencies under the Biden administration have proposed moving it to Schedule III, recognizing its legitimate medical potential and easing research and tax barriers.  The industry is waiting for the federal government to make a move as the have suggested. The decision is backed by a growing chorus in the medical community. The American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and American Public Health Association all support more research access and medically guided legalization. For the first time, major medical institutions are signaling prohibition is outdated, unscientific, and harmful to patients. Polls now show nearly nine out of ten Americans support legal cannabis in some form. Even in conservative regions, medical use enjoys overwhelming approval. MRI-Simmons data finds public curiosity has evolved into cultural adoption—especially among wellness-oriented consumers who see cannabis as part of a balanced lifestyle rather than a rebellious act. The change is having ripple effects across industries, especially in alcohol. Beer sales have flattened as younger drinkers swap bar nights for low-dose cannabis drinks or CBD-infused mocktails. Wine and spirits are pivoting fast—introducing zero-proof lines and “cannabis-inspired” beverages to stay relevant. The alcohol industry, once a distant observer, is now studying the cannabis consumer closely. As cannabis moves from stigmatized to standardized, the conversation has matured. It’s less about getting high and more about how people choose to relax, recover, and reconnect. The MRI-Simmons 2025 study doesn’t just track consumer data—it captures a cultural turning point. Cannabis is now part of the American mainstream, supported by science, normalized by policy, and embraced by the public. The only question left is how fast the rest of the system will catch up.

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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