Roy Morgan Drops Article 420—and It's All About Weed Legalisation
“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.”
Support for legalising marijuana in Australia has reached 48%, according to new data released by Roy Morgan—coincidentally published as Article No. 420.
The latest figures come from a nationally representative sample of 69,305 Australians aged 14 and over, surveyed between April 2024 and March 2025. The question posed:
"In your opinion should the smoking of marijuana be made legal – or remain illegal?"
The findings show a major shift in national sentiment:
- 48% of Australians now support legalisation, up from 33% in 2015 and 42% in 2019
- Opposition has fallen to 41%, down from 56% in 2015
- 11% remain undecided
Young Australians Driving the Change
Australians aged 18 to 49 show majority support for legalisation across the board:
- 18–24 years: 54% support (up from 36% in 2015)
- 25–34 years: 58% support (up from 34%)
- 35–49 years: 51% support
- 50–64 years: 48% support (up 19 points over the decade)
Australians aged 65+ remain the most opposed, though support among them has grown slightly—from 33% in 2019 to 36% in 2025.
Gender Split Remains
- 51% of men support legalisation (40% opposed)
- 45% of women support legalisation (42% opposed)
Where Support Is Strongest
Two territories now show clear majority support:
- Northern Territory: 57% support (35% opposed)
- Australian Capital Territory: 56% support (36% opposed)
Among the states:
- Tasmania: 52% support
- Queensland: 51%
- WA, SA, NSW, Victoria: range between 46–49% support
Roy Morgan’s CEO: A Cultural Shift
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said:
“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.”
“International trends [...] and local policy discussions, such as the ACT’s earlier reforms, continue to influence public attitudes.”
And Yes—It’s Really Article 420
In a twist that cannabis-watchers won’t miss, Roy Morgan’s release is officially catalogued as Article No. 420. Sometimes the universe has a sense of timing.
Original source: https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/420-roy-morgan-attitudes-to-marijuana-legalisation
