Roy Morgan Drops Article 420—and It's All About Weed Legalisation

Marijuana Staff -

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