Cannabis is becoming increasingly normalized throughout the U.S. as more people learn about the many product options, and even try some for themselves. This shifting perception reflected itself in a survey conducted by the Real Estate company Redfin. It showed that most Americans would prefer to live in states where cannabis is legal, rather than states which continue to criminalize its use. 

This data could be an important point for cannabis advocates, as it demonstrates yet another tangible way cannabis legalization can promote economic growth at the state level. 

Methodology 

The survey gathered data from 1,023 U.S. residents who had moved within 18 months of August 2021. In addition to questions about cannabis, the research team inquired about several other issues. These included the importance of political views, abortion, and other topics as they relate to the resident’s willingness to live in an area. 

The published results showed a clear preference for legalized states. 46 percent of residents who recently moved to a metro area preferred living where cannabis is “fully legal”. This contrasted the 22 percent who would rather live in an area that banned cannabis entirely.

The remaining 32 percent did not consider cannabis a factor when it came to their living situation. This meant that nearly half of all respondents felt cannabis was a major issue. Enough of an issue to at least include it in their decision-making process. 

However, despite many people preferring cannabis states. Redfin acknowledged that the determining factor isn’t cannabis. In general, respondents felt much more strongly about other aspects related to location.

In a company press release, Redfin Deputy Chief Economist Taylor Marr said that, “the truth of the matter is that other factors including housing affordability and access to jobs and schools take priority,”

Takeaways 

This survey reinforces prior research that also suggests cannabis programs add value to nearby real estate markets. A recent report from Clever Real Estate found that homes increased by thousands of dollars in states that legalized cannabis. 

According to that study, “Between April 2017 and April 2021, property values rose $17,113 more in states where recreational marijuana is legal, compared to states where marijuana is illegal or limited to medicinal use.”

In short, people prefer cannabis-friendly states, and states that have become friendlier to cannabis have a coinciding increasing home value.. 

Data like this is compelling, and offers direct incentive for other parts of the country to adopt similar programs. The number of legal states grows with every passing year. And in fact, 2021 saw a record number of bills related to legalization. Some of which even came from conservative states.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic related news.