NIMBY stands for “Not in My Back Yard”, and when discussing cannabis, Republicans and Democrats could not be more diametrically opposed on living in certain area with or without legal weed.
The recently released report from Redfin, a technology-enabled real estate brokerage, is circulating in the marijuana industry. It revealed a noticeable difference between individuals living in U.S. households that favoured Joe Biden versus Donald Trump. The major difference pertains to individual preference when it comes to residing in areas where recreational cannabis is legal.
According to the survey done by Qualtrics in February 2024, 46.8% of individuals who will cast their votes for Joe Biden in the forthcoming presidential election said they want to reside in places where recreational marijuana is allowed. Another recent Harris Poll showed nearly 60% of American voters now believe you should be able to grow your own cannabis at home. On the other hand, 12.4% of those who wanted to vote for Donald Trump chose the same option.
The survey, which involved up to 2,995 U.S. homeowners and renters, shared a complex standpoint. 36% of those surveyed responded that they are generally interested in residing in a place where cannabis is legalized for recreational purposes. On the other hand, about one-third of the respondents, 32.3%, rejected such states, and 41.3% showed no preference.
The findings signal the exciting new phase of marijuana legalization in the United States. Right now, it is legal to consume marijuana recreationally in 24 states and D.C., while a few other states are contemplating legalizing it as well. This evolving legal environment impacts Americans’ attitudes towards housing through their political approach.
The inquiry reveals that politics, public attitudes, and real estate are interlinked in many ways. As the debates on cannabis legalization are underway at both state and federal levels, these different dynamics leave many uncertain about how they will impact real estate trends and market dynamics.
College Graduates, High Earners, and Remote Workers Prefer living in Legalized Recreational Cannabis States.
The report from Redfin takes an in-depth look into the impact of recreational marijuana on the composition of the population and what types of areas they prefer to live in. Among the individuals earning at least $100,000 per year, more than one-third (35.2%) desired to live in legalized recreational cannabis states, representing a genuine interest in this income bracket.
On the other hand, the percentage decreases to about a quarter (25.9%) for those who earn between $50,000 and $100,000. It drops even further to approximately one-quarter (23.2%) for the group who earn less than $50,000.
Also, the research results illustrate a connection between the educational level and the recreational marijuana use acceptance. Participants who had college degrees and who held greater earning power overwhelmingly favored passing these bills.
Those with a college degree or higher (35.6% of their category) showed the highest preferences about residing where marijuana is allowed for recreational use. Meanwhile, only 17.7% and 20.3% of those holding and not holding their high school diploma showed similar desires.
Similarly, the survey also discovers a relationship between remote work and residents’ choice to live in areas where marijuana is legal. According to that sentiment, those who prefer to work remotely were significantly more likely (36%) to express such a concern than those who did not (20.2%).
Additionally, the report mentions that about 26% of renters, as well as homeowners, simply showed a desire to live where recreational marijuana is legally authorized.
It can be inferred from this research that the complex combinations of different factors, including income, education, and type of work, affect the attitudes towards recreational cannabis legalization. While debate and legislation regarding marijuana will see more twists and turns, these demographic subtleties are highly insightful for lawmakers and real estate authorities.
Gen Z and LGBTQ+ individuals Prefer To Reside in Areas Where Recreational Marijuana is Legal.
Using the information from Redfin, we can understand how the perspectives of different generations and the LGBTQ+ residents of the states have changed upon the legalization of recreational marijuana. Interestingly, the Gen Zers were the most eager group of all the other age groups, with 32.1% wishing to relocate there. Next in line are the millennials at 31.8%, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers at 26.1% and 21.4% of the population, respectively.
Interestingly, the study suggests a notable divergence between the tastes of the participants with the self-established LGBTQ+ orientation and those who did not. The data from our survey showed that the majority of LGBTQ+ people expressed their yearning for states where recreational weed is allowed and legal (54.6%).
Among the respondents, Gen Zers comprised the most significant demographic. On the contrary, only 23.2% of all non-LGBTQ individuals concurred with this statement compared to more than half (52.5%) of the non-heterosexual people.
Such results illustrate how complex it is to perceive public opinion regarding cannabis legalization. Gen Z’s attitude towards living in regions where marijuana is legal illustrates evolving norms and generational change is taking place. Furthermore, the markedly overwhelming choice by LGBTQ+ people for marijuana reform indicates a nexus between a progressive social outlook and the support of the cannabis amendment.
Conclusion
The data from Redfin outlined an association between ideological choices, socioeconomic factors, generationalism, and sentiments concerning being resident in areas where recreational marijuana is allowed. The radicalism between Biden and Trump enthusiasts shows the political face of this issue, with Biden fans displaying a significant preference for such locations.
Moreover, the data shows us not only one factor that links to higher/lower poverty rates but also separates income brackets, educational attainment levels, and work arrangements. High-income professionals, college graduates, and remote workers are more likely than others to make homes in regions where marijuana is legal. The tendency of these areas to reflect socioeconomic status and lifestyle choices within the community can cause it.
Furthermore, generational disparities are evident, with Gen Z emerging as the most enthusiastic cohort in favour of legal weed, followed closely by millennials. Additionally, LGBTQ+ individuals, who primarily belong to younger generations, demonstrate a strong preference for living in areas with legal recreational marijuana, highlighting the intersectionality of demographics and social attitudes.
Ultimately, understanding the multifaceted nature of attitudes towards recreational cannabis legalization is essential for shaping future inclusive and informed policy decisions.
AMERICAN VOTERS ON CANNABIS LEGALIZATION, READ ON…