Drug Legalization and Decriminalization Beliefs Among Individuals with and without a History of Substance Use.

This study investigates attitudes toward drug legalization and decriminalization among U.S. adults with and without recent substance use, emphasizing perspectives from persons with lived substance use experience. Surveying 515 participants, the research found that individuals who primarily used opioids or stimulants generally opposed legalization but showed modest support for decriminalization of heroin and cocaine, while those who used cannabis largely supported both medical and recreational cannabis legalization and decriminalization. Attitudes also varied by religious and political affiliation, with religious identification linked to less favorable views on legalization and Democrats more supportive of cannabis policy changes than Republicans. Additionally, participants meeting criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs) tended to be less supportive of legalization and decriminalization of their primary substance compared to those without SUDs. The findings highlight the complexity of drug policy attitudes and suggest that incorporating the views of people with lived substance use experience can inform public health and legislative discussions.