In this episode, Mark and guests explore what the latest research reveals about public attitudes towards cannabis, from support for legalisation to perceptions of its risks and impact on society. Drawing on evidence from NatCen and wider social research, they discuss how views on cannabis have shifted across generations, why younger people are increasingly supportive of change, and what the data tells us about the gap between public opinion and current policy.

Alex Scholes is a Research Director at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), where he leads on the delivery of the British Social Attitudes survey and other large-scale studies exploring social and political change in Britain.

Dr Rebecca Askew is a Reader in Criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University who specialises in drug policy and attitudes towards drugs. She has led major UK and international studies in drug policy, which amplify lived-living experience voices.

Research and publications discussed

• Society Watch 2024: Understanding the new generation of voters British Social Attitudes survey
• Askew R, Ritter A. Why are people with lived and living experience conflicted about the legalisation of drugs?

ATTITUDES explores a range of issues and viewpoints through conversations with expert guests. The opinions expressed during these discussions are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or positions of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).

About the data

This episode draws on findings from the British Social Attitudes survey and other research carried out by NatCen, as well as other independent organisations and academic institutions. References and further reading can be found via the links above.

Acknowledgments

With thanks to our guests, contributors and the team at Capital City College for their support with the recording and editing of this podcast. We’re grateful to everyone who has taken part in NatCen's research over the years. Their experiences and perspectives help us better understand life in Britain today.

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