A new study published in AJPM Focus examined more than 2.8 million cannabis-related tweets from across the United States, providing one of the most detailed looks to date at how marijuana is being discussed on social media.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that 22.6% of posts carried a positive sentiment toward cannabis, while just over 8% reflected a negative view. The remaining 69% were neutral in tone. Among more than 821,000 unique Twitter/X users studied, about 42% were identified as potential cannabis users, with young adults aged 25–34 making up the largest demographic group.
The most common topic in positive tweets focused on marijuana’s medical value, including its role in pain relief and support during chemotherapy. In contrast, the primary concern expressed in negative posts was difficulty quitting, followed by complaints about the smell and worries about side effects.
Although the study compared sentiment across states with different cannabis laws, researchers found no statistically significant differences between states that allow recreational or medical use and those that do not. Georgia led the nation in positive sentiment, with more than 31% of posts carrying a favorable tone, while Wyoming recorded the lowest at just over 13%.
The research also identified clear peaks in online discussion, particularly on April 20, 2022 — the unofficial cannabis holiday — and October 6, 2022, when President Biden announced federal pardons for certain marijuana possession convictions.
The authors conclude that Twitter/X remains a valuable tool for monitoring how Americans view marijuana, with insights that could help guide future health messaging and policy decisions.
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