YouGov survey — 2,053 GB adults, March–April 2026

Should drug use be treated as a health or criminal issue?

The largest group — 40% — say both equally, with health and criminal framings almost exactly tied among those who choose one over the other.

Health issue — 25% Criminal issue — 26% Both equally — 40% Neither / don't know — 8%
Health vs criminal: 25% health, 26% criminal, 40% both equally, 8% neither or don't know.
60%
consider making a drug illegal ineffective at preventing use
48%
of those who favour criminalisation still consider it an ineffective deterrent

Source: YouGov. Analysis: Business of Cannabis / Prohibition Partners