A poll has found that half of Americans support decriminalising marijuana, up from a third in 2000.

Unsurprisingly, adults under 30, liberals and Democrat voters are most likely to be promarijuana legalisation, with support being lowest among the over-65s. The poll interviewed 1,005 adults across the US by phone and the results add to the growing pressure on the US government to change the laws surrounding marijuana.

Medically prescribed pot has been legalised in several states, starting with California in 1996. Traditionally used for pain relief and as a relaxant, pro-marijuana lobbyists argue that the medical benefits of legal marijuana far outweigh the consequences of recreational use

Written by Kate Corry, freelance creative

Main Picture Credit: Rex Features

50% of Americans want marijuana legalised