New Survey Shows Many Americans Concerned About Unsafe Cannabis, Driving Some to Grow at Home

Poll Findings Include Rising Support of Legal Home Cannabis Cultivation, Potentially More Consumption Under Trump Administration

As the U.S. navigates a post-election year, a new national survey reveals shifting social views of cannabis, including rising safety concerns about regulated products, increasing support of growing cannabis at home as well as Americans’ desire to consume more cannabis to cope with the new presidential administration.

The 2025 survey of Americans 21 and older, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Royal Queen Seeds (RQS), one of the world's largest cannabis seed banks, found that 54% of Americans believe most store-bought cannabis contains pesticides. Similarly, among cannabis consumers, 62% say they are concerned about not knowing exactly what is in the cannabis products they consume.

With increasing news coverage of contaminated cannabis, product recalls and inconsistent testing in states such as California, Michigan and New Jersey, it is influencing consumer behavior. Nearly one in three cannabis consumers who have seen cannabis-related news (32%) say it made them more likely to want to grow cannabis at home instead of buying it.

"We’re seeing a groundswell of support for home cultivation across demographics, driven not just by cost, but by trust," said Shai Ramsahai, President of Royal Queen Seeds. "People want to know what they’re putting in their bodies. For many, growing cannabis is about wellness, empowerment and transparency. Royal Queen Seeds is proud to support them on that journey with best-in-class genetics, F1 hybrids and educational resources."

The poll also asked Americans about their personal cannabis use; half of cannabis consumers (50%) say the new presidential administration will lead them to consume more cannabis than they did before, including 59% of young female cannabis consumers (ages 21–34).

The Case for Home Grow

With news headlines like “Even where weed is legal, product safety isn't guaranteed,” it is no surprise that the survey shows growing support among Americans for home cannabis cultivation, with 64% agreeing that all Americans should have the right to legally grow cannabis at home—up from 59% in 2024. The poll shows increased interest in growing at home among cannabis consumers, even as fears of legal risks remain:

• 15% currently grow at home, up from 11% in 2024
• 76% agree that growing cannabis at home would save money compared to buying from dispensaries
• 58% agree that they are concerned about the potential legal risks of growing cannabis at home, even where it is legal
• 62% would rather grow their own cannabis than buy it
• Nearly half who have successfully grown at home say they do so because it’s fun (46%) and they enjoy growing other plants (46%), while 40% say it’s cheaper than buying at the store and 38% say it feels safer consuming home-grown flower than store-bought
• 41% who have successfully grown at home also say they enjoy growing other plants: 28% also grow their own food

Survey Method

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Royal Queen Seeds from March 13-17, 2025, among 2,011 adults ages 21 and older; 782 self-identified as cannabis consumers (i.e., ever consume cannabis). The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact royalqueenseeds@mygrasslands.com.

About Royal Queen Seeds

Established in 2007, Royal Queen Seeds (RQS) is a market leader at the forefront of the global cannabis genetics industry. Driven by an inherent passion for the plant, RQS meticulously tests each seed for germination, vigor, yield and both recreational and medical efficacy. The company is also a respected cannabis educator that offers comprehensive grow guides, resources and instruction for cultivators. It has developed an extensive range of modern genetics—including autoflowering and proprietary F1 hybrids—that cater to the varied needs of contemporary growers at every skill level, from hobbyists to professionals. Multiple Cannabis Cup victories and prestigious "Best Seed Bank'' awards speak to the company’s outstanding breeding and innovation. RQS now operates online in the U.S., Thailand and 29 countries across Europe. Headquartered in Barcelona, brick-and-mortar locations can be found in Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Durban and New York. Learn more at royalqueenseeds.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250410575085/en/

"People want to know what they’re putting in their bodies. For many, growing cannabis is about wellness, empowerment and transparency."