Research shows that, in 40 years, this is the first time this has happened; Marijuana consumption is legal in almost half of American states
For the first time, the number of Americans using marijuana almost every day it exceeded that of those who drink alcohol at this rate, a 40-year change that occurred as recreational marijuana use became more common and legalized in nearly half of U.S. states.
According to an analysis of national survey data, in 2022, 17.7 million people reported using marijuana daily or nearly daily, compared to 14.7 million daily or nearly daily drinkers. In 1992, fewer than 1 million people reported using marijuana nearly every day.
Alcohol is still more widely used, but 2022 was the first time this heavy level of marijuana use exceeded daily and near-daily alcohol use, said study author Jonathan Caulkins, a policy researcher in the United States. cannabis at Carnegie University. “About 40% of current cannabis users use it daily or nearly daily, a pattern that is more closely associated with tobacco use than typical alcohol use,” Caulkins said.
The research, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, was published Wednesday in the journal Dependence. From 1992 to 2022, the per capita rate of daily or near-daily marijuana use increased 15-fold.
Caulkins acknowledged in the study that people may be more willing to embrace marijuana use as public acceptance grows, which could help explain the findings. Most states now allow medical or recreational use of marijuana, although it remains illegal at the federal level.
In November, Florida voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that will allow recreational cannabis, and the federal government is moving to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
Research shows that high-frequency users are more likely to become addicted to marijuana, said David A. Gorelick, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study. The number of daily users suggests more people are at risk of developing cannabis use or addiction problems, Gorelick said. “High-frequency use also increases the risk of developing cannabis-associated psychosis,” a serious condition in which a person loses touch with reality, he said.
- An estimated 17.7 million people reported using marijuana daily or nearly daily in 2021, up from less than 1 million in 1992.
- About 14.7 million consumed alcohol daily or nearly daily in 2021, up from about 9 million in 1992.
- 42% of people who say they have used marijuana in the past month say they do so daily or almost daily.
- 11% of alcohol consumers drink daily or almost daily.
- According to the survey, 62 million Americans, about 20% of the U.S. population aged 12 and older, reported using marijuana at least once in the past year.
- According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis suffer from cannabis use disorder.
- 177 million Americans reported drinking in the past year.
- 29.5 million Americans had an alcohol use disorder in 2021.
- Recreational use of marijuana is legal in 24 US states. / WITH INFORMATION FROM AP
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
