Cannabis Use Surpasses Drinking in the US for the First Time
A recent study has revealed that the number of Americans who use cannabis daily or near-daily has surpassed those who drink alcohol as frequently. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 17.7 million people in the US use cannabis daily, compared to 14.7 million who drink daily.
The study, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed data collected over four decades and found a 15-fold increase in the per capita rate of daily or near-daily cannabis use between 1992 and 2022. In contrast, the number of people who reported daily or near-daily drinking remained relatively stable during the same period.
Experts attribute the surge in cannabis use to a combination of factors, including the growing acceptance of the drug and the proliferation of legal cannabis products. Dr. Brooke Worster, chief medical officer at EO Care, notes that the stigma surrounding cannabis use has decreased, leading to more people openly admitting to using the drug.
The legal cannabis industry has also expanded significantly in recent years, with 24 states and the District of Columbia allowing recreational use and 38 states permitting medicinal use. Despite this, the federal government has yet to legalize or decriminalize cannabis.
The shift in cannabis use patterns is not without concerns, however. Dr. Worster warns that younger adults and those who use high-potency products are at risk of developing cannabis-use disorder, which can lead to health and social problems. While cannabis-use disorder does not pose the same risks as alcohol or opioid-use disorders, it can still have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
The reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance by the justice department earlier this month marks a significant step towards drug reform in the US. President Joe Biden has expressed support for the move, acknowledging that the country’s failed approach to marijuana has had devastating consequences.
As the legal cannabis landscape continues to evolve, experts emphasize the need for guidance and oversight for high-frequency users to mitigate the risks associated with cannabis use.
