Many are using it over alcohol.
Recent research suggests a significant shift in American substance consumption habits, with marijuana increasingly favored over alcohol for daily use. Jonathan Caulkins, a cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, highlights this trend, noting that as of 2022, marijuana has become the preferred choice among individuals who report daily substance use. While alcohol remains more widely consumed on an occasional basis, approximately 40% of current cannabis users engage in daily or near-daily consumption, a pattern more akin to tobacco usage than typical alcohol habits.
The findings, based on an analysis of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, reveal a notable increase in daily marijuana use among Americans over the past few decades. Between 1992 and 2022, the prevalence of daily or near-daily marijuana consumption surged fifteen-fold, reflecting changing societal attitudes and legislative reforms surrounding cannabis.
Despite marijuana’s growing popularity for daily use, alcohol still maintains a lead in terms of overall consumption. However, the gap is narrowing, with 17.7 million individuals reporting daily or near-daily marijuana consumption compared to 14.7 million for alcohol in 2022. This shift underscores the changing landscape of substance preferences and usage patterns in the United States.
The rise in daily marijuana use aligns with significant changes in public policy, as many states have relaxed laws regarding marijuana use, although it remains federally prohibited. Recent federal announcements signaling a reconsideration of marijuana’s classification as a less hazardous substance further highlight the evolving nature of drug policy in the country.
However, concerns persist regarding the implications of increased daily marijuana consumption, particularly among adolescents. Dr. David Gorelick, a psychiatry professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, warns of the heightened risk of cannabis-associated psychosis, which can lead to a severe disconnection from reality. Recent research underscores this risk, particularly among teens, with the likelihood of psychosis increasing eleven-fold in those who regularly consume marijuana.
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