New federal data shows near-daily cannabis use now exceeds daily drinking, reshaping America’s relationship with drugs — and raising public health alarms.
More Americans are now reporting daily or near-daily use of marijuana than those who drink alcohol at similar levels, marking the first time in about three decades that the everyday use of marijuana has surpassed that of alcohol, according to a new analysis released Wednesday.
The research, which was published in the journal Addiction and authored by Carnegie Mellon University drug policy researcher Jonathan Caulkins, analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health which had over 1.6 million participants across nearly 30 surveys from 1979 to 2022. Although alcohol consumption is still more widespread, the analysis found that 2022 was the first time people reported using more cannabis daily or near daily than alcohol.
Each year, nearly 2.8 million people in the United States suffer from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes severe vomiting and stomach pain.
In 2022, about 17.7 million people reported using marijuana daily or near daily compared to the 14.7 million who reported drinking daily or near daily, according to the analysis. In 1992 — when marijuana use reached its lowest point — less than 1 million people said they used the drug every day while 8.9 million reported drinking alcohol daily.
As more states legalize marijuana, use has become more normalized and products have become more potent. But fewer of those who are addicted seek help for it.
Pot use among young adults reached historic levels in recent years, according to a federally supported survey. Daily use even outpaced daily drinking, with nearly 18 million Americans reporting in 2022 that they use marijuana every day or nearly every day, up from less than 1 million three decades earlier.
Studies show a corresponding increase in cannabis use disorder — when people crave marijuana and spend lots of time using it even though it causes problems at home, school, work or in relationships. It’s a condition that researchers estimate affects about 3 in 10 pot users and can be mild, moderate or severe.
And it’s an addiction — despite the common misconception that that’s not possible with marijuana, said Dr. Smita Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University.
Each year, nearly 2.8 million people in the United States suffer from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes severe vomiting and stomach pain. More people have also ended up in hospitals with marijuana-linked paranoia and chronic psychotic disorders.
Bystanders have also been hurt, including by people driving under the influence of pot.
The biggest concern is excessive use. At least one in 10 people who use marijuana develops an addiction, a similar share as with alcohol. Even some who do not develop an addiction can still use it too much. People who are frequently stoned can struggle to hold a job or take care of their families.
