The Prevalence of Cannabis Over Alcohol: A New Era
Recent analysis reveals a groundbreaking trend in substance consumption: approximately 3 million more individuals engage in daily or near-daily cannabis use than those who consume alcohol at the same frequency. In 2022, an estimated 17.7 million Americans reported daily or near-daily cannabis use, compared to 14.7 million daily or near-daily alcohol consumers. This marks the first time cannabis has surpassed alcohol in terms of daily use, highlighting a significant cultural shift.
This trend is not entirely unexpected. Numerous studies indicate that states with legalized recreational cannabis often experience declines in alcohol consumption. Additionally, Generation Z shows a marked preference for cannabis over alcohol. States like Colorado and Washington have reported that cannabis consistently generates more tax revenue than alcohol and cigarettes, reinforcing the substance’s growing acceptance and utilization.
A Historical Perspective on Cannabis Use
Cannabis usage in the United States has evolved dramatically over the decades. In 1992, daily cannabis use was at a historic low, with fewer than 1 million people reporting daily consumption. Fast forward to 2022, and the landscape has changed entirely. Jonathan Caulkins, a cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, notes that while alcohol remains more widely used, 40% of current cannabis users consume it daily or near-daily, a pattern more akin to tobacco use.
Caulkins’ study, titled “Changes in self-reported cannabis use in the United States from 1979 to 2022,” utilizes data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The study documents a 15-fold increase in daily cannabis use from 1992 to 2022. In contrast, the 1992 survey showed ten times more daily or near-daily alcohol users compared to cannabis users.
Despite alcohol being the more commonly used substance, the median alcohol consumer reported drinking on four to five days per month, whereas cannabis users reported usage on 15 to 16 days per month. This stark difference underscores the growing prominence of cannabis in daily routines.
The Impact of Policy Changes and Societal Attitudes
The rise in cannabis use is not a coincidence but rather the result of gradual policy changes, advocacy, and broader education about cannabis. The journey of cannabis legalization and acceptance can be divided into four major periods:
1. 1970s Liberalization: Eleven states decriminalized or reduced penalties for cannabis-related offenses. The Shafer Commission’s report during this period countered the notion that cannabis users were dangerous, advocating for social measures to curb usage instead of criminalization.
2. 1980s-1990s Conservative Policies: The Reagan and Bush administrations’ War on Drugs led to stricter enforcement and harsher penalties for cannabis use.
3. 1993-2008 State-led Liberalization: This period saw increasing recognition of medical cannabis, despite conflicting federal policies.
4. 2009-Present Federal Non-interference: Starting with Deputy Attorney General David Ogden’s memo in 2009, the federal government shifted to a policy of non-interference with state laws on medical cannabis use. This paved the way for states like Colorado and Washington to legalize adult-use cannabis.
These policy changes reflect a broader societal shift in attitudes towards cannabis. Many Americans now view cannabis as a safer alternative to alcohol and cigarettes. Research supports this perspective, showing minimal “hangover” effects and no evidence of next-day impairment from THC consumption, contrasting sharply with the effects of alcohol.
Weighing the Impacts of Daily Cannabis Use
For many, the rise in daily cannabis use aligns with changing attitudes about its safety and benefits. Cannabis is often considered a safer alternative to alcohol, lacking the severe hangover effects and offering various wellness benefits. Chronic cannabis users frequently report fewer obstacles in daily functioning compared to regular alcohol consumers.
However, regular cannabis use is not without its drawbacks. High-frequency users are more likely to develop an addiction to cannabis. Some studies suggest an increased risk of heart problems among heavy cannabis users, though other research contradicts these findings. There is also ongoing debate about the potential link between high-potency cannabis products and psychosis.
Despite these concerns, the shift towards daily cannabis use is seen by many as a positive development. Cannabis use, particularly for medical purposes, can offer significant benefits, including symptom relief and improved overall wellness.
Research is still needed to fully understand the long-term health impacts of regular cannabis use. The upcoming Schedule III status of cannabis may facilitate more comprehensive studies. In contrast, the health risks of regular alcohol use are well-documented, including brain damage, heart issues, increased stroke risk, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, liver and pancreas damage, and a higher risk of certain cancers.
The Future of Cannabis Consumption
The growing acceptance and daily use of cannabis reflect a broader societal trend towards reevaluating traditional substance consumption. As research continues to shed light on the benefits and risks of cannabis, it is likely that public attitudes and policies will continue to evolve.
Cannabis is increasingly recognized for its potential medical benefits, including pain relief, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep. Many regular users report that cannabis helps them manage various health conditions and enhances their quality of life. This growing body of anecdotal evidence, coupled with scientific research, is shifting the narrative around cannabis use.
The rise of cannabis as a daily or near-daily substance of choice signifies a transformative shift in American society. As more states move towards legalization and more people incorporate cannabis into their daily lives, the landscape of substance use will continue to change. This trend reflects a broader move towards more informed and nuanced perspectives on cannabis, paving the way for a future where cannabis is a mainstream and accepted part of daily life.
