Cannabis use among young Americans doubled in two decades

This large-scale analysis of over 1 million Americans tracked how cannabis use patterns changed between 2002 and 2019 using nationally representative data. The most striking finding was that frequent cannabis use (100+ days per year) nearly doubled, rising from 4.0% to 7.8% of the population over this 17-year period. Young adults aged 18-25 emerged as the primary drivers of this increase, followed by a particularly sharp rise in female users—though males still represent the majority of frequent users.

The research identified several key demographic and behavioral predictors of frequent cannabis use. Young adults (18-25 years old) were nearly twice as likely to use cannabis frequently, while males were almost twice as likely as females. The study also found that frequent cannabis use was more prevalent among Black, Native American, and mixed-race individuals, those without college degrees, and those with lower family incomes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, frequent cigarette smoking and alcohol use were strong predictors, with frequent smokers being nearly 4 times more likely and frequent drinkers being 2.5 times more likely to use cannabis frequently.

These findings suggest that frequent cannabis use in the U.S. is increasingly concentrated among specific demographic groups and is often part of a broader pattern of substance use. The authors recommend population-level public health strategies to address the rising prevalence and potential health consequences of frequent recreational cannabis use, particularly among young adults who appear most vulnerable to escalating consumption patterns.