Study: Marijuana passes alcohol in daily use

UF Health Podcasts

You finish your workday and start driving home. As you pass through familiar intersections and neighborhoods, perhaps your mind wanders to dinner or what the evening will bring.

A nice, cold beer has often accompanied the start of the evening, for many.

But, according to a new study from Carnegie Mellon University, more Americans aren’t popping a cap but instead, they’re lighting up or vaping when they get home.

In 2022, nearly 18 million people reported daily or near-daily marijuana use. That total was 3 million more than those who reported drinking at the same frequency. Based on four decades of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it was the first time the survey recorded more frequent users of cannabis than alcohol.

The survey found that the median drinker self-reported drinking four to five days out of 30 days. That’s compared to marijuana users, who reported they often smoke marijuana 15 to 16 days each month.

Thirty-eight states have legalized medical marijuana programs, and 24 states have approved recreational cannabis use. And marijuana is no longer the drug of choice for the young. The study found marijuana to have slightly more users over 35 years of age than under 35.

Some experts say that medical cannabis is useful for treating chronic pain and nausea. However, much remains unknown about the potential long-term health ramifications. And there are known health consequences, such as increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cannabis use disorder and cognitive impairment.

Experts urge those who choose to use legal marijuana to go to licensed retailers and to aim for occasional — not daily — use.