New today, a marijuana milestone has been reached in the United States. A recent study has revealed that the number of Americans who report using marijuana daily or near daily has now exceeded the number of daily drinkers. The study provides a comprehensive comparison of daily alcohol and marijuana use trends over the years.
Historically, in the 1990s, the number of individuals using alcohol daily was significantly higher than those using marijuana daily. However, as time progressed, a noticeable shift occurred. By the year 2020, the number of daily marijuana users had surged past daily alcohol consumers. In 2020, the study indicated that fewer than 18 million people reported using cannabis daily, while fewer than 15 million reported consuming alcohol daily.
While casual alcohol consumption remains more prevalent overall, the study highlights a growing trend of high-frequency marijuana use. The data shows that individuals who use marijuana daily do so more frequently than those who consume alcohol daily. The median person reported using marijuana 15 to 16 days a month, compared to alcohol drinkers who reported drinking on average four to five days within a month.
This shift in consumption patterns reflects evolving societal attitudes towards marijuana and alcohol. As cultural norms and policies change, behaviors around substance use are adapting accordingly. The study underscores a significant cultural transformation in real-time, indicating a growing acceptance and prevalence of marijuana use in comparison to alcohol.
The findings suggest a paradigm shift in substance use habits, with marijuana increasingly becoming a more commonly used substance on a daily basis. This shift may also indicate a greater comfort level among individuals in reporting their marijuana use, potentially leading to more accurate data on consumption patterns.
