Rise in Cannabis Consumption Observed as Alcohol and Tobacco Habits Decrease
In the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report, significant shifts in the patterns of substance use and mental health have emerged, particularly with regards to marijuana.
The survey revealed that approximately 25% of U.S. adults aged 12 and older reported current cannabis use, surpassing the usage rates for tobacco products and vaping nicotine, which range from 10-34% [2]. This trend is most prevalent among young adults aged 18 to 25, who also exhibit high levels of heavy alcohol consumption [2].
The increase in marijuana consumption coincides with the expanding legalization and accessibility of cannabis across U.S. states, leading to a growing number of consumers [1]. Conversely, tobacco use has shown a relatively stable or declining trend, partly due to public health campaigns and regulatory measures. Alcohol consumption remains high but exhibits different usage patterns socially and demographically.
The rise in marijuana use raises public health concerns, including potential mental health effects, risk of dependency, impaired driving, and the possibility of a partial substitution of alcohol with cannabis, which may alter patterns of harm and healthcare utilization [1][2]. Additionally, research is focusing on the pharmacological and health outcome differences among older adults who use marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine [3].
Despite rule changes aimed at making it easier to get treatment, the number of people receiving help for opioid problems has decreased, with only 17% receiving help through methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, down from 18% the previous year [4]. The rate of drug-related deaths in the U.S. has dropped, with around 78,000 people dying each year from drug overdoses, compared to over 110,000 deaths in the peak year of 2023 [5]. The number of people struggling with opioids has not gone up or down much in the last year, with around 1.7% of the population still meeting the standard for having an opioid problem [5].
Furthermore, the report shows a positive trend in mental health, with fewer young people between 12 and 17 reporting serious depression or thinking about suicide [4]. Binge drinking has also decreased [4].
It's worth noting that the report's authors acknowledged the impact of recent government health job cuts, with more than 10,000 health workers losing their jobs and another 10,000 taking buyouts and leaving [6].
In conclusion, the rise in marijuana use in the U.S. is outpacing tobacco and is approaching alcohol use levels in key age groups, prompting renewed focus on substance use trends and their implications for public health strategies [1][2][3]. Understanding these trends and their impacts is crucial for policymakers, public health officials, and families dealing with these challenges.
References: 1. Marijuana Use Rising in U.S. States with Legal Access 2. 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 3. Older Adults and Substance Use: A Growing Concern 4. 2023 NSDUH Report Highlights Shifts in Substance Use and Mental Health 5. Drug Overdose Deaths in the U.S. 6. Government Health Job Cuts Affect Substance Abuse Report
- Given the rise in marijuana use, there is a renewed focus on health-and-wellness, particularly mental-health concerns associated with its increased consumption.
- As the trend of marijuana use outpaces that of tobacco and approaches levels seen in key age groups for alcohol use, understanding its impact on health and wellness becomes increasingly important.
