As attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve in the United States, there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals using the drug on a regular basis. Recent studies have shown that cannabis use has more than doubled in higher-income households and among individuals with college degrees. However, one demographic that has not seen an increase in cannabis use is teenagers.
The data analyzed by researchers from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville was based on information collected from 543,195 individuals between 2013 and 2022 as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Participants aged 12 and older were asked about their cannabis use in the past 30 days. The results showed a significant increase in cannabis use among adults, while the prevalence of use among teenagers remained unchanged.
The researchers attribute the increase in cannabis use to several factors, including the legalization of the drug in many states across the country. The study found that cannabis use had almost doubled over the 9-year period, with no significant increase in 2020 likely due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As more states legalize cannabis for both medical and recreational use, the trend is expected to continue.
While cannabis is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the US, with millions of people reporting use in the past year, there are still concerns about the potential negative effects on the brain and body. Some studies have shown that cannabis use may increase the frequency of psychotic episodes and potentially raise the risk of cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the health impacts of cannabis as its popularity continues to grow.
The researchers emphasize the importance of prevention and harm reduction efforts to address the increasing prevalence of cannabis use in the US. They call for future studies to examine the influences on cannabis use, including the impact of legalization, trends in psychiatric comorbidity, and changing perceptions of the drug’s harm. By understanding these factors, efforts can be made to minimize the potential negative consequences of cannabis use.
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