Cannabis Surpasses Alcohol for US Daily Users

Daily cannabis use has now surpassed daily alcohol use among U.S. adults ages 19–30.While far more people drink alcohol than use cannabis, daily or near-daily cannabis use (20+ days in the past 30 days) is now significantly more common than daily or near-daily drinking in this age group.

Key Trend Highlights:

Daily/near-daily alcohol use has remained relatively stable since 1988.
Daily/near-daily cannabis use began rising after 1992 (end of conservative Reagan-Bush era), accelerated following 2008 (last year before federal non-interference with state legalizations), and increased sharply after statewide legalization began in 2012.

By 2023: Daily/near-daily cannabis use reached 10.4% — nearly three times higher than daily/near-daily alcohol use at 3.6%.

In 2024: Cannabis is legal for adult use in 22 states + Washington, DC.

Data from the Monitoring the Future Panel Study (389,649 responses). Questions measured number of days in the past 30 days using marijuana/hashish or having one or more alcoholic drinks.

Source: Patrick, M. E., et al. (2025). Daily or near-daily cannabis and alcohol use by adults in the United States. Addiction journal.

Cannabis Surpasses Alcohol for US Daily Users - Voronoi