U.S. Daily Cannabis Use Overtakes Alcohol and Cigarettes

A 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that about 21.4 million Americans aged 12 and older used cannabis daily or near‑daily, exceeding the 17.2 million who reported daily alcohol use and the 17.5 million who used nicotine vapes at the same frequency. The same survey showed adult cannabis use is rising while teen use is falling: 8.7% of those aged 12‑17 used cannabis in the past year, down from 14.2% in 2011, and past‑month use dropped from 6.1% to 5%, a roughly 40% decline.

A concurrent NIH study highlighted the shift, noting that daily cannabis use now surpasses daily alcohol and cigarette consumption. Researchers suggest the trend could affect public‑health costs if cannabis replaces more harmful substances, though they also warn of risks such as impaired driving and cannabis use disorder. Anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain remain the top reasons adults use cannabis.