Monitoring Marijuana Usage Across America

Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States. In 2021, 52.5 million people, or about 19% of Americans, used it at least once. The popularity of marijuana has been increasing over the past decade, with a 2015 study by Jama Psychiatry concluding that the number of Americans who had used marijuana within the past year had more than doubled from 2001-02 to 2015.

There are a variety of information sources available to monitor the prevalence and trends of cannabis use in the United States. These include national surveys, such as the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which is the primary source of information on the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of drug use in the general U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population, ages 12 and older. Other national surveys include the Monitoring the Future Survey, which collects data on the behaviors, attitudes, and values regarding substance use of American teens, college students, and adults.

In addition to national surveys, there are also state-level surveys that monitor cannabis use at the local level, such as the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). These surveys provide valuable data on cannabis use among specific populations, such as high school youth and noninstitutionalized adults, respectively.

The data from these surveys can help public health officials develop targeted prevention activities to reduce youth initiation of marijuana use, prevent marijuana dependence and abuse, and prevent adverse health effects. As state-level laws on medical and recreational marijuana use change, modifications to national and state-level surveys may be needed to provide timely and comprehensive data on cannabis use trends.

Marijuana usage by age group

Marijuana usage in the US varies across age groups. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and Monitoring the Future are two surveys that have provided nationally representative data on self-reported marijuana usage since the early 1970s.

The NSDUH has polled Americans aged 12 and above since 1971, while Monitoring the Future has polled high school seniors since 1976, adding 8th and 10th graders in 1991. Both surveys ask respondents about their marijuana usage, including whether they have ever used it, and if they have used it within the past year or month.

According to the NSDUH, past-month marijuana usage is highest among 18-25-year-olds, with 19.8% reporting usage in 2015. All age groups have shown increases in past-month marijuana usage since 2002, except for adolescents aged 12-17, whose usage in 2015 was lower than in 2002.

A 2019 Gallup survey found that 18-29-year-olds were the largest group of current marijuana smokers in the US, with roughly a quarter of the age group reporting current usage. Seniors were the least likely to smoke marijuana, with only 3% reporting current usage.

The Monitoring the Future survey found that over a fifth (21.3%) of high school seniors reported past-month usage in 2015. Additionally, 6% of 12th graders, 3% of 10th graders, and 1.1% of 8th graders reported daily marijuana usage.

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) is another survey that monitors health risk behaviors, including marijuana use, among high school youth at the national, state, and local levels.

Marijuana usage by gender

Marijuana is the most popular drug in America, with approximately 78 million Americans (or 55 million, by another source) having reported using it within the past year. This is a higher number than the number of active tobacco smokers, which is approximately 36.5 million.

A 2017 survey of U.S. adults found that approximately 13% of American men and 7% of American women currently smoke marijuana. There is evidence that male and female substance use are different phenomena, with different motivations, use trajectories, consequences, barriers to treatment, and relapse patterns.

A 2008 study of 4,523 adolescents in Connecticut found that 40.4% endorsed lifetime marijuana use and 24.5% endorsed past 30-day use. Of these, 854 females (39% of females) and 802 males (42.1% of males) endorsed lifetime marijuana use, while 491 females (22.4% of females) and 513 males (26.9% of males) endorsed past 30-day use. Both of these are significant differences.

The same study found that males were more likely to use marijuana, with 29% reporting past-year use compared to 24% of females. However, there was evidence of a faster transition from initiation of marijuana use to regular use in females compared to males.

Another study of 8,225 Canadian secondary school students found that grade level in school was predictive of male frequent marijuana use (defined as 3 to 9 episodes of use in the previous 30 days), but not of frequent use by females. Self-reported poor mental health increased the likelihood of either frequent or heavy use among females but not among males. Aboriginal ethnicity was associated with frequent or heavy use among males but not females.

Overall, it appears that marijuana use is more prevalent among males, but females may be more likely to progress from initial to regular use more quickly.

Marijuana usage by race/ethnicity

Marijuana use in the United States has historically been more common among white adolescents than non-white adolescents. However, recent data suggests that this trend may be changing. A study using data from 2006 to 2015 found that marijuana use among Black and Hispanic 10th and 12th graders increased over time, while there was no significant change in use among White students. By 2015, there were no significant differences in marijuana use between racial/ethnic groups, except that Asian students continued to have lower rates of use.

Another study, using data from 2019, found that American Indian/Alaska Native students had the highest rate of past-month marijuana use (33.8%), followed by White students (26.5%). Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, Black, and Hispanic students had lower rates of use, at 22.4%, 19.6%, and 16.4%, respectively. It is important to note that these numbers may not be directly comparable, as the 2019 study included students in grades 9-12, while the 2006-2015 study looked specifically at 10th and 12th graders.

In terms of racial/ethnic differences in the consequences of marijuana use, Black Americans are nearly 3.5 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than White Americans, even though rates of marijuana use are similar between the two groups. This disparity in arrest rates is also seen in other racial/ethnic minority groups and underscores the need for equitable approaches to prevention and treatment interventions.

When examining marijuana use and its consequences, it is important to consider other individual, school, and state-level factors that may impact use and outcomes. For example, parental education, school location (urban vs. rural), class size, and state-level policies such as medical marijuana laws have all been found to influence marijuana use and trends over time. Additionally, certain racial/ethnic groups may be more likely to use marijuana in combination with other substances, such as tobacco or alcohol, which can increase the risk of negative health outcomes.

Marijuana usage by education level

Marijuana usage in the US is monitored through various national surveys, including the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), Monitoring the Future Survey, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). These surveys collect data on cannabis use, emergency department visits, substance use and misuse, and other related tools.

When it comes to marijuana usage by education level, research suggests that it is more prevalent among those with lower educational attainment. A 2017 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that marijuana use is higher among Americans without college degrees. Similarly, a 2016 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that past-month marijuana use was higher among those with less than a high school education compared to those with higher levels of education.

However, it is important to note that the intensity of marijuana use may differ across education levels. While individuals with lower educational attainment may be more likely to use marijuana, those with higher education levels tend to exhibit heavier use. This is evident in a 2013 report, which found that Americans with less than a high school education were most likely to report daily or near-daily marijuana use.

The relationship between marijuana usage and education level is complex and multifaceted. While those with lower educational attainment may be more likely to use marijuana, the intensity of use can vary, with higher education levels associated with heavier use. Further research and data are needed to fully understand the nuances of this relationship.

Marijuana usage by employment status

Marijuana usage and its legalization are highly debated topics in the United States. While marijuana is still classified as a controlled substance under federal law, the perspective on its usage has shifted radically over the last decade. Many states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, and some even allow recreational use.

Employment status can play a role in marijuana usage for several reasons. Firstly, individuals who are employed may have access to disposable income that allows them to purchase marijuana, especially in states where it is legalized. Additionally, certain industries or professions may have cultural norms or work environments that influence an individual's decision to use marijuana.

• Full-time Employment: According to a 2024 report, there are approximately 440,445 full-time equivalent jobs supported by the legal cannabis industry in the US. This indicates that the cannabis industry itself is a significant source of employment for those who may also be consumers.
• Part-time Employment: It is worth noting that part-time employment may be a choice for some individuals who prefer to have more flexible schedules, which can be beneficial for those who use marijuana for therapeutic or recreational purposes.
• Unemployment: For those who are unemployed, marijuana usage may be influenced by factors such as income, availability, and personal circumstances. However, it is important to note that unemployment can also be a result of marijuana usage, especially in industries with strict drug testing policies, including federal government jobs.
• Industry-specific Trends: Certain industries may have higher rates of marijuana usage due to the nature of the work or the cultural norms within that industry. For example, the entertainment industry or creative fields may have higher rates of marijuana usage compared to more conservative or regulated industries.
• Remote Work: With the rise of remote work, some individuals may feel they have more freedom to use marijuana during work hours. This trend may impact the perception of marijuana usage among employees and employers.
• Industry Regulations: Industries with strict safety regulations, such as transportation or heavy machinery operation, often have zero-tolerance policies for drug use, including marijuana. Employees in these industries must refrain from using marijuana to maintain their employment.
• Income Level: Income level can also play a role in marijuana usage. Lower-income individuals may be more price-sensitive when it comes to purchasing marijuana, especially in states where the cost is high. On the other hand, higher-income individuals may have more disposable income to spend on marijuana.

It is important to monitor marijuana usage trends among different employment statuses to understand the impact on public health, workplace safety, and economic productivity. As marijuana legalization continues to evolve, employers and employees must stay informed about the relevant laws and regulations to make informed decisions regarding drug use and its potential consequences.

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