Marijuana has become the most frequently used daily drug in the United States, with 21.4 million people reporting daily or near‑daily use. This figure surpasses 19.9 million daily cigarette smokers and 17.2 million daily alcohol consumers.
The survey defines daily or near‑daily marijuana use as consumption on 300 or more days in the past year, while daily cigarette use requires smoking every day of a month.
Between 2022 and 2025, daily marijuana use increased by 21%, rising from 17.7 million to 21.4 million users—a gain of roughly 3.7 million frequent users.
The largest growth occurred from 2021 to 2022, when usage rose by about 2.8 million individuals.
Adults aged 26 and older drive the trend, with a marked rise in daily use among this demographic compared to teenagers.
Alcohol remains the most widely used substance overall, with approximately 129 million people drinking in the past month versus 43.8 million who used marijuana.
Cigarette and broader tobacco use has fallen from 20.1% to 15.9% of Americans between 2021 and 2025, while general marijuana use increased from 13.2% to 15.1% during the same period.
A recent workplace survey of 1,000 full‑time employees found that 63% self‑medicate after work and 52% during work hours. Among Gen Z workers, 59% reported using marijuana products after work compared to 50% who drank alcohol, and 51% used THC during the day.
A senior medical analyst warned that the data signals a disturbing trend, noting that public attention to marijuana’s risks has lagged behind that for cigarettes and alcohol. The analyst highlighted concerns about rising THC content and its effects on mental performance, judgment, memory, and road safety.
Experts suggest that the growing acceptance of marijuana use may stem from a shift in public awareness, with increased usage potentially driven by a lack of understanding of its dangers.
