Study: Cannabis Use in U.S. Increases from 2013-2022 but Not Among Teenagers

Cannabis use in the U.S. increased from 2013 to 2022 among individuals with a college degree and among households that earn more than $75,000 annually, but not among teenagers, according to a study published this month in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.  

The study, using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, found that, overall, cannabis use increased from 7.59 % to 11.54 % from 2013 to 2020, and increased again from 13.13% to 15.11 % in 2021 to 2022. Among youth, cannabis use remained constant from 2013 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022.  

Cannabis use increased “significantly” during the study period among adults 26-and-older without a high school degree from 6.40% to 8.86%, by individuals who had only a high school diploma or GED from 6.01% to 10.48%, by those who had some college or an associate degree from 6.18% to 12.63%, and by those with a college degree or higher from 4.48% to 8.26%. 

Cannabis use also increased among adults with an annual family income less than $20,000 per year from 11.25% to 15.46%, those making between $20,000 and $49,999 from 7.83% to 11.88%, among those making between $50,000 and $74,999 from 6.51% to 11.64%, and those making $75,000 or more from 5.89% to 9.71%.     

The study found rates among youth aged 12-17 from 2013 to 2022 remained statistically constant at 6.07%-6.32%, and among adults 18-25 at 24.76%-26.16%, and seniors at 4.79%-5.16%. There was an increase in cannabis use among all other age groups, including adults aged 26–34 (22.04% to 25.46%), 35–49-year-olds (14.25% to 17.23%), and those 50–64 (10.38% to 12.82%).