In a recent analysis of national survey data spanning four decades, it has been discovered that daily and near-daily marijuana use has become more prevalent than high-frequency drinking in the United States. The study, conducted by Jonathan Caulkins, a cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, highlights a significant shift in drug consumption patterns.

Caulkins notes that approximately 40% of current cannabis users are consuming it on a daily or near-daily basis, a trend more akin to tobacco usage than typical alcohol consumption. This finding is based on data from the highly regarded National Survey on Drug Use and Health and was published in the journal Addiction.

The report reveals that in 2022, an estimated 17.7 million individuals engaged in daily or near-daily marijuana use, surpassing the 14.7 million who reported similar levels of alcohol consumption. This represents a 15-fold increase in the per capita rate of reporting daily or near-daily marijuana use from 1992 to 2022.

The rise in daily marijuana use aligns with shifting public policies surrounding the drug. While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, most states now permit its use for medical or recreational purposes. Furthermore, Florida voters will soon decide on a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational cannabis, and federal authorities are considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous substance.

Experts highlight that the prevalence of high-frequency marijuana use also increases the risk of addiction and cannabis-associated psychosis. Dr. David A. Gorelick, a psychiatry professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasizes the potential dangers of such usage patterns and urges caution.

The findings of this study indicate that an increasing number of people are at risk of developing problematic cannabis use or addiction. The growing population of daily marijuana users suggests a need for increased awareness and intervention strategies to address potential mental health consequences.

As the landscape of drug consumption continues to evolve, understanding the implications of these trends is crucial for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The data presented in this study serve as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based approaches when formulating drug policies and providing education and support to individuals at risk.

Note: The information and statistics presented in this article are based on the study conducted by Jonathan Caulkins and the data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, as mentioned in the provided text.