Cannabis Dominates Global Drug Use: Trends, Risks, and Shifting Markets

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its World Drug Report 2026 on June 26, highlighting a striking reality: cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance worldwide, and its popularity continues to grow. Unlike other drugs, cannabis use has expanded steadily, driven by evolving social attitudes and changing global supply dynamics.

In 2024, approximately 256 million people used cannabis. This figure surpasses the combined total of users of opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy. Overall drug use reached 331 million people globally, marking a historic high and a 34% increase compared to a decade ago. It is important to note that the report focuses exclusively on illegal or internationally controlled substances, excluding legal ones such as alcohol and tobacco, which are used by far larger populations.

A Decade of Continuous Growth

Cannabis use has increased significantly over the past ten years. The number of users rose by about 40%, while the global prevalence rate climbed from 3.8% of the population aged 15–64 in 2014 to 4.8% in 2024. According to the UNODC, two key factors are behind this growth: shifting public perceptions and evolving trafficking patterns.

As more regions—particularly in North America—have moved toward legalization or decriminalization, cannabis has become more socially accepted. This normalization has influenced both demand and supply, contributing to a broader and more accessible market.

Regionally, cannabis use is widespread. North America leads with over 69 million users, followed closely by Asia and Africa. Europe, South America, and Oceania also report significant numbers, though at lower levels. Some of the highest usage rates are found in Canada and the United States, where a large share of the population reports having used cannabis in the past year. Other countries with notable prevalence include New Zealand, Spain, Uruguay, and Australia.

Changing Attitudes Among Young People

One of the more surprising findings in the report is a shift in how young people perceive cannabis. For many years, adolescents—especially in the United States—have increasingly viewed cannabis as less harmful. However, this trend has recently reversed.

Since 2021, more young people have begun to recognize potential risks associated with cannabis use, including both occasional and regular consumption. This shift suggests growing awareness of health implications, particularly as stronger cannabis products become more common.

At the same time, school surveys indicate that teenagers now perceive cannabis as harder to obtain than before. While overall use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis among adolescents has declined, new risks are emerging. These include the rise of vaping and the use of e-cigarettes, which can involve cannabis extracts or other substances. Some cartridges have been found to contain dangerous or even lethal synthetic compounds, raising serious public health concerns.

The Rise and Regulation of Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids

Another major development is the emergence of semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as delta-8-THC and HHC. These substances gained popularity around 2020 and 2021, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe. Often marketed in appealing forms like candies or gummies, they have raised alarms due to their accessibility and appeal to younger users.

Regulatory responses have begun to curb their spread. Between 2022 and 2024, many countries introduced national controls, and in 2025, HHC was placed under international regulation. These measures appear to have had some effect. For example, use of delta-8-THC among U.S. high school seniors declined notably between 2024 and 2025.

Despite this progress, the market continues to evolve. New, chemically similar substances are constantly being developed, often exploiting regulatory gaps before authorities can respond.

Increasing Potency and Its Implications

Cannabis itself is becoming stronger. The report highlights a significant rise in THC levels, the main psychoactive component of cannabis. In the United States, average THC content increased from about 4% in 1995 to over 16% in 2024. In Europe, levels have reached approximately 12.5%, while CBD content has declined.

This increase in potency is driven by advances in cultivation techniques and selective breeding. Growers now use methods such as removing male plants, employing feminized seeds, and cultivating indoors under controlled conditions. These approaches maximize THC levels and ensure consistent product quality.

Interestingly, research shows that cannabis sold in legal markets often contains higher THC and lower CBD than products from illegal sources. However, in Canada, illegal cannabis has been found to be both stronger and cheaper than regulated products, helping the black market remain competitive.

Evolving Trafficking Patterns

Cannabis is not only the most widely used drug but also the most trafficked. In 2024, it accounted for more than half of all drug seizures globally. Seizure volumes have reached record levels, driven largely by increased activity in Africa, which now represents over half of global cannabis seizures.

Traditionally, cannabis production and distribution have been localized, as the plant can be cultivated in many environments. However, international trafficking is becoming more prominent. Long-standing sources such as Afghanistan and Morocco are declining in importance, while North America is emerging as a major exporter.

Between 2015 and 2024, dozens of countries reported North America as a source of cannabis, a sharp increase compared to the previous decade. European ports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Hamburg are increasingly involved in these new trafficking routes.

Expanding Legalization and Policy Diversity

Legal approaches to cannabis continue to evolve worldwide. As of late 2025, Canada, Uruguay, and numerous U.S. states and territories have legalized cannabis for non-medical use, though it remains illegal at the federal level in the United States.

In Europe, countries are adopting more cautious models. Nations such as Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic allow limited personal use and small-scale home cultivation. Some also permit collective growing through cannabis clubs. Meanwhile, countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland are experimenting with regulated supply systems through pilot programs.

Not all regions are moving toward liberalization. Thailand, for example, reversed course after initially removing cannabis from its prohibited substances list, reclassifying it as a controlled herb in 2025 and restricting sales to prescription use.

A Complex and Evolving Landscape

The global cannabis landscape is becoming increasingly complex. While use continues to rise and legal frameworks expand, new challenges are emerging. These include stronger products, evolving synthetic alternatives, shifting trafficking routes, and changing perceptions among younger generations.

The UNODC report underscores the need for balanced policies that address both public health and market realities. As cannabis becomes more normalized in many parts of the world, understanding its risks and regulating its supply effectively will remain critical issues for governments and societies alike.

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(Featured image by Thought Catalog via Unsplash)

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