Cannabis on the Rise: More Americans Prefer Daily Cannabis Use Over Alcohol

Changing consumption trends in the United States continue to surprise. A recent survey conducted by YouGov reveals that more Americans smoke cannabis daily than drink alcohol. These results shed new light on preferences for recreational and health-related substances in a country where alcohol has long dominated the daily lives of many citizens.

The YouGov survey was conducted from June 7-10, 2024, and included 1,116 adult Americans. Respondents answered questions about their habits related to alcohol and cannabis consumption and shared their opinions on the frequency of using these substances. This study provided valuable insights into current trends and social attitudes.

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Key Findings of the Survey

The survey found that 8% of adult Americans smoke cannabis daily, while only 5% drink alcohol every day. This marks a significant shift compared to previous years when alcohol was much more popular.

Results show that 84% of respondents have ever used alcohol, while 48% have tried cannabis. Regarding monthly consumption, 41% of adults drink alcohol at least once a month, whereas only 17% use cannabis with the same frequency.

Attitudes Toward Reducing Consumption

One of the most interesting findings of the study is that alcohol consumers are almost three times more likely to believe they would benefit from reducing their consumption compared to cannabis users. Thirty percent of respondents who consume alcohol believe they would feel better if they drank less, while only 11% of cannabis users had similar feelings.

Attitudes Toward Frequency of Alcohol Use

• 41% of respondents believe they drink alcohol in appropriate amounts.
• 30% think they would feel better if they drank less.
• Only 3% believe they should drink more.

Attitudes Toward Frequency of Cannabis Use

• 31% of users believe they use it in appropriate amounts.
• 11% say they would feel better if they used it less.
• 10% think they should use it more.

Comparison with Other Studies

The results of the YouGov survey are consistent with previous studies. In May 2024, a study published in the journal “Addiction” also found that daily use is more common than daily alcohol consumption. Additionally, research published in the “Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs” suggests that the harm associated with cannabis use is significantly less than that of alcohol. Respondents reported harm from alcohol consumption six times more often than from cannabis.

Social and Economic Consequences

The changing consumption habits could have far-reaching social and economic effects. The growing popularity may lead to a decline in alcohol sales, potentially transforming the alcoholic beverage market. Many experts predict that the number of regular cannabis consumers could increase by 20 million over the next five years, while the number of alcohol drinkers could decrease by several million.

An investment bank report published late last year indicates that cannabis is becoming a “serious competitor” to alcohol. Forecasts suggest that by 2027, cannabis sales in the U.S. will reach $37 billion, driven by the opening of additional state markets.

Public Opinions on Legality

The survey also reveals that 60% of adult Americans believe legalization is the right move in the U.S., while 76% support the legality of alcohol. Among those who have ever used these substances, 81% of alcohol users and 79% of cannabis users support their legality. In Canada, where cannabis is legal, a decline in beer sales has been observed, suggesting that cannabis legalization may lead to changes in consumption preferences.

Research from Canada has shown that cannabis legalization is associated with a decrease in beer sales, suggesting a substitution effect. Furthermore, studies have found that using cannabis alone is not associated with a higher risk of road accidents, while alcohol—used alone or in combination with cannabis—significantly increases the risk of collisions.

Conclusion

In summary, the results of the YouGov survey show that cannabis is becoming an increasingly accepted and common substance in American society. While alcohol still dominates in terms of lifetime use and monthly consumption, daily cannabis use surpasses daily alcohol drinking. These changes could have significant social and economic consequences. Future research and observations will be crucial for understanding the long-term effects of these trends and for adjusting health and social policies to meet the changing needs of society.

What are the next steps? First and foremost, further research on the impact of cannabis legalization on public health and the economy is necessary. Additionally, changing consumption habits may lead to revisions of policies regarding alcohol and cannabis. As more states legalize cannabis, it will be interesting to observe how these changes affect society in the long term.

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(Featured image by RDNE Stock project via Pexels)

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