In a landmark shift, the number of Americans who use marijuanas daily has, for the first time, surpassed the number of those who drink alcohol at the same frequency. This trend, highlighted by a recent study, reflects a significant cultural change over the past four decades as marijuana use becomes more mainstream and legal across the nation.
According to a 2022 study by Jonathan Caulkins, a cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, 17.7 million people reported using marijuanas daily or nearly every day. This figure exceeds the 14.7 million individuals who reported drinking alcohol with the same regularity. Despite alcohol remaining more widely used overall, this marks the first instance where daily marijuana use has overtaken daily alcohol consumption. The findings, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, were published in the journal Addiction. Caulkins noted that approximately 40% of current cannabis users consume it daily or near daily, a pattern that mirrors tobacco use more closely than traditional alcohol consumption.
A Growing Acceptance and Legalization of Marijuanas
The increase in daily marijuanas use coincides with growing public acceptance and the expanding legalization of marijuana across the United States. As of now, most states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, although it remains illegal at the federal level. The trend towards legalization continues to gain momentum, with Florida voters set to decide on a constitutional amendment to allow recreational cannabis in November, and the federal government considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
From 1992 to 2022, the per capita rate of daily or near-daily marijuana use increased fifteen-fold. This dramatic rise may be partially attributed to the growing willingness of individuals to report their marijuanas use as societal acceptance expands. Caulkins suggests that the evolving legal landscape and shifting public attitudes have contributed to this surge in reported usage. The data indicates a profound transformation in how Americans view and consume marijuana, moving from a stigmatized activity to a normalized aspect of daily life for many.
Biden Administration Proposes Marijuanas Reclassification
In a significant move towards marijuanas reform, the Biden administration has proposed shifting marijuana from its current Schedule I classification, where it sits alongside heroin and LSD, to the less restrictive Schedule III. This change, detailed in a 92-page order issued by Attorney General Merrick Garland last Thursday, marks a potential shift in federal marijuana policy, aligning it with drugs like ketamine and certain anabolic steroids. The decision to reclassify marijuanas, a drug still widely prohibited under federal law, aims to reflect evolving views on its medical use and regulatory treatment.
The proposal underscores the administration’s recognition of marijuana’s potential medical benefits and aims to ease research barriers associated with its current classification. By moving marijuanas to Schedule III, the federal government would acknowledge its lower potential for abuse compared to other Schedule I substances. This reclassification could have far-reaching implications, including increased research opportunities, potential changes in law enforcement practices, and shifts in public perception regarding marijuana’s medical utility.
DEA’s Concerns Overruled by Justice Department
Despite the bold proposal, internal records reveal that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had reservations about the reclassification. A memo sent by the DEA to the Justice Department in late January requested additional scientific input to determine whether marijuana meets the criteria for accepted medical use, a pivotal factor for its reclassification. The DEA’s cautious approach highlighted the need for robust scientific evidence to support such a significant regulatory shift.
However, these concerns were ultimately overruled by Justice Department attorneys, who found the DEA’s criteria for medical use to be “impermissibly narrow.” This internal disagreement points to a broader debate within federal agencies about how to balance scientific evidence with policy reform. The Justice Department’s decision to proceed with the proposal despite the DEA’s reservations suggests a prioritization of policy reform and public health considerations over stringent regulatory caution. As this proposal moves forward, it will likely spark further discussion and scrutiny from various stakeholders, including policymakers, medical professionals, and advocacy groups.
Health Implications of Increased Marijuana Use
While the rise in daily marijuana use reflects broader societal changes, it also raises concerns among health professionals. Dr. David A. Gorelick, a psychiatry professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the potential risks associated with high-frequency marijuana use. Research indicates that individuals who use marijuana daily are more likely to develop an addiction to the drug. The number of daily users suggests a growing portion of the population at risk for problematic cannabis use or addiction, which can have significant personal and public health implications.
Moreover, high-frequency marijuana use is linked to an increased risk of developing cannabis-associated psychosis, a severe condition characterized by a loss of touch with reality. Dr. Gorelick highlighted that as more people engage in frequent marijuana use, the incidence of such adverse health effects is likely to rise. The study underscores the need for ongoing public health education and policy interventions to address the potential risks of increased marijuana consumption, even as its legal and social status continues to evolve.
