Marijuana Use Trends in the United States: A Look at Data from 2013 to 2022

Marijuana use has been on the rise in the United States over the past decade, influenced by changing laws that have legalized its recreational and medical use in many states. New research, led by Delvon T. Mattingly, Ph.D., examines trends in marijuana use between 2013 and 2022. The research provides a comprehensive look at the shifting patterns of marijuana use across various demographic groups and offers key insights into the growing prevalence of marijuana use.

Overall Increase in Marijuana Use

Between 2013 and 2022, marijuana use in the U.S. saw a steady rise. In 2013, about 7.59% of the population reported using marijuana within the past 30 days. By 2022, this figure had grown to 15.11%, nearly doubling in just under a decade. The increase in marijuana use is likely linked to its growing legal acceptance across the country, with more states passing laws to allow recreational and medical use.

One interesting finding from the study is that despite broader availability, marijuana use among youth (ages 12-17) remained relatively stable throughout the study period. This counters concerns that legalization would lead to a sharp rise in marijuana use among teenagers. However, the same cannot be said for adults, where significant increases were observed across several demographic groups.

Demographic Patterns in Marijuana Use

The study sheds light on how marijuana use has shifted across different age, gender, race, and socioeconomic groups.

• Age: Young adults, particularly those aged 18-25, consistently reported the highest levels of marijuana use. By 2022, nearly a quarter of people aged 18-34 said they had used marijuana in the past month. Marijuana use among middle-aged adults (35-49) also rose significantly, from 14.25% in 2021 to 17.23% in 2022. These increases suggest that marijuana consumption is becoming more common across a broader age range.
• Gender: While men have historically been more likely to use marijuana than women, the gap between the genders has started to narrow. From 2021 to 2022, marijuana use among women rose from 11.21% to 13.00%, marking a noticeable increase. However, men still reported higher usage rates overall.
• Race and Ethnicity: When it comes to race and ethnicity, multiracial individuals consistently showed higher rates of marijuana use compared to other groups. There was also a significant increase in marijuana use among Hispanic and White respondents. From 2021 to 2022, marijuana use among Hispanic adults rose from 10.42% to 13.50%, highlighting a notable shift in usage patterns.

The Influence of Legalization and COVID-19

Several factors likely contributed to the overall increase in marijuana use during the study period. One of the biggest drivers has been the growing legalization movement in the U.S. By 2022, more than 20 states had legalized recreational marijuana, while many others had implemented medical marijuana laws. This shift in the legal landscape has made marijuana more accessible and has normalized its use for both medical and recreational purposes.

The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping marijuana consumption. Although 2020 posed challenges for collecting accurate health data, marijuana use spiked again from 2021 to 2022. Many experts believe that increased stress and anxiety during the pandemic may have contributed to higher marijuana use as people sought ways to cope with the challenges of isolation, illness, and uncertainty.

Public Health Implications

Regular marijuana use has been linked to a variety of health issues, including cannabis use disorder, mental health conditions like anxiety and psychosis, memory impairment, and increased risk of accidents. Some demographic groups, such as young adults and people with lower incomes, may be more vulnerable to these risks due to their higher rates of use.

The rise in marijuana use from 2013 to 2022 reflects changing attitudes and policies toward the drug in the U.S., as outlined in Mattingly’s study. However, not all groups have been affected equally. Young adults, lower-income individuals, and multiracial people have shown consistently higher levels of use, while marijuana use among women has also been rising.

As more states move toward legalizing marijuana, understanding these trends is crucial for shaping public health strategies. Efforts to reduce the potential harms of marijuana use, such as substance use disorders and mental health issues, will need to be prioritized.