What was once a clandestine ritual is now a mainstream reality, with over 52 million Americans using marijuana in just the past year.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, 18.7% of Americans aged 12 or older (52.5 million people) used marijuana in the past year according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Among US young adults aged 18-25, past-month marijuana use reached 29.1% in 2022, the highest in over a decade
- Lifetime marijuana use among US high school seniors was 42.3% in 2022 per Monitoring the Future survey
- Medical cannabis reduces opioid overdose deaths by 35% in US states with programs per 2014-2021 study
- Cannabis with 10mg THC relieves chemotherapy-induced nausea in 70% of patients vs. 10% placebo
- In epilepsy patients, CBD (Epidiolex) reduced seizures by 50% in 40% of Dravet syndrome cases
- Heavy cannabis use associated with 3x higher risk of cannabis use disorder (22% prevalence among daily users)
- Adolescent weekly cannabis use increases schizophrenia risk by 4x in genetically vulnerable
- Daily use impairs verbal memory, with 38% higher deficit per 5 joint-years
- In 2023, 14 US states legalized recreational marijuana, covering 52% of population
- Federal prohibition under Schedule I since 1970, despite no accepted medical use claim overturned by FDA approvals
- 38 states + DC have medical marijuana programs as of 2024
- US cannabis tax revenue hit $3.7B in 2023 across legal states
- Legal US cannabis market valued at $28.8B in 2023, projected $44B by 2025
- Colorado collected $423M in cannabis taxes 2023, funding schools/public health
Cannabis use is growing globally despite ongoing health risks and legal changes.
Economic Impact
- US cannabis tax revenue hit $3.7B in 2023 across legal states
- Legal US cannabis market valued at $28.8B in 2023, projected $44B by 2025
- Colorado collected $423M in cannabis taxes 2023, funding schools/public health
- California cannabis sales $5.3B in 2023, employing 100k+ legally
- Global legal cannabis market $57B by 2026, led by N. America 80%
- Illicit market still 70% of US consumption ($57B) vs legal $29B 2023
- Canada rec sales $4.5B CAD in 2023, 1,700 stores
- Legalization created 428k US jobs 2023 (cultivation to retail)
- Black market share fell from 100% to 63% in legal states post-2014
- Hemp CBD market $5.3B US 2023, exported $1B
- Michigan cannabis taxes $250M+ 2023, highest per capita
- Uruguay cannabis sales state-run Uruguayan Institute 25 tons/year, $30M revenue
- Legal states saw 20% drop in alcohol sales tax revenue post-legalization
- Illinois rec market $1.6B 2023, taxes fund policing/equity programs
- Investment in cannabis startups $3B+ 2023 despite banking issues
- Home grow saves consumers $1,200/year vs market prices in legal states
- Washington state cannabis revenue $1.2B cumulative taxes since 2014
- Equity programs: 30% licenses to social equity applicants in NY/NJ 2023
- Global med cannabis market $11.9B 2023, Europe growing 25% YoY
- Price per ounce fell 70% from $400 (2014) to $120 (2023) in legal markets
- Nevada taxes $150M 2023, tourism boost from cannabis lounges
- Ancillary services (POS, testing) $2B market 2023
- Oklahoma med market $700M sales 2023, 10k+ growers
- Tax diversion: OR sends 40% cannabis tax to schools ($100M+ 2023)
- Concentrates 36% of sales volume, flower 50%, edibles 10% US 2023
- Arizona rec sales $1.3B projected 2024 first year
- Biosecurity costs: States spend $50M/year on pesticide/hemp regulation
- Legal market reduced cartel revenue $4.8B annually in CO/WA/OR/CA
Economic Impact Interpretation
Despite its outlaw image, the legal cannabis industry is now soberly funding schools and healthcare with billions while battling a stubborn black market, proving that with great taxation comes great responsibility.
Health Benefits
- Medical cannabis reduces opioid overdose deaths by 35% in US states with programs per 2014-2021 study
- Cannabis with 10mg THC relieves chemotherapy-induced nausea in 70% of patients vs. 10% placebo
- In epilepsy patients, CBD (Epidiolex) reduced seizures by 50% in 40% of Dravet syndrome cases
- Chronic pain patients using cannabis reported 64% average pain reduction in meta-analysis of 28 trials
- Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is rare; instead, THC aids 80% of nausea cases in palliative care
- MS spasticity improved by 30% with nabiximols (Sativex) in 75% of patients per GW Pharma trials
- PTSD symptoms decreased 60% in veterans using cannabis nightly per 2020 study of 11,000 patients
- Glaucoma patients had 30-40% IOP reduction for 3-4 hours post-cannabis use
- Cannabis flower with CBD:THC 2:1 ratio improved anxiety scores by 58% in 47 patients
- In Crohn's disease, 65% of cannabis users achieved remission vs. 35% controls in Israeli study
- Sleep quality improved in 67% of insomnia patients using indica strains per sleep clinic data
- THC:CBD oromucosal spray reduced ALS spasticity by 40% in phase 2 trial
- Cannabis users had 27% lower risk of metabolic syndrome in Framingham Heart Study cohort
- Neuropathic pain relief averaged 3.5 points on 10-point scale with cannabis per Canadian study
- HIV-associated anorexia improved appetite in 90% of dronabinol-treated patients
- Cannabis-based medicine reduced Tourette's syndrome tics by 50% in 36 patients
- In fibromyalgia, nabilone reduced pain by 32% and improved sleep
- Low-dose CBD (25mg) improved autism-related irritability by 71% in phase 2 trial
- Cannabis terpenes like myrcene enhance anti-inflammatory effects, reducing arthritis pain 40%
- Smoked cannabis provided faster analgesia (5 min) than oral opioids for trauma pain
- In Parkinson's, CBD improved quality of life scores by 20% in 33 patients
- Medical cannabis cut antidepressant use by 45% in anxiety patients per Israeli registry
- THC helped 76% of HIC patients regain weight lost to cachexia
- Cannflavin A from cannabis 20x more potent than aspirin for inflammation
- Vaping CBD reduced public speaking anxiety comparably to ipsapirone
- Cannabis oil with 20:1 CBD:THC improved refractory epilepsy seizures by 86%
- In sickle cell disease, cannabis reduced pain crises by 50% in user cohort
- Medical marijuana states saw 25% drop in opiate hospital admissions
- THC nasal spray reduced levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's by 50%
- Cannabis sativa seed oil lowered LDL cholesterol 13% in hyperlipidemic patients
- Daily cannabis use linked to 16% lower diabetes risk in 4,600 adults
Health Benefits Interpretation
While cannabis is no magic bullet, these statistics paint a convincing portrait of a plant that can, when used medically, act as a formidable ally against a daunting spectrum of suffering, from quieting seizures and pacifying pain to pulling people back from the brink of opioid overdoses.
Health Risks
- Heavy cannabis use associated with 3x higher risk of cannabis use disorder (22% prevalence among daily users)
- Adolescent weekly cannabis use increases schizophrenia risk by 4x in genetically vulnerable
- Daily use impairs verbal memory, with 38% higher deficit per 5 joint-years
- Smoking cannabis raises heart attack risk 4.8x within 1 hour of use per 2024 study
- Prenatal exposure linked to 8 IQ point drop and ADHD risk up 2x in offspring
- Chronic use causes cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in 2.75 per 100,000 users annually
- THC impairs driving, increasing crash risk 2x at 5ng/ml blood THC
- Vaping THC products contaminated with vitamin E caused 2,807 EVALI cases, 68 deaths by 2020
- Regular use linked to chronic bronchitis, cough in 20-25% of heavy smokers
- Cannabis use disorder affects 9% of users, 17% of daily users
- High-potency THC (>10%) triples psychosis risk vs. low-potency
- Edibles overdose common, with 7% hospitalization rate due to delayed effects
- Secondhand cannabis smoke exposes non-users to 5.5ng/ml THC, impairing cognition
- Use during pregnancy increases low birth weight risk by 50g average
- Daily teen use halves chances of high school graduation (43% vs 68%)
- Synthetic cannabinoids (Spice) cause 3x higher ER visits than natural cannabis
- Chronic use alters brain structure, reducing hippocampal volume 12% in heavy users
- Cannabis increases testicular cancer risk 2x in frequent users under 45
- Withdrawal symptoms (irritability, insomnia) in 47% of daily users quitting
- Co-use with tobacco raises COPD risk 2.5x vs. tobacco alone
- High-THC use linked to 40% increased depression risk in longitudinal study
- Orthostatic hypotension risk 2x higher post-use, especially edibles
- Adolescent use predicts unemployment 2x higher in adulthood
- Delta-8 THC products led to 661% increase in poison center calls 2021
- Chronic use impairs fertility, reducing sperm count 29% in males
- Psychotic disorders hospitalization up 50% in legal states among youth
- Binge drinking + cannabis triples alcohol poisoning risk
- Long-term use linked to gum disease 1.7x higher odds
- Emergency visits for cyclic vomiting syndrome rose 137% in legal states
- Cannabis smoke contains 20x more ammonia than tobacco smoke
- Daily use increases suicide attempt risk 3.4x in mood disorder patients
Health Risks Interpretation
These statistics suggest that while cannabis might be sold as a natural escape, the data paints it as more of a high-stakes contract with fine print detailing risks to your mind, body, and future.
Legal and Regulatory
- In 2023, 14 US states legalized recreational marijuana, covering 52% of population
- Federal prohibition under Schedule I since 1970, despite no accepted medical use claim overturned by FDA approvals
- 38 states + DC have medical marijuana programs as of 2024
- Uruguay first country to fully legalize recreational cannabis in 2013
- Canada legalized recreational cannabis nationwide on Oct 17, 2018
- Germany legalized possession up to 25g and home grow 3 plants for adults 18+ in April 2024
- US marijuana arrests dropped 96% in legal states from 2010-2020 (from 8M to 300k)
- 24 states have recreational sales legal as of 2024, generating $3.7B tax revenue 2022
- Mexico legalized recreational use (28g) but not sales in 2021
- Thailand decriminalized cannabis for medical/recreational in 2022, leading to 8,000+ dispensaries
- Federal rescheduling proposal to Schedule III announced May 2024 by HHS/DOJ
- Banking restrictions lifted partially via SAFE Act progress, 2023 saw 1,200+ cannabis firms banked
- Interstate commerce banned federally; CO sued to challenge in 2023
- 91% public support for legalization in US polls 2023
- Expungements: Over 2 million US marijuana convictions pardoned/expunged since 2018
- Hemp legalized federally via 2018 Farm Bill (0.3% THC), $1.2B market 2023
- EU Novel Food regs delayed CBD sales; only 3 countries fully legal med cannabis 2023
- Australia rescheduled cannabis to Schedule 8 (controlled) for doctors in 2021
- Brazil allows personal cultivation after 2023 Supreme Court ruling
- US possession arrests still 90% of total (350k in 2022), disproportionately Black (3.7x)
- Malta legalized recreational (7g possession, 4 plants) first in EU 2021
- New Zealand rejected rec legalization referendum 48-51% in 2020
- Luxembourg legalized home grow/possession 2023
- Czechia allows 10g possession/home grow 3 plants from 2024
- Ohio legalized rec sales Nov 2023, 24th state
- Global decrim trend: 20+ countries decriminalized personal use by 2023
Legal and Regulatory Interpretation
While federal law stubbornly clings to a medically baseless Schedule I status, the will of half the nation and a global movement towards legalization have effectively turned marijuana prohibition into an unenforceable relic, one lucrative tax dollar and expunged conviction at a time.
Prevalence and Usage
- In 2022, 18.7% of Americans aged 12 or older (52.5 million people) used marijuana in the past year according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Among US young adults aged 18-25, past-month marijuana use reached 29.1% in 2022, the highest in over a decade
- Lifetime marijuana use among US high school seniors was 42.3% in 2022 per Monitoring the Future survey
- In Canada, 26% of people aged 16+ reported past-year cannabis use in 2022 following legalization
- Globally, 209 million people used cannabis in 2021 per UNODC World Drug Report
- Past-month cannabis use among US adults aged 26+ rose to 10.3% in 2022 from 7.7% in 2019
- In Europe, 22 million adults used cannabis in the past year in 2021 per EMCDDA
- US states with legal recreational marijuana saw 50% higher past-year use rates (25%) vs. prohibition states (16%) in 2021
- Among US pregnant women, 5.1% reported past-month marijuana use in 2020
- Daily/near-daily cannabis use tripled among US adults from 0.8% in 2015 to 2.4% in 2022
- In Australia, 11.4% of population aged 14+ used cannabis in past 12 months in 2022-23
- UK past-year cannabis use among 16-59 year olds was 8.1% in 2022/23 per Crime Survey England & Wales
- In Uruguay, post-legalization (2013), prevalence stabilized at 9.1% among 12-65 year olds in 2019
- US college students past-year marijuana use was 39% in 2022 per Monitoring the Future
- Vaping cannabis past-year use among US 12th graders hit 19.5% in 2022
- In New Zealand, 13.3% of adults used cannabis in past year in 2023 post-referendum
- Past-year edible cannabis use among US adults was 4.9% in 2021
- Among US veterans, 23% reported past-year cannabis use in 2021
- Global cannabis use disorder prevalence is 0.7% (22 million people) per WHO 2023
- In Colorado, adult past-year use was 27.5% in 2022 post-legalization
- Past-month use among US 12th graders was 15.5% in 2022, lowest in decades
- In Mexico, 5.2% of population aged 12-65 used cannabis past year in 2022
- US male past-year marijuana use (22.4%) exceeds females (15.2%) in 2022
- Among US adults with chronic pain, 26% used cannabis medically in 2021
- Past-year cannabis use in US increased 15% from 2019-2022 amid pandemic
- In Israel, medical cannabis users numbered 110,000 in 2022 (1.2% population)
- US Black adults past-year use (21%) similar to whites (20%) in 2022, closing disparity gap
- Past-month concentrate use (dabs) among US young adults 7.1% in 2022
- In Germany, post-2024 partial legalization, predicted 4 million past-year users
- US Hispanic adults past-year use 19.5% in 2022
Prevalence and Usage Interpretation
The grass is indeed growing greener, with nearly a fifth of Americans now partaking annually—a figure that blossoms among young adults, flourishes where legalized, and has even taken root among a notable portion of pregnant women, suggesting that as societal acceptance spreads like dandelions, so does its consumption, for better or worse.
Sources & References
- Reference 1SAMHSAsamhsa.govVisit source
- Reference 2MONITORINGTHEFUTUREmonitoringthefuture.orgVisit source
- Reference 3CANADAcanada.caVisit source
- Reference 4UNODCunodc.orgVisit source
- Reference 5EMCDDAemcdda.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 6CDCcdc.govVisit source
- Reference 7JAMANETWORKjamanetwork.comVisit source
- Reference 8ABSabs.gov.auVisit source
- Reference 9GOVgov.ukVisit source
- Reference 10HEALTHhealth.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 11PTSDptsd.va.govVisit source
- Reference 12WHOwho.intVisit source
- Reference 13CDPHEcdphe.colorado.govVisit source
- Reference 14GOBgob.mxVisit source
- Reference 15KFFkff.orgVisit source
- Reference 16TIMESOFISRAELtimesofisrael.comVisit source
- Reference 17NCBIncbi.nlm.nih.govVisit source
- Reference 18FDAfda.govVisit source
- Reference 19PUBMEDpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govVisit source
- Reference 20CMAJcmaj.caVisit source
- Reference 21PUBSpubs.acs.orgVisit source
- Reference 22HEALTHAFFAIRShealthaffairs.orgVisit source
- Reference 23AJPMONLINEajpmonline.orgVisit source
- Reference 24NIDAnida.nih.govVisit source
- Reference 25THELANCETthelancet.comVisit source
- Reference 26AHAJOURNALSahajournals.orgVisit source
- Reference 27PNASpnas.orgVisit source
- Reference 28ERJerj.ersjournals.comVisit source
- Reference 29HMShms.harvard.eduVisit source
- Reference 30DIGESTIVEdigestive.northwestern.eduVisit source
- Reference 31AJPajp.psychiatryonline.orgVisit source
- Reference 32NCSLncsl.orgVisit source
- Reference 33DEAdea.govVisit source
- Reference 34MPPmpp.orgVisit source
- Reference 35JUSTICEjustice.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 36BMJbmj.comVisit source
- Reference 37ACLUaclu.orgVisit source
- Reference 38TAXFOUNDATIONtaxfoundation.orgVisit source
- Reference 39LOCloc.govVisit source
- Reference 40REUTERSreuters.comVisit source
- Reference 41FINCENfincen.govVisit source
- Reference 42USNEWSusnews.comVisit source
- Reference 43GALLUPgallup.comVisit source
- Reference 44SENTENCINGPROJECTsentencingproject.orgVisit source
- Reference 45USDAusda.govVisit source
- Reference 46TGAtga.gov.auVisit source
- Reference 47HRWhrw.orgVisit source
- Reference 48POLITICOpolitico.euVisit source
- Reference 49DIAdia.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 50EXPATSexpats.czVisit source
- Reference 51BALLOTPEDIAballotpedia.orgVisit source
- Reference 52TRANSFORMDRUGStransformdrugs.orgVisit source
- Reference 53MJBIZDAILYmjbizdaily.comVisit source
- Reference 54BDSANALYTICSbdsanalytics.comVisit source
- Reference 55CDORcdor.colorado.govVisit source
- Reference 56CDPHcdph.ca.govVisit source
- Reference 57GRANDVIEWRESEARCHgrandviewresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 58LEAFLYleafly.comVisit source
- Reference 59STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 60RANDrand.orgVisit source
- Reference 61MICHIGANmichigan.govVisit source
- Reference 62IMERIimeri.jus.gob.uyVisit source
- Reference 63NBERnber.orgVisit source
- Reference 64CANNABIScannabis.illinois.govVisit source
- Reference 65PITCHBOOKpitchbook.comVisit source
- Reference 66LCBlcb.wa.govVisit source
- Reference 67CANNABIScannabis.ny.govVisit source
- Reference 68FORTUNEBUSINESSINSIGHTSfortunebusinessinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 69HEADSETheadset.ioVisit source
- Reference 70TAXtax.nv.govVisit source
- Reference 71NEWFRONTIERDATAnewfrontierdata.comVisit source
- Reference 72OKLAHOMAoklahoma.govVisit source
- Reference 73OREGONoregon.govVisit source