U.S. National Cannabis Use Rates Among 18+ Adults

Cannabis Use Increasing as Public Attitudes Evolve

• According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 1 in 10 Americans (9%) reported consuming cannabis in the preceding month, while 14% reported doing so in the past year, up from 6.6% and 11.1%, respectively, since 2009.
• The increase in reported cannabis use equates to approximately 7.5 million more adults reporting past-month use than in 2009.
• Past-month use is an especially important indicator, as it is a proxy for regular cannabis use.
• Some drivers of the increases include greater access to medical cannabis (i.e., more states offering medical cannabis programs), a growing body of research and increased public awareness of cannabis’ wellness benefits, and reduced stigma associated with cannabis making consumers more comfortable in admitting usage habits.