Poll Reveals More Americans Use Cannabis Daily Than Drink Alcohol

Daily Cannabis Use Surpasses Daily Alcohol Consumption in New Poll

A recent YouGov survey has revealed a surprising shift in substance use patterns among Americans, showing that more people now use marijuana daily compared to those who drink alcohol every day. Conducted from June 7-10, the poll found that 8% of U.S. adults reported daily marijuana use, while 5% said they drink alcohol daily.

Perceptions of Substance Use

The survey also shed light on differing attitudes toward the impact of each substance on daily life. It found that alcohol drinkers are nearly three times more likely to believe they would benefit from reducing their intake compared to marijuana users. This suggests a more critical view of alcohol consumption among its users relative to the perception of marijuana use.

Legalization Views

Public opinion on the legalization of these substances also showed interesting trends. The poll revealed that 60% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, while a higher percentage, 76%, believe that alcohol should remain legal. Among those who have used either substance, support for legalization is strong and nearly uniform, with 81% of alcohol users and 79% of marijuana users in favor of making marijuana legal.

Usage Patterns

Despite the rise in daily marijuana use, alcohol remains the more commonly used substance overall. The survey indicated that 84% of respondents have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives, whereas 48% have tried marijuana. Monthly usage patterns also favor alcohol, with 41% of adults reporting they drink monthly, compared to 17% who use marijuana monthly.

Implications

These findings highlight a significant shift in daily consumption habits, with marijuana use now slightly outpacing daily alcohol consumption. This shift points to a broader acceptance of marijuana and suggests evolving attitudes towards substance use and its regulation.

The YouGov survey underscores changing trends in substance use in the United States. While alcohol remains more prevalent overall, daily marijuana use has surpassed daily alcohol consumption, reflecting a shift in public behavior and attitudes. As support for marijuana legalization continues to grow, these trends could have significant implications for future policy and public health discussions.