CANNABIS and hallucinogen use among adults continued to reach historic highs in 2023, according to the latest findings from the NIH-supported Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey. The study, which tracked substance use behaviors among adults, highlighted key trends in drug consumption across various age groups, signaling ongoing changes in substance use patterns.
Among adults aged 19 to 30, 42% reported using cannabis in the past year, with 29% reporting past-month use, and 10% engaging in daily consumption (defined as 20 or more days per month). In the 35 to 50 age group, the corresponding figures were slightly lower at 29%, 19%, and 8%, respectively. These trends reflect a significant increase over the past five and ten years for both age groups.
Hallucinogen use has similarly seen a rise, with 9% of younger adults and 4% of middle-aged adults reporting past-year use of substances like LSD, psilocybin (‘magic mushrooms’), and peyote. These numbers represent a 5-year upward trend in psychedelic use, driven by growing interest and availability of these substances.
Vaping also remains at historic highs among younger adults. In 2023, 25% of adults aged 19 to 30 reported vaping nicotine, while 22% reported vaping cannabis. Among 35- to 50-year-olds, the rates of nicotine and cannabis vaping held steady from previous years, although long-term trends in this group are still emerging, as the survey began asking these questions only in 2019.
Notably, the gender gap in cannabis use has reversed among younger adults: for the first time, women aged 19 to 30 reported higher past-year cannabis use than men in the same age group. However, men aged 35 to 50 continued to report higher use than women, reflecting a decade-long pattern.
While smoking and daily alcohol use continued to decline, binge drinking saw an uptick among 35- to 50-year-olds, underscoring the evolving landscape of substance use across adulthood. These findings highlight the need for ongoing research into the risks and potential therapeutic benefits of substances like cannabis and hallucinogens.
Reference: NIH. Cannabis and hallucinogen use among adults remained at historic highs in 2023. 2024. Available at: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/cannabis-hallucinogen-use-among-adults-remained-historic-highs-2023. Last accessed: September 17, 2024.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
