Middle-Aged Adults Are Binge Drinking and Using Marijuana at Record Levels
New York TimesAug 30, 2023
Study: Daily Cannabis Use Exceeds Daily Drinking in US
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The Facts
A study published Wednesday in the journal Addiction says that as of 2022 more Americans self-reported daily cannabis use than reported drinking alcohol on a daily or near-daily basis.
While alcohol is still the more widely used substance, 2022 marked the first time it was eclipsed in terms of daily consumption. Lead author Jonathan Caulkins reported that 40% of cannabis users admitted to being daily or near-daily users.
The Spin
Left narrative
In addition to its growing societal acceptance, cannabis is generally less harmful than alcohol or tobacco, which makes legal marijuana a public health victory. It's time to end the war on cannabis and bring policy in line with the public desire for legalization.
Right narrative
Cannabis' risk to mental health and addiction is still unclear and its proliferation as a legal substance is nothing to celebrate. Daily use could be a huge risk factor for schizophrenia and other disorders. We need far more research before we proceed with expanding access to this drug.