This is a recent result, according to a study released in 2024. Here’s a breakdown:
Daily Marijuana Use Increases: In 2022, daily or near-daily marijuana use surpassed comparable levels of everyday drinking.
The Numbers: An estimated 17.7 million people reported daily/near-daily marijuana usage, compared to 14.7 million daily/near-daily drinkers [research on daily marijuana vs. drinking in the United States].
Shifting Trends: This refers to a change throughout time. Historically, alcohol usage was far more common.
It is vital to examine the following extra points:
Overall Use: While marijuana has a higher daily use rate, alcohol is still more widely used.
Frequency of Use: Daily marijuana use is more similar to daily tobacco use than to the occasional social drinking habits that one may encounter.
It is a behavior defined by regular and consistent intake, which frequently leads to dependence and addiction. This is because marijuana contains psychoactive substances that affect brain chemistry, causing feelings of exhilaration and relaxation.
In contrast, social drinking behaviors are often defined by the occasional and moderate consumption of alcohol in social contexts.
Furthermore, research has indicated that regular marijuana usage might hurt one’s physical and mental health. Chronic marijuana usage has been related to respiratory issues, memory impairment, and an increased chance of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, long-term marijuana usage might result in diminished focus, motivation, and decision-making abilities.
In contrast, social drinking behaviors are often defined by the occasional and moderate consumption of alcohol in social contexts. While heavy drinking can be harmful to one’s health, moderate drinking has been linked to potential benefits such as a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Finally, everyday marijuana usage should be done with prudence and an understanding of the potential hazards. It is critical to recognize that this behavior is more akin to daily tobacco usage than the occasional social drinking behaviors that we may experience.
Individuals who prefer to consume marijuana daily should be aware of the hazards and seek expert assistance if necessary.
This is an emerging area of research, and the long-term consequences of this transition are still being investigated.
