Daily or near-daily marijuana use in the U.S. has surpassed daily alcohol consumption for the first time, according to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The survey defines daily or near-daily use as consuming marijuana on 300 or more days in the past year, while daily cigarette smokers are defined as those who smoked on all 30 days of the past month.
Key findings include:
- 21.4 million Americans reported daily or near-daily marijuana use in 2025, exceeding 19.9 million daily cigarette smokers and 17.2 million daily drinkers.
- The number of daily or near-daily marijuana users rose 21% between 2022 and 2025, from 17.7 million to 21.4 million.
- Adults aged 26 and older accounted for most of the increase, with 20.9 million adults using marijuana daily or near-daily in 2025, up 22% from 17.2 million in 2021.
Despite marijuana now being the most commonly used substance on a daily or near-daily basis, alcohol remains the most widely used substance overall. The survey found 129 million Americans consumed alcohol in the past month, compared to 43.8 million who used marijuana. Cigarette and broader tobacco use continued to decline, dropping from 20.1% of Americans in 2021 to 15.9% in 2025, while general marijuana use increased from 13.2% to 15.1% during the same period.
Trends and Demographics
The sharpest rise in daily marijuana use occurred between 2021 and 2022, with an increase of 2.8 million users. Since then, the growth has continued but at a slightly slower pace. The data indicates that teenagers are not the primary drivers of this trend, as daily use among those under 18 remains relatively stable. Instead, the increase is largely attributed to adults aged 26 and older, who now represent the majority of frequent users.
Definitions and Methodology
The survey categorizes substance use based on frequency:
- Daily or near-daily marijuana use: 300+ days per year.
- Daily cigarette smoking: Smoked on all 30 days of the past month.
- Daily alcohol consumption: Not explicitly defined in the survey but inferred as regular, frequent use.
The 2025 survey marks the first time daily marijuana use has surpassed daily drinking in the U.S., reflecting broader shifts in substance use patterns over the past decade.
Broader Public Health Context
While the survey does not assess the health impacts of daily marijuana use, it aligns with broader trends in substance use research. Public health experts note that cigarette smoking has declined steadily due to decades of anti-tobacco campaigns, while alcohol remains culturally embedded despite well-documented risks of overconsumption. Marijuana, meanwhile, has seen growing legalization and social acceptance, particularly for medical and recreational use in many states.
The data comes amid ongoing debates about the long-term effects of daily cannabis use, including potential impacts on mental health, cognitive function, and addiction. Researchers emphasize that frequency of use does not necessarily equate to addiction, but warn that daily or near-daily consumption may increase the risk of dependence for some individuals.
Policy and Societal Implications
The rise in daily marijuana use coincides with expanding legalization efforts across the U.S. As of 2025, 24 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana, while 38 states permit medical use. Proponents of legalization argue that regulated markets reduce black-market activity and allow for safer, tested products. Critics, however, point to concerns about youth access, impaired driving, and potential public health consequences of widespread use.
The survey’s findings are expected to fuel discussions among policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups about how to address the growing prevalence of daily marijuana use, particularly among adults. Some experts suggest that public health campaigns may need to adapt to this shift, focusing on harm reduction strategies rather than abstinence-only messaging.
Expert Reactions
Public health officials and researchers have offered mixed responses to the survey’s findings. Some highlight the need for further study on the long-term effects of daily cannabis use, while others emphasize the importance of evidence-based policies that balance access and regulation.
The SAMHSA survey is conducted annually and includes responses from Americans aged 12 and older. The full report is expected to be published in late 2025, with additional breakdowns by state, age group, and substance type.