THC Usage Statistics to Know in 2026

Curious about how many Americans are using cannabis? The latest THC usage statistics reveal a significant transformation in consumption behaviors across the United States.

From record-breaking usage rates to surprising demographic trends, these numbers help us get a clear picture of THC in modern America. Whether you’re researching for personal knowledge or professional insights, the data shows how quickly attitudes and habits around cannabis are evolving.

In this article, we will explore:

• THC Usage Statistics in the United States
• THC Usage Demographics
• THC Usage Compared to Alcohol and Tobacco
• Medical vs Recreational THC Usage Statistics

… plus, we talk about the frequency of THC use and answer common questions about consumption patterns. Ready to dive into the numbers?

THC Usage Statistics in the United States

Understanding cannabis consumption patterns across the country provides insights into evolving cultural attitudes.

Current THC Usage in America

According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), cannabis use has reached historic levels. In 2024, 22.3% of Americans (approximately 64.2 million people) reported using marijuana in the past year, marking a significant increase from 19% in 2021.

Past-month marijuana use, considered “recent” cannabis consumption, also increased substantially, from 13.2% (37 million people) in 2021 to 15.4% (44.3 million people) in 2024. This represents the highest levels in the survey’s history.

Approximately 45% of Americans report cannabis use in their lifetime (having tried it at least once), although most aren’t frequent consumers.

Over the past decade, these numbers have climbed steadily. Between 2013 and 2022, cannabis use increased from 7.59% to 15.11%, more than doubling, according to research published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.

THC Usage Demographics

Cannabis consumption varies significantly across demographic groups, with age and gender playing substantial roles in determining who uses THC and how frequently.

THC Usage by Age

Each generation shows unique THC usage rates and consumption preferences.

 

• Young adults: According to the 2024 NSDUH data, approximately 35% of individuals aged 18 to 25 reported past-year marijuana use in 2024, making this the demographic with the highest usage rates across all age groups.
• Adults: Consumers 26 and older showed 21.7% past-year use in 2024, marking a significant increase from 17.3% in 2021. This older adult demographic has grown substantially as cannabis and THC have become legally accessible and more socially acceptable.
• Seniors: Notably, the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s 2023 Monitoring the Future data indicates that seniors 65 and older represent the fastest-growing demographic for cannabis use, increasing more than sevenfold since 2006. Use appears driven primarily by interest in medical applications.

THC Usage by Gender

Gender differences in THC consumption historically have been significant, although the gap continues to narrow.

According to NIDA’s research, for the first time in 2023, Gen Z female respondents reported a higher prevalence of past-year cannabis use than did male respondents in the same age group, reflecting a reversal of the recorded gap between sexes.

However, among adults 35 to 50, male respondents maintained a higher prevalence of past-year cannabis use than did female respondents, consistent with patterns observed over the past decade.

Men are more likely to be daily or near-daily users. However, research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports shows that from 2021 to 2022, cannabis use increased among both male and female respondents (from 12.49% to 14.33% for males and from 11.21% to 13% for females), indicating growing acceptance and use across both genders.

THC Usage Statistics Compared to Alcohol

Comparing cannabis to legal substances like alcohol provides essential context for understanding its place in American consumption patterns.

According to SAMHSA’s 2024 NSDUH report, in 2024, 134.3 million people reported using alcohol in the past month, and 44.3 million reported using marijuana.

This means past-month usage rates are approximately:

• Alcohol: 47% of the population
• Marijuana: 15.4% of the population

SAMHSA’s data show that among Americans, 50.8% used alcohol in the past month and 13% used marijuana, indicating that while alcohol remains the most commonly used substance, marijuana use has been increasing.

Interestingly, substitution trends are emerging. Research indicates that states with legal cannabis markets, such as hemp-derived THC drinks and THC edibles, see reductions in alcohol sales, suggesting that some people might be choosing cannabis over other intoxicating substances.

This pattern is reflected in Crescent Canna’s recent consumer survey, which found that an overwhelming 77% of THC beverage consumers have decreased their alcohol consumption, and 21% have given up alcohol altogether.

Medical vs. Recreational THC Usage Statistics

The distinction between medical and recreational THC usage statistics reveals essential insights about consumer motivations.

According to research published in BMC Public Health examining cannabis use in the U.S. and Canada, the overall prevalence of self-reported cannabis use for medical purposes was 27%, with rates varying by location.

The study found that prevalence was higher in U.S. states with legal recreational cannabis (34%) compared to U.S. states where cannabis is illegal (23%) or states with medical-only programs (25%). This suggests that legal access frameworks significantly influence the way people report and use cannabis for medical purposes.

THC Usage Trends

Cannabis usage patterns have shifted significantly over the past two decades. According to the National Academies of Sciences report on Cannabis Policy, cannabis use increased substantially from 2013 to 2019, plateaued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then increased again from 2021 to 2024.

The 2024 NSDUH data also show a clear upward trend: past-year marijuana use increased from 19% in 2021 to 22.3% in 2024. The percentage using marijuana in the past month increased from 13.2% to 15.4% during the same period.

Among adults 26 and older, the increase has been particularly striking: from 17.3% in 2021 to 21.7% in 2024. This trend coincides with the expansion of legal cannabis markets across numerous states.

Perhaps more significant than usage numbers is the dramatic change in social acceptance. Public opinion polling in 2021 shows that approximately 68% of Americans support cannabis legalization, one of the most dramatic shifts in public opinion on any policy issue in the United States.

Similarly, the CDC data report that the perceived risk of harm from cannabis use has decreased substantially, with fewer Americans viewing cannabis as dangerous or morally wrong compared to previous decades. This reduced stigma has encouraged more people to debunk common cannabis myths and to discuss their THC use openly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people use THC regularly?

Approximately 15.4% of American adults, or roughly 44.3 million people, regularly use cannabis (including THC), according to SAMHSA’s 2024 NSDUH data. This represents the percentage of Americans who used cannabis in the past month. These numbers have increased substantially over the past decade, reflecting both legalization and reduced stigma.

Is THC use increasing every year?

Yes, THC use has increased steadily over the past decade. Past-year cannabis use among adults increased from 19% in 2021 to 22.3% in 2024, representing a more than 17% jump in just three years. However, these rates vary by demographic group.

Which age group uses THC the most?

Young adults 18 to 25 report the highest cannabis and THC usage rates at approximately 35% for past-year use, according to 2024 NSDUH data. Adults 26 and older follow at 21.7%. However, the senior demographic shows the fastest growth rate, with use among those 65+ increasing more than sevenfold since 2006, driven mainly by medical cannabis interest.

Does legalization increase THC usage?

Research indicates that legalization does lead to increases in adult cannabis and THC use. The 2024 NSDUH data show substantial increases from 2021 to 2024 as more states legalized cannabis. However, much of this reflects previously hidden consumption becoming measurable rather than new users. Importantly, CDC data show that youth use rates have not increased significantly in legal states, contradicting fears about teen access.

Key Insights

• Approximately 64.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2024, representing 22.3% of the population.
• Young adults (18 to 25) have the highest usage rate at 35%, though adults 26 and older represent the fastest-growing demographic.
• Cannabis is the third-most commonly used intoxicating substance in America.
• For the first time in 2023, young adult Gen Z females reported higher past-year cannabis use than did males in the same age group, reflecting a reversal of historical gender gaps.