Biden's Health Agency Unpacks Trends In Cannabis Use: Who's Buying, Consuming What

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), released results of the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The study now includes questions about various methods of cannabis use, such as vaping, edibles, dabs, lotions and CBD products. 

“The National Survey on Drug Use and Health provides an annual snapshot of behavioral health nationwide,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This data informs knowledge, policy and action, and drives our shared commitment across government, healthcare, industry and community to offer resources and services to those in need.”

Highlights On Cannabis: The update includes distinguishing between marijuana and hemp products and inquiring about purchase patterns, especially in the states where marijuana has been decriminalized or legalized.

What Did They Find? The survey indicated overall cannabis use trends remained relatively stable in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a slight increase from 2019 and 2020, possibly due to reduced social restrictions post-COVID-19.

For the first time, the survey looked into specific methods of cannabis consumption, including smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating or drinking, sublingual administration, and using lotions or creams.

Key findings from the 2022 survey showed smoking is the most prevalent method of cannabis consumption (78%), followed by eating or drinking infused products (47%), vaping (37%), dabbing (18%), and other methods such as lotions, patches and pills (15%). Marijuana continued to be the most used federally illicit drug, with 22% of people aged 12 and older reporting past-year use and 15% reporting past-month use, an increase from 2021.

The survey also revealed a slight increase in marijuana use among teens aged 12-17, with 6.4% reporting past-month use in 2022, compared to 6.1% in the previous year. However, this rate is lower than the 7.4% reported in 2019. The data suggested that youth consumption remained stable even as more states legalized adult-use marijuana, supporting the argument regulated markets with ID requirements for sales can effectively deter underage use.

Marijuana Moment pointed out Becerra posted the report at exactly 4:20 ET on Twitter! 

This year’s report shows that millions of Americans, of all ages, continue to face mental health & substance use challenges–sometimes both at once. It also confirms that the opioid crisis remains one of the greatest public health challenges in the U.S.

https://t.co/4dLUAUYoIC pic.twitter.com/AAkXrEAaJ1

— Secretary Xavier Becerra (@SecBecerra) November 13, 2023

Photo: El Planteo