Cannabis and psychedelic drug use reached record levels among adults in the US last year, marking a decade-long increase in the consumption of these substances. The reasons behind this surge in the use of mind-altering drugs are not clearly understood, but it may be attributed to changing attitudes, increased accessibility, and problems within the healthcare system.
The University of Michigan’s Megan Patrick and her colleagues gathered data on substance use in US adults as part of the annual Monitoring the Future study, which has been monitoring substance use since 1975. The study involved approximately 28,500 adults who joined during their last year of secondary school.
The researchers found that almost 44% of young adults aged 19 to 30 and nearly 28% of “midlife” adults aged 35 to 50 reported using marijuana in the past year – the highest numbers recorded for both groups.
Daily marijuana use also hit a record high in 2022, with over 11% of young adults and over 6% of midlife adults reporting cannabis use on at least 20 of the last 30 days. These rates have doubled since 2012.
Psychedelic drug use has also increased. In 2022, about 8% of young adults and 4% of midlife adults reported using hallucinogenic drugs like LSD or MDMA in the past year, which is more than double the rates from 2012.
The legalization of cannabis and psychedelics has made these drugs more accessible and socially acceptable. Medical marijuana is legal in 38 states, and recreational use is allowed in 23 states plus Washington DC. Some cities, including Seattle and Denver, have decriminalized psilocybin, and two states, Oregon and Colorado, have legalized medical use of the psychedelic.
Although the US Food and Drug Administration has only approved a few cannabis-related compounds for specific conditions, there is a widespread belief that marijuana can treat more ailments, which may contribute to its increasing use. Additionally, the affordability of cannabis compared to healthcare costs and concerns about the opioid epidemic may drive people towards marijuana as an alternative treatment.
Interest in psychedelics has risen due to growing evidence of their potential benefits in treating depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions. Given the high rate of mental health issues in the US, individuals may be using psychedelics as a form of self-medication.
This trend could also indicate a shift away from more harmful substances. The use of narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines, and alcohol have been decreasing among young adults over the past decade. While midlife adults are drinking more, their use of narcotics (excluding heroin) has declined.
However, it is important to note that these psychoactive substances carry risks, especially when used without proper screening or safeguards. Both psychedelics and marijuana can have adverse effects, particularly if used medicinally without consulting a healthcare professional.
Insights:
- The rise in the use of cannabis and psychedelics among US adults indicates a shift in attitudes towards these substances and increased accessibility.
- Societal factors, such as the legalization of marijuana and decriminalization of psychedelics in some areas, have contributed to the surge in consumption.
- Financial considerations and concerns about the opioid crisis have also driven individuals towards cannabis as an alternative treatment.
- Interest in psychedelics may be fueled by the growing evidence of their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions.
- The decrease in the use of other substances suggests a positive shift towards less harmful alternatives.
- However, it is important to recognize the risks associated with these substances and the need for proper screening and guidance when using them for medicinal purposes.
