For the first time in history, daily marijuana use has surpassed daily consumption of alcohol and tobacco in the United States, according to a recent survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 21.4 million Americans over the age of 12 reported using marijuana daily, a significant increase of nearly 4 million compared to just five years ago. This marks a shift from previous years, where daily cigarette use was the highest.
The same survey revealed that 17.2 million Americans reported drinking alcohol daily or most days, indicating that its popularity has also declined. This trend is not surprising, given the increasing legalization of marijuana in 41 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use. As a result, consumers have access to a wide range of products, including gummies, tinctures, vapes, and drinks, marketed to a broader audience beyond traditional users.
While alcohol consumption has decreased due to various factors such as inflation, trade tensions, and the rise of weight loss drugs, there is evidence that younger generations are not abandoning alcohol for marijuana. According to a recent survey, the drinking rate among legal-age Gen Z consumers has stabilized at 74%, an 8% increase from three years prior.
It’s worth noting that there is a significant divide between daily and casual use. While marijuana has become increasingly popular among a small group of consumers, alcohol remains a more widely accepted option. Nearly 140 million respondents reported consuming alcohol at least once in the past month, compared to less than 44 million who reported using marijuana in the same time frame. However, daily marijuana use was reported at a higher rate of 50%, compared to 13% for daily alcohol consumption.
As the marijuana industry continues to innovate and develop new products, it may soon capture the mainstream appeal that alcohol has long enjoyed.
