The 2023 Monitoring the Future survey, conducted by the University of Michigan and funded by the National Institutes of Health, revealed that cannabis and hallucinogen use remained at historically high levels among young and middle-aged adults in the US.
Approximately 42% of adults aged 19 to 30 reported using cannabis in the past year, with around 10% using it daily. This marks the first time more women in this age group reported cannabis use compared to men, although men in the older age group still used cannabis more frequently.
The survey also found that 29% of adults aged 35 to 50 reported using cannabis in the past year, with 8% using it daily. These findings are consistent with previous years but show significant increases over the past five to ten years.
Cannabis vaping slightly increased among younger adults, while nicotine vaping remained high across both age groups. Hallucinogen use stayed relatively stable, with 9% of young adults and 4% of middle-aged adults reporting use in 2023.
Alcohol remains the most-used substance among adults, with over 84% of younger adults reporting drinking in the past year, although frequent drinking has decreased compared to the previous decade. There have also been declines in cigarette smoking, opioid medication misuse, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs, continuing trends from the past five to ten years.
Despite some positive trends, such as reduced cigarette smoking, the survey highlighted ongoing public health concerns. Nicotine vaping continues to be prevalent, raising concerns about potential long-term effects. Additionally, the survey emphasized the need for more research on the risks and benefits of increasing cannabis and hallucinogen use.
Finally, the survey’s results provide important insights into substance use trends over time, particularly as the study’s participants age. The data will help researchers understand the long-term effects of drug use as more participants transition into later adulthood, offering valuable information for future public health strategies.
