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How many people use marijuana
As of the mid-2020s, marijuana (cannabis) use is widespread and increasing across much of the world, particularly in countries and regions that have implemented legalization or decriminalization measures. The number of people using marijuana is influenced by social, cultural, medical, and legal factors.
Global Marijuana Use: A Widespread Phenomenon
The 2023 World Drug Report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) states that approximately 219 million people globally used cannabis in the previous year. This represents about 4.3% of the global population aged 15–64. Globally, marijuana is by far the most popular illegal substance.
However, the term “illicit” is increasingly problematic, as many jurisdictions have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, or decriminalized its possession. Thus, the global statistics on marijuana use are a mix of regulated and unregulated consumption.
Trends Over Time
From 2010 to 2020, global cannabis use increased by more than 20%, with some of the most notable increases observed in North America, Western Europe, and parts of South America. Legal reforms have contributed significantly to these increases by reducing stigma and expanding access.
Marijuana Use in the United States
How Many Americans Use Marijuana?
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for 2022 states:
- 61.9 million people aged 12 or older used marijuana in the past year (about 22% of the U.S. population).
- 22 million reported using marijuana in the past month.
- Among adults aged 18–25, 37.9% reported past-year use.
- Daily or near-daily use has risen, with an estimated 6 million daily users.
Medical vs. Recreational Use
- As of 2025, 38 U.S. states and Washington D.C. have legalized marijuana for medical use.
- 24 states, including California, New York, Illinois, and Michigan, have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
- Medical cannabis patients number over 4 million across the country, though not all medical users are formally registered.
Use in Other Major Countries
Canada
- Cannabis was fully legalized for recreational and medical use in October 2018.
- The Canadian Cannabis Survey 2023 reported that 27% of Canadians aged 16 and older used marijuana in the past year.
- Daily or almost daily use was reported by 10% of respondents.
Europe
- Marijuana remains the most-used illicit drug in Europe.
- According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA):
- Over 22 million adults (15–64) in the European Union used cannabis in the past year (~7.5%).
- The highest prevalence is in France (21%), followed by Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic.
- Cannabis laws vary: some countries like the Netherlands have de facto legalization, while others enforce criminal penalties.
Australia
- The 2022 National Drug Strategy Household Survey showed that 11.6% of Australians aged 14+ used cannabis in the past year.
- Personal cannabis use was recently legalized in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and other states are considering similar reforms.
Asia, Africa, and Latin America
- Asia: Cannabis use is comparatively low in places like Japan and Singapore due to harsh penalties. However, Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize marijuana in 2022.
- Africa: Use varies, but marijuana is commonly used in countries like Nigeria and South Africa. South Africa allows personal use for adults.
- Latin America: Uruguay fully legalized marijuana in 2013. In Brazil and Argentina, medical use is permitted, and recreational laws are under debate. In Mexico, recreational cannabis was decriminalized but commercial legalization remains pending.
Demographics of Marijuana Use
Age
- Young adults (18–25) are the highest users globally, with usage rates ranging from 25–40% in countries with accessible markets.
- Teen use has remained stable or even declined slightly in regions where marijuana is legal, possibly due to age restrictions and regulated access.
- Older adults (50+) represent a rapidly growing segment, particularly among medical users.
Gender
- Men are more likely to use marijuana than women globally, though the gender gap is narrowing in some regions.
- Women are increasingly represented among medical cannabis patients.
Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status
- In the U.S., marijuana use is relatively similar across racial groups, though Black and Hispanic populations have historically faced disproportionate legal consequences for use and possession.
- Use is higher among those with lower income and education levels, although trends among college-educated and professional users are rising.
Medical Use and Patient Numbers
Medical marijuana is used to manage conditions such as:
- Chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression (with mixed clinical evidence)
Global Estimates of Medical Use
- United States: Over 4 million registered patients, but real numbers are likely higher.
- Canada: 250,000+ active medical cannabis patients.
- Germany: Over 100,000 patients, with prescriptions increasing due to insurance coverage.
- Israel: A leader in medical cannabis research, with over 100,000 licensed patients.
The medical cannabis market is projected to grow globally, with analysts forecasting a market value exceeding $50 billion by 2030.
Societal and Policy Impacts
Legalization’s Effect on Use Rates
- Increased legalization does correlate with higher adult use, particularly recreationally.
- However, teen use has not significantly increased, based on U.S. and Canadian data, possibly due to effective regulation.
- Perceived risk has declined, with many adults viewing marijuana as safer than alcohol or tobacco.
Stigma and Normalization
- Marijuana use is increasingly seen as socially acceptable in many regions.
- The shift from “illicit drug” to wellness product or medication is reshaping public discourse and advertising.
The Future of Marijuana Use
Several trends are expected to shape global cannabis use in the next decade:
- Continued legalization in North and South America, parts of Europe, and potentially Africa.
- Expansion of medical cannabis programs in Asia and Eastern Europe.
- Growth in alternative consumption methods (e.g., edibles, vapes, tinctures).
- Greater research funding into cannabinoids and therapeutic applications.
- Development of global regulatory standards for cultivation, sales, and safety.
Conclusion
Marijuana is used by hundreds of millions of people globally, with rates rising as stigma diminishes and legalization spreads. While use remains concentrated among young adults, older adults and patients with chronic conditions are increasingly turning to cannabis. Data suggests a shift toward normalized, regulated use for both medical and recreational purposes. With more countries revising their cannabis policies, global usage is expected to continue rising, accompanied by greater scientific insight into its risks and benefits. Understanding how many people use marijuana is essential for shaping public health policy, regulation, and education strategies in the years ahead.
