Cannabis Impact by Age Group: Key Statistics for Addiction Medicine

Discover the latest numbers on cannabis addiction

Why Cannabis Use Matters Across Age Groups

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug globally, with significant implications for public health and addiction medicine. In 2021, approximately 52.5 million Americans aged 12 and older reported past-year cannabis use, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Understanding its impact by age group is critical for prevention and treatment strategies.

Adolescents (Ages 12–17)

Prevalence: In 2021, 10.5% of adolescents aged 12–17 in the U.S. used cannabis in the past year (SAMHSA, 2021).
Addiction Risk: Teens who begin using cannabis before age 18 are 4–7 times more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) than those who start later.
Brain Health: Cannabis use in adolescence is linked to a permanent IQ loss of up to 8 points and impaired memory and attention (SAMHSA, 2024).
Mental Health: Adolescent cannabis use increases the risk of psychosis or schizophrenia in some users (National Academies, 2017).

Young Adults (Ages 18–25)

Prevalence: 35.4% of young adults reported past-year cannabis use in 2021, the highest among all age groups (SAMHSA, 2022).
Addiction Risk: Approximately 1 in 10 cannabis users develop CUD, with higher rates (1 in 6) for those starting before age 18 (SAMHSA, 2024).
Mental Health: Cannabis use is associated with increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in young adults (Kimbrel et al., 2018).
Academic Impact: Regular cannabis use is linked to lower academic performance and cognitive deficits (Meier et al., 2015).

Adults (Ages 26–49)

Prevalence: 22.9% of adults aged 26–49 used cannabis in the past year (SAMHSA, 2022).
Health Risks: Long-term cannabis use is linked to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and respiratory issues (Sorensen et al., 2023).
Addiction Treatment: Admissions for cannabis use disorders are increasing globally, with digital interventions like CANreduce showing promise (JMIR, 2025).

Older Adults (Ages 50+)

Prevalence: Adults aged 50+ have seen the largest increase in cannabis use, with 12.1% of those 65+ reporting use in recent years (NIDA, 2024).
Therapeutic Use: Older adults often use cannabis for chronic pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety, though FDA approval is lacking (NIDA, 2024).
Risks: Cannabis may interact with medications like warfarin and benzodiazepines, posing risks for older adults (NIDA, 2024).

FAQ

What age group uses cannabis the most?

Young adults aged 18–25 have the highest cannabis use rates, with 35.4% reporting past-year use in 2021 (SAMHSA, 2022).

Is cannabis addictive for teenagers?

Yes, teens who start using cannabis before age 18 are 4–7 times more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (Winters & Lee, 2008).

Can older adults use cannabis safely?

While some older adults use cannabis for medical purposes, it may interact with medications and pose health risks (NIDA, 2024).

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