Americans now consume much less alcohol than they did before, and there are several studies to back this up.
According to Gallup polls, just 54% of American adults now admit to consuming alcohol, which is the lowest it’s ever been in Gallup’s history of 90 years. It’s clear that there is a growing sentiment among American adults that alcohol consumption is harmful for health, and for the first time in history, the majority of the population share this view.
Gallup data states that 60% of Americans admitted to drinking booze from 199y to 2023, though these figures dropped to 62% back in 2023, and continues to decrease to 54% today. Interestingly, it coincides with a significant uptick in cannabis use these days, compared to a decade ago.
Similar results were found in the results of a recent federal survey analyzing mental health and drug use found that Americans have cut down on tobacco smoking and binge drinking.
They also found that cannabis consumption is significantly increasing. The report from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, also known as the NSDUH, is released annually, sharing valuable insights on substance use and mental health. While report also stated concern over the fact that approximately 21 million Americans that are over the age of 12 met criteria for “marijuana use disorder”, or individuals that may have a difficult time stopping if it’s harming them, we believe that an increase in marijuana use instead of tobacco or alcohol is good news.
There are many factors driving the decrease in tobacco use and binge drinking among Americans, as well as leading to the increase in marijuana use. Regardless, it’s a positive shift, because it represents a movement toward less harmful and more mindful consumption for adults.
Less Health Risks
Alcohol and tobacco have been proven to cause cancer, as well as many other fatal health conditions. Substituting marijuana for these substances is significantly healthier, especially if people quit booze and cigarette smoking to consume weed instead.
According to researchers in Australia, inhaling cannabis use for the long term doesn’t affect lung function the same way as tobacco does. The Australian investigators analyzed the effects of tobacco smoke to cannabis smoke on the lung functions of adult subjects, then checked their pulmonary performance 9 years before to compare. They found that cigarette smokers “already showed evidence of impaired lung function” by the time they reached the age of 30, while “those who have only used cannabis ever since the adolescent period do not appear to have evidence of impairment of lung function.”
Additionally, cannabis offers a plethora of options when it comes to consumption. If you prefer not to smoke, there are tinctures, edibles, beverages, and oils to choose from. These smokeless options are increasingly becoming mainstream, so you can enjoy the uplifting and calming properties of marijuana without exposing yourself to smoke completely.
A Gentler, Safer Social Experience
According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is responsible for the deaths of 2.6 million people each year. Yet it remains the standard ‘social lubricant’ of choice for society, and has been for many decades now, despite all the risks involved.
On the other hand, cannabis can make social experiences even more memorable, but without the hangovers, toxicity, and health risks. Choosing weed is also a much safer option for the general public, for many reasons. For example, alcohol is one of the most commonly detected substances identified among drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents,
Whether you choose to unwind and socialize with THC or without the high using CBD, cannabis products are safe and wholesome. In fact, they even promote health by improving sleep quality, reducing inflammation, and restoring a good mood: alcohol can’t even come close to those health benefits.
Economic Growth
As we put down the glass and cigarette, and opt for marijuana instead, we’re helping support an industry that is critical in stimulating job creation all over the country. Marijuana also generates billions in tax revenues which help fund important community programs, including those that were once ignored.
Legal cannabis today is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the United States, with thousands of job opportunities available in many roles. These include laboratory testing, cultivation, product design, marketing, and so much more. When you choose marijuana over tobacco and booze, you’re supporting local economies and helping small businesses as well as farmers.
Better Lifestyle Choices, Healthier Relationships
Marijuana users generally lean more towards wellness-oriented choices, including outdoor recreation, meditation, yoga, and fitness as a whole. The difference is stark when you compare it to the lifestyle of smokers and heavy drinkers. Since marijuana use doesn’t trigger violent behavior, it helps promote a healthier lifestyle and can even promote healthy relationships.
CONCLUSION
As Americans progress towards cannabis use and further away from alcohol and tobacco, it resembles a sign of the times: a lifestyle change that mirrors society’s awareness and progression towards healing instead of harm. We can expect to see people progressing towards cannabis more, inspiring a broader evolution in how we’re defining recreation, self-care, and wellness.
Past generations may have chosen to light a cigarette or chug a drink to decompress for work, but we all know how a lifetime of these habits end up. We’re the generation that chooses collective health and responsibility. More importantly, choosing weed doesn’t just enable you to improve your personal health, it enables you to reinvest in local jobs, agriculture, community development, and even social equity.
AMERICANS BELIEVE IN WEED, READ ON...
