Foreign Media: According to data from the journal *Addiction*, in recent years, the daily use rate of marijuana among young Americans aged 19 to 30 has officially surpassed that of alcohol, marking a significant shift in consumption habits in the United States.
Between 1992 and 2022, the rate of daily or near-daily marijuana use surged 15-fold, with approximately one in every 10 young Americans reporting daily or nearly daily use; in contrast, daily alcohol consumption rates remained relatively stable or even declined slightly during the same period. Currently, about 40% of marijuana users are daily or high-frequency users, whose consumption patterns have become more similar to tobacco than to alcohol.
The primary drivers behind this trend include the rapid legalization of recreational marijuana across multiple U.S. states, the ongoing expansion of medical marijuana programs, and a significant decline in public perception of marijuana’s risks—particularly among adolescents, where research shows increasing numbers view marijuana as less harmful than alcohol, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes.
However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that long-term use can lead to dependence, cognitive impairment, and increased mental health risks; alcohol, on the other hand, is closely linked to liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and fatalities from drunk driving. The nature of these risks differs significantly, making direct comparison difficult.
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1865494586438792/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.