New federal survey data shows that regular cannabis use exceeded cigarette smoking in the U.S. in 2025, marking a notable shift in substance use trends across the country.
According to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 43.8 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using cannabis on a regular basis last year. By comparison, 36.1 million people in the same age group said they regularly smoked cigarettes. The findings, released on July 28, highlight changing habits among U.S. consumers as cannabis becomes more widely accepted in many parts of the nation.
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 recorded the highest level of regular cannabis use, with about 8.4 million users in that age bracket. Cigarette smoking, however, remained far more common among adults aged 26 and older, with approximately 32.2 million people reported smoking.
Smoking remained the leading method of cannabis consumption, while edible products ranked second. Other commonly reported forms included vaping, concentrates, waxes, and dabs. Beyond traditional tobacco products, nicotine vaping continued to be widespread, with roughly 29.3 million Americans reporting regular use of e-cigarettes or similar devices.
The annual survey gathered responses from approximately 60,000 participants nationwide. It is carried out by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and has served as one of the federal government’s primary sources of information on substance use and mental health for decades.
Although the report does not identify a specific reason why cannabis use overtook cigarette smoking, the findings coincide with continued expansion of cannabis legalization throughout the U.S. At present, 41 states permit medical cannabis programs, while 24 states have approved recreational cannabis use. Washington, DC also allows both recreational and medical consumption.
Even with cannabis use on the rise, alcohol remains the country’s most commonly used substance. Survey results indicate that 129.1 million Americans aged 12 and older consumed alcohol in 2025. Among them, 44% reported binge drinking at least once a month.
Federal health officials define binge drinking differently for men and women. For men, it means consuming five or more alcoholic drinks on a single day within the previous 30 days. For women, the threshold is four or more drinks during the same period.
First launched in 1971, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health tracks self-reported information from the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged 12 and older. In addition to measuring the use of tobacco, illegal drugs, prescription medications, alcohol, and nicotine products, the survey also examines substance use disorders, treatment access, recovery, depression, anxiety, mental health care, and other indicators of psychological well-being.
As more jurisdictions reform their drug laws to sanction marijuana sales, business opportunities are likely to expand for various enterprises like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) that don’t sell marijuana but instead provide services that marijuana companies need.
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