Is Cannabis More Popular Than Cigarettes and Alcohol? A Look at U.S. Trends
Cannabis Use on the Rise in the United States
Cannabis is no longer a fringe choice or underground habit. Over the past decade, public attitudes and consumption habits have rapidly evolved, reshaping how Americans think about cannabis compared with traditional substances like cigarettes and alcohol.
Recent data show a clear trend: cannabis use is growing while cigarette smoking declines. According to Gallup polling, approximately 15% of U.S. adults report smoking cannabis, compared with about 11% who smoke cigarettes. This marks one of the first times cannabis smoking has outpaced cigarette smoking in U.S. adult populations. Gallup.com+1
YouGov polling also shows that a large share of Americans view cannabis as safer than both alcohol and tobacco. Majorities believe marijuana is less harmful than regular alcohol use and cigarette smoking, reflecting a significant shift in public perception. YouGov
More People Have Tried Cannabis Than Ever Before
Gallup’s long-running surveys indicate that nearly half of American adults say they’ve tried cannabis at least once in their lives. This lifetime experimentation rate reflects decades of legal reform and cultural acceptance, increasing access and removing stigma. Gallup.com
While lifetime use of cannabis remains below the lifetime rate for alcohol (which historically sits much higher), the gap is narrowing as attitudes toward cannabis become more positive and availability expands. Pew Research Center
Cannabis Use Patterns Are Changing
Not all cannabis use is equal, and patterns differ from those seen with alcohol and tobacco. For example:
- Daily or near-daily cannabis use has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting not just experimentation but frequent use. Some national surveys have found that in terms of regular consumption patterns, cannabis use is catching up with, and in some cases surpassing, daily alcohol use. AP News
- Age and demographic patterns vary, with younger adults showing higher rates of regular cannabis use than older groups, similar to trends once seen with tobacco and alcohol consumption. Marijuana Moment
These patterns reflect broader cultural shifts as legalization expands in many states and cannabis products — including hemp-derived options — become more mainstream.
Public Perception: A Significant Shift
Public opinion is a major driver of changing substance preferences. Surveys reveal that most Americans now view cannabis use as less harmful than cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption. This shift parallels growing acceptance of cannabis for both wellness and recreational use, including hemp-derived products and regulated THC formulations. YouGov+1
Many users report positive experiences with cannabis and say it has a place in modern lifestyle and wellness. These perceptions contrast with long-held views of cigarettes and heavy alcohol use, which are widely perceived as more harmful overall.
What This Means for Hemp and Cannabis Culture
The rise in cannabis popularity relative to cigarettes and alcohol reflects bigger changes in how people approach hemp, cannabis, and lifestyle choices:
- Cultural acceptance is expanding. Cannabis is no longer just associated with counterculture. It’s part of everyday wellness, creative routines, and social settings.
- Hemp-derived products broaden access. The growth of the hemp market — including THCa, HHC, CBD, and other cannabinoids — allows more people to explore alternatives without relying solely on traditional cannabis markets.
- Perception affects behavior. When people see cannabis as safer or more holistic compared with cigarettes or alcohol, they are more likely to choose it regularly and integrate it into their routines.
These changes show a dynamic shift in the U.S. substance landscape, where cannabis — rooted in hemp history and evolving alongside legalization — is increasingly seen as a legitimate and normalized choice.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis use in the United States is no longer a marginal habit. More adults now smoke cannabis than cigarettes, and public perception places cannabis as a less harmful alternative to alcohol and tobacco. These trends reflect evolving cultural values, expanded legal access, and growing interest in hemp and cannabis products that support a variety of experiences.
At Toastys Co, we celebrate this shift — offering premium, responsibly sourced hemp and cannabinoid products that align with informed, intentional use. Staying current with cultural trends and consumer preferences helps us bring quality experiences to people who choose cannabis thoughtfully and responsibly.