Steady Increase in Lifetime Marijuana Use

From 2009 to 2022, the number of Americans who have used marijuana in their lifetime saw a consistent rise, growing from 104,950,000 to 132,296,000. This represents an overall increase of approximately 26% over 13 years, highlighting a significant shift in marijuana consumption patterns in the United States.

Accelerated Growth in Recent Years

The data shows an acceleration in the number of lifetime marijuana users in the latter part of the timeline. Specifically, between 2018 and 2022, the increase was over 8.3 million people, compared to a 7.7 million increase from 2013 to 2017. This indicates a growing trend of marijuana use or willingness to report such use in more recent years.

Year-over-Year Growth Insights

The year-over-year growth in the number of Americans reporting lifetime marijuana use has been relatively stable, with an average annual increase of around 2.1 million people. However, the growth from 2021 to 2022 was notably higher, with approximately 3.4 million new users. This could suggest an increase in the social acceptance or availability of marijuana.

Analysis of Growth Trends

The most significant year-over-year increase in lifetime marijuana use was observed between 2021 and 2022, indicating a recent surge in either the acceptance or reporting of marijuana consumption. This surge could be attributed to changes in legislation, societal attitudes, or other factors influencing the perception and use of marijuana in the U.S.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Given the steady rise in marijuana usage over the past 13 years, if the trend continues, the number of Americans reporting lifetime use could exceed 135 million by 2024. This projection underscores the potential for continued growth in the marijuana industry and possibly greater shifts in public policy and perception towards cannabis use in the near future.