How Common is Daily Cannabis Use in Great Britain?
A current study has shown that roughly 1.2 million people in Great Britain are using cannabis every day or near every day. This figure significantly exceeds previous official estimates, highlighting a growing trend in cannabis consumption across the nation.
What Does the Latest Research Reveal?
Published in the journal Addiction, this groundbreaking research was conducted by experts from the University of Bath and King’s College London. The study analyzed data from 25,537 adults who participated in the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Smokefree Great Britain survey from 2023 and 2024. Findings showed that 7.2% of respondents reported using cannabis in the past year, with nearly 25% of that group consuming it daily or near daily.
Why Are Official Estimates Lower?
The notable contrast in estimates—around 470,000 adults in England and Wales conveyed by the Crime Survey for England and Wales—can be linked to the procedure used in measuring cannabis use. While the Crime Survey concentrates solely on daily consumption, this latest study comprises people who use cannabis almost every day. This means the actual number of frequent users may be higher than previously thought.
Is Cannabis Use Limited to Younger People?
Cannabis is often perceived as a habit predominantly among young adults; however, the study reveals that frequent use is more prevalent among those aged 25 and over. In fact, individuals aged 35 to 54 were approximately twice as likely to use cannabis daily or near daily compared to those aged 18 to 24.
What Are the Risks of Frequent Cannabis Consumption?
Previous studies have linked higher rates of frequent cannabis use to increased risks, including cannabis use disorder and other health issues such as psychosis and respiratory problems. Dr. Elle Wadsworth, a co-lead author of the study, explained, “Understanding the frequency of cannabis use helps us identify patterns and discern those who might need support the most.”
Who is Most Likely to Use Cannabis Daily?
Interestingly, the research indicates that daily cannabis use is particularly high among individuals who also smoke tobacco. Approximately 35% of tobacco smokers declared using cannabis on a daily basis or almost every day,in comparison to only 15% of non-tobacco smokers. Additionally, those who are not in employment and individuals who consume cannabis through smoking methods exhibited higher rates of daily use than those using edibles or vapes.
What Do Experts Say About the Findings?
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, emphasized the need to rethink common assumptions about cannabis use. “While younger adults are more likely to use cannabis, our findings suggest that frequent use is more common among older demographics and tobacco smokers,” Cheeseman noted.
The results underscore the intricate relationship between tobacco and cannabis use, suggesting that public health services should adopt a more integrated approach to address the risks associated with both substances. Engaging tobacco smokers who also use cannabis in stop smoking services could provide crucial support tailored to their specific needs.
The findings from this research denote a significant shift in our understanding of cannabis consumption patterns in Great Britain. As more people report daily use, there's an opportunity for public health initiatives to develop effective strategies to support those at risk and to further investigate the implications of combined tobacco and cannabis use.
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Liz Filmer
