The National Institutes on Drug Abuse has released the findings of their annual Monitoring the Future survey, which shows that rates of cannabis and hallucinogen use among young adults have reached new highs
The survey found that 43% of individuals aged 19 to 30 consumed cannabis on a daily basis or on 20 or more occasions in the past 30 days, while 8% of the same age group reported using hallucinogens in the past year. These increases mark new highs since the NIH began monitoring these trends in 1988.
Some experts believe that the legalization of cannabis in some states may be contributing to the rising rates of use among young adults. However, it is unclear whether legalizing cannabis leads to increased use or if those who are already inclined to use drugs are more likely to do so when it is legalized. Additional research is needed to determine the effects of legalization on rates of drug use.
From April 2021 through October 2021 data was collected online for the survey. Scientists at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research conducted the study.
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, told “Good Morning America” that this data provides a window into young adults’ substance use patterns.
