Young Adult Substance Use: Hidden Brain Costs Revealed

March 25, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Adults aged 19 to 30 reported a 42% rate of cannabis use in 2023, according to data released by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research. The findings, part of the ongoing “Monitoring the Future” study, represent a historically high level of consumption within this demographic.

The study, which has tracked substance use trends since 1975 and is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), also indicated that approximately 29% of young adults aged 19-30 had used cannabis in the past month, with 10% reporting daily or near-daily use – defined as 20 or more occasions in the last 30 days. Among adults aged 35 to 50, cannabis use in the past year was reported by 29%, with 19% using it monthly and 8% using it daily.

While the 2023 numbers display no significant change from 2022, researchers noted substantial increases compared to levels recorded five and ten years ago. These trends are occurring alongside a broader increase in the use of hallucinogens, according to the study.

The “Monitoring the Future” study also highlighted a significant rise in cannabis vaping among young adults. In 2023, 22% of those aged 19-30 reported vaping cannabis in the past year, and 14% in the past month – both record highs for this age group. Adults aged 35-50 reported a 9% rate of cannabis vaping in the last year and 6% in the last month, figures that remained stable compared to the previous year.

Researchers at the University of Michigan have also observed increasing rates of daily marijuana use among college students. A 2020 study indicated a record high in daily use within this population, a trend that aligns with the broader increases seen in young adults.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has expressed concern over cannabis consumption, particularly among young people and adults, emphasizing the need for public education regarding the potential dangers and consequences of drug abuse, based on scientific evidence. The DEA’s focus on prevention coincides with events like the Red Ribbon Week, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about substance use and misuse among adolescents and young adults.