Cannabis Use On the Rise: Trends, Risks, and What Employers Can Do
Gone are the days when cannabis was a symbol of counterculture. Today, cannabis use is increasingly normalized and mainstream—and even legal in some jurisdictions.
It’s often talked about as a natural or harmless substance, so it’s not necessarily surprising that there’s been an increase in the number of people who use it. Nearly 18 million Americans now report using marijuana every day or close to it, compared to the 8.1 million people who reported using marijuana 20 or more days per month in 2013. That number has surpassed the number of people who drink alcohol that often.
In this post, we take a closer look at why cannabis use is rising, the potential risks (including addiction), and the signs to watch out for in your workplace.
Why cannabis use is rising
Before you can understand why cannabis use continues to increase, it’s helpful to understand exactly what cannabis is. You’ll often hear the terms “cannabis” and “marijuana” used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference to be aware of. Cannabis is the scientific name for the plant itself, while marijuana is the common term for the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant that contain THC.
So while “marijuana” refers to the specific part people use, “cannabis” is still an accurate umbrella term—and you’ll see both used throughout this post.
In 2023, 42% of adults aged 19 to 30 years old (that’s roughly 32 million) reported cannabis use in the past year. However, use isn’t just growing among younger generations. In a separate 2025 study, 7% of adults age 65 and older report using marijuana in the past month—up from 4.8% in 2021 and marking an all-time high in use among older adults.
What’s leading to this uptick in use? There are several factors at play:
- Legalization: 24 states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. While research is mixed on whether or not legalization increases use, one study showed a moderate increase among college students. In the study, 23% of non-college young adults used cannabis in the past month, compared to 28% after legalization.
- Commercialization: Cannabis is now widely marketed, mass-produced, and sold through retail, medical, and consumer channels. Many states where marijuana is legal have seen a huge boom in storefronts, especially during the first year. For example, in Alaska, Massachusetts, and Oregon, retail numbers grew between 89.3–103.5% per month during their first three to four months of operation. According to research, “commercialization may increase marijuana availability and promote beliefs of safety,” especially among adolescents. In other research, exposure to marijuana advertisements was associated with higher use among adolescents.
- Changing social norms: Marijuana used to be considered a “gateway drug,” but the perception of risk has steadily declined for many years—even among older adults. The tide is slowly starting to turn, with a slim majority (54%) saying marijuana negatively affects society as a whole and the people who use it (51%). But even as perception shifts, marijuana is still viewed as less harmful than alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes.
In short, easier access and shifting perceptions have fueled a steady rise in cannabis use—making it increasingly relevant for employers to understand the risks and warning signs.
Understanding the potential risks
Despite the growing acceptance of cannabis, it isn’t as benign as people often assume. Use—and especially heavy or frequent use—introduces several risks that can affect a person’s physical health, mental well-being, and day-to-day functioning.
Addiction
Marijuana is frequently touted as non-addictive, but the science paints another picture. Roughly 10% of people who begin smoking cannabis will become addicted. Even those who aren’t fully addicted could develop cannabis use disorder, in which their pattern of cannabis use disrupts their life.
Unfortunately, marijuana is potentially even more addictive now, as it has significantly higher THC content.
Memory and attention deficits
According to Harvard Medical School, “marijuana’s main psychoactive chemical, THC, causes its effect by attaching to receptors in brain regions that are vital for memory formation.” This means marijuana use can “produce short-term problems with thinking, working memory, executive function.”
These effects might not always be short-term, either—especially for heavy users. In one study, “63% of heavy lifetime cannabis users exhibited reduced brain activity during a working memory task, while 68% of recent users also demonstrated a similar impact.”
Physical effects
The same Harvard research also found that marijuana use impairs a person’s psychomotor function, impacting their ability to carry out physical actions that require conscious thought (like driving a car, operating machinery, or climbing a ladder). This impairment can cause safety risks for themselves and others.
Potential for accidents aside, cannabis users also face a substantially higher risk of heart attack, and long-term use is associated with many respiratory issues.
Mental health impacts
Many people use marijuana to manage anxiety. However, some research indicates that use can actually harm mental health.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, use can potentially increase feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. Cannabis use is also linked to increased risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychoses. The higher the use, the greater the risk.
Signs of cannabis misuse
While many people use cannabis without obvious issues, misuse can develop gradually—and the warning signs aren’t always easy to spot. If you can recognize when use has become a problem, you’re in a better position to intervene and support employees who might be struggling.
These signs might only be noticeable to the person using cannabis. As the employer, you’re often in the dark about whether or not someone is using a substance (and how often).
- Using more than intended
- Spending a lot of time using
- Inability to stop using
- Continuing use despite problems
These are physical or other more noticeable signs that you might be able to pick up on when interacting with your employee.
- Red eyes
- Changes in eating patterns
- Withdrawal from social situations
Employers should keep an eye out for:
- Lower motivation than usual
- Decreased work performance and productivity
- Increased absenteeism
- Increased accidents or safety risks
- Withdrawal or disconnection from the team
How Carrum Health can help
Cannabis use is becoming more common—and the risks of heavy or frequent use are clearer than ever. As an employer, you need a reliable way to support employees who are dealing with problematic cannabis use.
Carrum Health connects members with evidence-based, high-quality treatment centers that specialize in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health needs. Employees are assigned a dedicated care navigator who will help them understand treatment options, schedule appointments and/or in-patient treatment, coordinate benefits, and stay engaged throughout their recovery journey.
Because Carrum operates on a value-based care model, employers can feel confident that their workers are receiving the best treatment while both they and their employees save money. Better support leads to better outcomes—and Carrum is built for both.
