Weed Is America’s Most Commonly Used Drug Now, And The Reason Why May Be Worse Than You Think

Cannabis-related hospitalizations are climbing as more young Americans appear to be embracing it to cope with how they perceive the state of the world.

Emergency room visits for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) — cyclical vomiting caused by frequent cannabis use — rose roughly 16% from Oct. 2025 through May 2026, according to a Thursday report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report comes after the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that approximately 21.4 million people in the U.S. use cannabis daily or near-daily, surpassing the consumption frequencies of roughly 19.9 million cigarette smokers and 17.2 million alcohol drinkers.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main compound within cannabis plants that triggers “highs.” Marijuana is a part of the plant with significantly higher concentrations of THC than others. Approximately 33.7% of marijuana users are between the ages of 18-25, according to the SAMHSA’s recent survey.

Multiple studies show that many young people turn to THC to self-medicate for anxiety and depression.

Thirty-four percent of Zoomers, the group of people — also referred to as “Generation Z” — born between 1997 and 2012, reported taking prescription medication for their mental health as of May 2025, whereas 19% reported self-medicating, according to a Harmony Healthcare IT study published in July.

Forty-six percent of Zoomers have been diagnosed with a mental health condition and 37% suspected themselves of having one, according to the study. Depression, followed by anxiety, were the most common conditions.

The study suggested that social media and economic uncertainty were the leading factors contributing to such conditions, with 78% of respondents saying they feel addicted to their phones or social media. Additionally, 71% of Zoomers reported believing they may never be able to achieve at least one of life’s major milestones, such as marriage or homeownership, as of January, Northwestern Mutual reported August 3.

The cannabis industry is expected to reach almost $47 billion in legal sales in 2026, according to Flowhub.

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