Daily Cannabis Use Surges, Raising Concerns Over Dependence and Health Risks

BROOKLINE, Mass. — For 75-year-old Miguel Laboy, cannabis has been part of his daily routine for years. Each morning begins with a joint alongside his coffee, a habit he struggles to break despite occasional attempts.

“I’d like to wake up one day and not smoke,” Laboy said from his apartment in Brookline, Massachusetts. “But you see how that’s going.”

As cannabis legalization and commercialization have expanded across the United States, daily marijuana use has become increasingly common, often unnoticed by users themselves. The market is now dominated by high-potency products, including vape oils and concentrates, which can reach THC levels of 80% to 95%. Experts warn that these products may blur the line between therapeutic use and dependence.

Recent data indicate a major shift in American substance use patterns. While alcohol remains widely consumed, the number of daily cannabis users in the U.S. surpassed daily drinkers in 2022, reflecting changing habits and the growing popularity of potent cannabis products.

Medical professionals caution that regular use of high-THC products can contribute to memory issues, sleep disturbances, increased anxiety or depression, and even addiction. Cannabis use disorder is often underrecognized, in part due to the widespread belief that marijuana is non-addictive.

For Laboy, the effects of long-term use have become more apparent. A retired chef, he sought help from a substance-use counselor after noticing escalating depression, isolation, and compulsive marijuana and alcohol use. While naltrexone helped him quit alcohol, he has not found an effective way to reduce his cannabis consumption. Unlike alcohol or opioids, there is no FDA-approved treatment for cannabis dependence, though research is ongoing.

Laboy’s use, which began in his late teens, initially provided relief for undiagnosed ADHD, childhood trauma, and the stress of life events, including cancer treatment and the death of his son. For decades, he considered himself a “functional pothead,” balancing his cannabis use with a demanding career in restaurant kitchens. However, retirement and the availability of high-potency vape cartridges have intensified his consumption, highlighting the potential risks of habitual cannabis use in older adults.

The story underscores broader concerns about rising daily cannabis use nationwide and the need for increased public awareness, education, and accessible treatment options for those struggling with dependency.