A large post-legalization survey found 37% of California adults used cannabis, with very frequent users (multiple times daily) being more likely to be male, lower income, and to have started before age 18.
Public health researchers, cannabis regulators, primary care physicians in legal states
What the researchers found
Among 15,208 census-weighted California adults surveyed in 2022-2023, 37% currently used cannabis, 30% formerly used, and 33% never used. Among current users, 38% used multiple times daily (very frequent), 33% used 4-7 times per week (frequent), and 30% used 3 times per week or less (occasional). Very frequent users were more likely to be male (OR=1.8), have lower income, and have initiated use before age 18. Most users obtained products from licensed dispensaries and felt comfortable discussing use with physicians, but primarily got information from other sources.
Why it matters
This provides one of the most detailed post-legalization snapshots of adult cannabis use patterns in the US. The finding that 38% of users consume multiple times daily challenges assumptions that most adult cannabis use is occasional or recreational.
The numbers in context
15,208 adults surveyed; 37% current users; among users: 38% very frequent (multiple daily), 33% frequent (4-7x/week), 30% occasional (3x/week or less); very frequent users: male OR=1.8, initiated before 18; most obtained from licensed dispensaries
How the study worked
Online questionnaire administered to 15,309 census-weighted California adults (December 2022 to February 2023) as part of the Impact 64 study. 4,020 current cannabis users completed detailed use questionnaires. Multinomial logistic regression assessed variables associated with use frequency categories.
What this study cannot tell us
Online survey may not reach all demographics equally. Self-report data subject to social desirability. California may not represent other states. Cannabis product types and potencies not fully captured. Cross-sectional design cannot show changes over time.
How to read the evidence
Strong: large census-weighted sample with detailed use characterization in the largest US cannabis market.
When this study was published
2025 publication using 2022-2023 data
The bigger picture
Six years after California's recreational legalization, more than one-third of adults use cannabis, and among those users, the majority use daily or more. This level of intensive use was not widely anticipated during legalization debates.
Questions still open
- Has the proportion of very frequent users increased since legalization, or was it always this high?
- Are physicians prepared to discuss cannabis with the 37% of patients who use it?
Read the original research
Cannabis Use in California Following Legalization of Recreational Use.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research
Citation
Hill, Linda; Ageze, Daniel; Dell'Acqua, Renee; Gold, Alice; Lanin-Kettering, Ilene; Rybar, Jill; Shaughnessy, Tom; Baird, Sara; Marcotte, Thomas D. (2025). Cannabis Use in California Following Legalization of Recreational Use.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2024.0179