The New York State Department of Health has released a new report detailing adult cannabis use across the state, providing fresh data on how New Yorkers consume marijuana, their reasons for using it, and what demographic groups are using it most.
According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) brief, 14.7% of adults aged 18 and older reported using cannabis within the past 30 days, which is nearly three million people. Of those, 8% consume on a non-daily basis (fewer than 20 days per month), while 6.7% report daily or near-daily use.
Smoking remains the most common method of use at 61.9%, followed by eating cannabis-infused products (18.1%) and vaporizing (16.5%). Other methods like dabbing and drinking were much less common.
Among those who reported recent use, 54.5% said they consume marijuana solely for non-medical reasons, while 30.5% use it for both medical and non-medical purposes. Another 15% use cannabis only for medical reasons.
Adults aged 21 to 24 reported the highest usage rates at 31.7%, with young adults 18 to 20 not far behind at 24%. Usage rates generally declined with age, with just 5.1% of those 65 and older reporting any use.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the importance of responsible use, saying, “The Department encourages all New Yorkers who choose to consume cannabis, to do so safely and responsibly. This includes making sure any cannabis is safely stored and out of reach of children and pets.”
“It’s also critical to never drive after consuming cannabis,” McDonald added. “We urge all New Yorkers to take advantage of education tools offered by the state to understand the health and safety implications of consuming cannabis.”
The report also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to health equity, noting that cannabis-related arrests and convictions have disproportionately impacted people of color. New York’s cannabis law includes a social and economic equity program to support those most affected by prohibition and promote access to the legal industry.
The Department of Health continues to promote harm reduction and public education, especially around issues like cannabis-related mental health risks, prenatal exposure, and youth access, states a press release. The Department warns, without providing scientific backing, that regular use may impair memory, slow reaction time, and increase the risk of developing mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.
