Cannabis Consumption in the United Kingdom: Figures, Trends and Implications

Cannabis use remains widespread in the UK. Although recreational use is illegal, cannabis is still the most commonly used illicit drug in England and Wales. Recent statistics show that around 6.8 % of 16‑ to 59‑year‑olds used cannabis in the past year – approximately 2.3 million people^[1]. The analysis below summarises the latest trends, demographic differences and potential risks.

1. Prevalence and Trends

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) reports a slight decline in cannabis use: from 7.6 % (about 2.5 million people) down to 6.8 % (around 2.3 million people)^[1]. This brings prevalence back to a level last seen a decade ago. Among young adults aged 16 to 24, the rate is much higher: 13.8 % of this age group said they used cannabis in the past year^[2].

• Overall rate: 6.8 % of 16‑ to 59‑year‑olds used cannabis in the last year^[1].
• Young adults: 13.8 % of 16‑ to 24‑year‑olds reported using cannabis^[2].
• Decrease: A drop from 7.6 % to 6.8 % – about 0.8 percentage points^[1].

2. Frequency of Use

A look at frequency shows that most users take the drug only occasionally. About one‑third (34 %) of cannabis users consumed the drug more than once a month, and 10 % used it daily^[3]. Overall, 1.8 % of 16‑ to 59‑year‑olds in 2024 were classified as frequent users, meaning they used illicit drugs more than once a month^[4].

• Occasional users: The majority consume cannabis only “once or twice” a year^[5].
• Regular users: 34 % use cannabis more than once a month^[3].
• Daily users: 10 % of cannabis users take the drug every day^[3].
• Frequent users overall: 1.8 % of the population use illicit drugs more than once a month^[4].

3. Socio‑economic and Demographic Factors

Cannabis use varies by income, age and family status. People with a household income below £10,400 per year have a much higher likelihood (10.7 %) of using cannabis than those with higher incomes^[6]. Single or unmarried people also use drugs more frequently than married or civil‑partnered individuals^[7].

• Income effect: 10.7 % of people with an annual income under £10,400 use cannabis^[6].
• Family status: Single people show a significantly higher consumption rate (14.5 %)^[7].
• Age differences: Young adults (16–24 years) consume more frequently (13.8 %)^[2] than the 25–59‑year age group (7.2 %)^[8].

4. Health Risks and Treatment Needs

As cannabis use increases, concerns about consumers’ mental and physical health grow. Frequent use is associated with a higher risk of psychosis and depression. A study by the Priory Group found that 21 % of people who began treatment for drug or alcohol problems in 2021/2022 in the UK were primarily seeking help for cannabis^[9]. The number of new patients with cannabis‑related problems rose by 4 % between 2021 and 2022^[9].

• Mental health: Frequent cannabis use increases the risk of psychosis and depression^[11].
• Treatment demand: 21 % of treatment cases in 2021/2022 were due to cannabis^[9].
• Youth treatment: Between April 2023 and March 2024, cannabis was the main substance for 87 % of children and adolescents in treatment^[10].

5. Conclusion and Outlook

Although cannabis use in the UK has declined slightly, it remains common, especially among young adults. One‑third of users are regular consumers, and 10 % use the drug daily^[3]. People with low incomes and singles have higher usage rates^[7]. Given the health risks and rising treatment demand, awareness, prevention and access to treatment are crucial to minimise negative effects.

Current data also indicate that prevention programmes and information campaigns remain necessary to reduce cannabis use – particularly among youth and socially disadvantaged groups. At the same time, policy decisions should consider the legal framework for medical use and curb the illicit market.