Marijuana and hallucinogen use among youth reached record highs in 2021

According to a study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), marijuana and hallucinogen use reached record highs last year. The rate of marijuana use among people between 18 and 30 years of age reached 43%, and that of hallucinogens reached 8%. As for the latter, the most consumed were LSD, liquid ecstasy (MDMA), angel dust (PCP), peyote and mushrooms. Ecstasy was the only one whose use decreased significantly.

National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow stated, "As the drug landscape changes, this data provides a new window of observation into the substances and use patterns preferred by young adults." Volkow explained that there is still a need to better understand how young people are using drugs.

The study also detected an increase in the rate of nicotine vaping, reaching 16%, triple what was recorded in 2017.

Alcohol continued to be the most popular substance among young people, with 32% of consumption considered excessive (five or more drinks in a row in the last two weeks) and 13% considered very high (the highest level since measurements were taken in 2005).