Per the notice below, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has issued a report on adult cannabis use in New York State.

New York State Department of Health Releases Report on Adult Cannabis Use

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Report Provides Insight into Cannabis Consumption Among Adults in New York State

Approximately 2 Million Adults in New York Reported Consuming Cannabis in 2023

The New York State Department of Health today released a new Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) brief providing a snapshot of adult cannabis consumption in New York State.  The brief offers insight into how many adults aged 18 and older report consuming cannabis and how they consume it, as well as demographic data to help inform the State Health Department about the overall impact on the health of New Yorkers.  While the report collects information on New Yorkers aged 18 and older, the legal age to purchase cannabis in New York is 21.

"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," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "It's also critical to never drive after consuming cannabis.  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."

According to key findings in the BRFSS survey report, approximately 14.7 percent of adults aged 18 years and older report consuming cannabis within the past 30 days.  The most common method is smoking (joints, blunts, or using bongs), followed by cannabis-infused food or drinks (known as edibles) and use of electronic vaporizing devices.

Other key insights among the 14.7 percent of adults aged 18 years and older who report consuming cannabis within the past 30 days include the following:

• 54.5 percent of adults report using cannabis for non-medical reasons.
• 30.5 percent use it for both medical and non-medical reasons.
• 15 percent use cannabis solely for medical reasons.
• Adults aged 21-24 years report the highest rates of cannabis use compared to other age groups.
• Both non-daily and daily cannabis use was significantly higher among those who currently smoke cigarettes, use e-cigarettes, or engage in binge or heavy drinking.

Cannabis-related arrests and convictions still disproportionately impact people of color.  To combat this, New York State legislation has established a social and economic equity plan that is designed to support those who are disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.  The New York State Department of Health continues to promote harm reduction, prevent underage cannabis consumption, and eliminate the health disparities related to cannabis.

The cannabis plant has psychoactive properties and has been used for medicinal, recreational, industrial, and food purposes for hundreds of years.  Scientific findings have documented the potential short- and long-term effects of cannabis consumption, including the potential effects on the parts of the brain responsible for memory and reaction time, impact on the lungs if smoked or inhaled, and cannabis has been linked to schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with a family history of serious mental illness.  Although studies are mixed, there is some evidence that frequent cannabis consumption in the prenatal period may be associated with low birth weight.  While more research is needed to better understand these outcomes, due to concerns about neurodevelopment and the effects of smoking on both the birthing person and fetus, cannabis consumption should be discouraged during pregnancy.  Given these findings, the New York State Department of Health remains committed to monitoring cannabis usage trends, reporting on the public health risks, and determining what the overall impact of cannabis consumption may be on New Yorkers' health.

Safely and securely storing cannabis in a locked place can help lower the risk of unintentional exposure.  Cannabis products should be kept locked, out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.  Consider using a safe or lockbox with a combination lock or keypad.  Keep cannabis products in their original packaging, as all products purchased from a licensed dispensary are sold in child-resistant packaging.  Edibles and cannabis-infused beverages should never be stored in a shared refrigerator or pantry near other food products where they may be mixed up and accidentally consumed.  Talk to family members and caregivers about locking their cannabis away when they visit or if they are watching children or pets.  It is illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis, including medical cannabis.  Evidence shows that driving under the influence of cannabis can slow motor coordination and other skills needed to drive safety.  More information about cannabis safety can be found here and here.  Learn more about cannabis and its impact on teenagers and young adults, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and the risks of cannabis use disorder here.