Americans are lighting up marijuana blunts more than ever, with a sharp rise over the past eight years that surprises even experts. A fresh study reveals this trend is booming among unexpected groups, hinting at big changes in how people unwind. But what drives this spike, and what does it mean for health and society?
A new study has uncovered a big jump in marijuana blunt smoking across the United States. Researchers looked at data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which tracks habits of thousands of Americans each year. From 2015 to 2022, the number of people who have ever smoked a blunt rose by more than 20 percent. This increase marks a significant shift in cannabis consumption patterns, especially as legalization spreads nationwide.
The study, published in the National Library of Medicine, comes from experts at the University of Cincinnati, University of California, Brown University, and the University of Texas School of Public Health. They analyzed responses from over 400,000 adults. What stands out is how blunt use climbed steadily, even during the pandemic years.
Blunts, which mix marijuana with tobacco by wrapping it in a cigar shell, appeal to many for their strong hit and social vibe. Yet this growth raises questions about health risks, like mixing nicotine and cannabis.
One key finding? The surge isn’t just among young men or heavy users. It’s spreading to new crowds.
Surprising Groups Fuel the Trend
Women are driving much of this blunt smoking boom. The study shows their rates of blunt use shot up faster than men’s over the eight-year period. Historically, blunt smoking was more common among men, but women have closed the gap, reflecting broader changes in social norms around cannabis.
Older adults, those over 35, also joined in. Their blunt use increased notably, bucking the idea that marijuana trends stick to younger folks. A separate report from CBS News notes cannabis use among seniors aged 65 and up jumped 46 percent between 2021 and 2023. This aligns with the blunt study’s data, as more elders turn to marijuana for relaxation or pain relief.
Non-drinkers are another surprise group. People who skip alcohol showed some of the biggest increases in blunt smoking. Researchers suggest this might tie to folks seeking alternatives to booze, especially as marijuana becomes legal in more states.
This shift happens against a backdrop of falling tobacco use. A Gallup poll from 2024 found 15 percent of U.S. adults smoke marijuana, edging out the 11 percent who light up cigarettes.
Health Impacts and Broader Context
Mixing tobacco with marijuana in blunts could spell trouble for lungs and hearts. A 2008 study in ScienceDirect linked this combo to higher chances of cannabis dependence. Users who chase marijuana highs with tobacco often face stronger withdrawal symptoms.
Recent data warns that while marijuana smoke is seen as safer than tobacco by many, secondhand exposure still carries risks. An American Medical Association study from 2023 found more Americans view cannabis smoke as less harmful than cigarette smoke. But experts caution that blunts deliver a double dose of toxins.
On the flip side, some opt for tobacco-free blunt wraps. A Forbes report from 2023 highlights how high school teens prefer these nicotine-free options, which might reduce some dangers.
Overall marijuana use is climbing too. A federal survey from July 2025, covered by STAT, shows Americans binge drink and smoke tobacco less but use marijuana more. Daily pot users now outnumber daily drinkers, per a May 2024 analysis of four decades of data.
Youth trends offer hope. Despite rising adult use, teen marijuana consumption has dropped. A post on X from 2023 notes high school past-30-day use fell 42 percent from 2011 to 2023, even in legal states.
Here’s a quick look at key stats from the blunt study:
- Overall blunt ever-use: Up over 20% from 2015-2022
- Among women: Sharpest increase
- Older adults (35+): Significant growth
- Non-drinkers: Unexpected rise
Why the Increase Matters Now
Legalization plays a huge role. As more states green-light recreational marijuana, access eases and stigma fades. By 2025, nearly half of U.S. states allow adult use, fueling new habits like blunt smoking.
Cultural shifts add fuel. Blunts appear in music, movies, and social media, making them seem fun and normal. A Nature Scientific Reports piece from 2020 compared marijuana and tobacco smoke, noting billions of nanoparticles in each puff, yet marijuana’s image stays cooler.
This trend hits home for many. If you’re cutting back on alcohol or cigarettes, blunts might tempt as a swap. But health pros urge caution, pointing to risks like addiction or respiratory issues.
Economically, it boosts the cannabis industry. Sales of wraps and related gear are up, per industry watchers.
One thing is clear: Blunt smoking’s rise shows how fast habits change.
This surge in marijuana blunt smoking signals a turning point in American habits, where cannabis edges out old vices like tobacco and heavy drinking, offering both excitement and warnings for public health. It’s a reminder that as laws loosen, personal choices reshape society in unexpected ways, sparking hope for safer alternatives but fear of hidden risks.
