By Ruth Hill R.N.
The connection between the 4th of July and cannabis often involves celebrating freedom, including the freedom to use cannabis. On Independence Day in 2025, we thank the activists who came before us for helping to overturn the 1974 marijuana ban imposed by President Nixon. The first movement originated in California in 1996 with the passage of Proposition 215. This law legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes in the state. In the year 2025, we have more people ingesting cannabis than at any time in our history.
In 2021, about 52.5 million Americans (roughly 19% of the population) reported using cannabis at least once in the past year, according to the CDC. Gallup’s 2023 data show 17% of US adults (around 47 million, based on a 2025 adult population of ~275 million) actively used cannabis, with 50% (about 138 million) having tried it at least once. A 2020 Yahoo/Marist survey estimated 55 million Americans used cannabis in the past year, with 35 million using it monthly.
Not all of this use is legal, as cannabis remains federally illegal, but 24 states, D.C., and three US territories had legalized recreational cannabis by 2024, covering 54% of the US population (~178 million people). Additionally, 40 states allow medical cannabis, and 74% of Americans live in states where it’s legal for either recreational or medical use.
Usage tends to be higher in states with legal frameworks. For example, in 2022, Vermont and Oregon reported 33% and 32% of adults using cannabis in the past year, respectively. Assuming similar trends in 2025 and factoring in legalization’s growth, we can estimate how many people use cannabis. If 17% of the total US population uses cannabis, that’s ~56 million people. In legal states (accounting for 54% of the population, or ~178 million), applying a higher usage rate (say, 20-25% due to easier access) would result in 36-45 million people. Adding medical users (harder to quantify but likely a smaller, overlapping group), the total number of legal users could conservatively be around 40-50 million. More people are using marijuana than smoking cigarettes. In 2022, an estimated 28.8 million adults in the US, or 11.6%, were current cigarette smokers.
Trading Alcohol or Cigarettes for Cannabis
More people are looking for alternatives to alcohol consumption for the 4th of July. As the science of this botanical plant becomes known, people switch to marijuana. Marijuana is a safer, healthier alternative with antidepressant effects. Marijuana is also more cost-effective when compared to buying drinks at a bar. Alcohol sales have been down around the 4th of July, and some people are saying the increase in cannabis sales is the reason. What’s great about this is that there are lots of strains to make the 4th of July a great one, with (or without) alcohol.
Growing Market Activity
For the 4th of July weekend, expect demand for high-quality, high-potency cannabis products. Brands like Silly Nice are gaining popularity. Diamond Powder (high THC concentrate) and infused flower are mentioned as top choices. Businesses in the cannabis industry use the holiday to offer promotions and deals, attracting consumers. Examples include storewide discounts and deals on specific products like flower, vapes, and edibles.
Continued State-Level Legalization Efforts:
While not directly tied to July 4th celebrations, 2024 saw significant developments in state-level cannabis legalization. Nebraska approved medical cannabis initiatives, and there were efforts to legalize recreational use in states like Florida and South Dakota.
Federal Rescheduling Efforts:
At the federal level, the DEA initiated the process to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This move could potentially impact future marijuana policies.
Evolution of Cannabis Events:
Events like the Northern Nights Music Festival are integrating cannabis into celebrations. These events provide attendees with a curated cannabis experience complemented by entertainment. In summary, the connection between the 4th of July and cannabis continues to evolve. Today’s events reflect the changing legal and social landscape of the cannabis industry. Expect continued sales spikes around the holiday, new product offerings, and ongoing discussions surrounding legalization and regulatory reform.
Happy 4th of July from the Cannabis Corner, hilruth@gmail.com
