Survey Reveals 8% of Americans Plan to Cut Back on Cannabis Use

Eight percent of Americans plan to quit or reduce cannabis use in 2026 as a New Year's resolution, according to a survey by Censuswide for nicotine pouch retailer Northerner.

Among those planning to cut back, over half believe doing so will enhance their independence and flexibility. Another 47% cited personal improvement as their primary motivation.

The survey results suggest that while cannabis use continues growing overall, a segment of current users are reassessing their consumption habits.

Consumption Trends

The cannabis industry has seen dramatic growth as legalization has expanded across states. Legal sales now exceed $30 billion annually in the U.S., with millions of regular consumers.

But as the market matures, consumption patterns are diversifying. Some users increase their intake as access improves and stigma decreases. Others moderate or quit, particularly as high-potency products become more common and awareness grows about potential negative effects of heavy use.

The 8% figure represents current users making active decisions to reduce or eliminate cannabis—not overall prevalence rates or attitudes among non-users.

Why People Cut Back

Motivations for reducing cannabis use vary:

• Concerns about dependency or habitual use
• Desire to improve mental clarity or motivation
• Financial considerations as regular use can be expensive
• Work or family situations where consumption creates complications
• Health effects including respiratory issues from smoking or CHS (Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome) risk

The survey's finding that users associate reduced consumption with "independence and flexibility" suggests some feel constrained by their cannabis habits—viewing cutting back as liberating rather than restrictive.

Industry Implications

For cannabis businesses, the survey highlights that not all consumers view increased access and reduced stigma as unambiguously positive. Some segment of users reassess their relationship with cannabis as it becomes more normalized.

This could drive demand for:

• Lower-potency products for moderate users
• Educational resources about responsible consumption
• Products designed for occasional rather than daily use
• Tools or programs to help people moderate consumption

The cannabis industry has generally resisted comparisons to alcohol or tobacco, but may need to acknowledge that some users experience negative effects from overconsumption and seek support in reducing use.

Context

The survey was commissioned by a nicotine pouch company, potentially introducing bias toward highlighting people quitting substances. But the findings align with other research showing a portion of cannabis users do reduce or quit over time.

As cannabis markets mature, understanding diverse consumption patterns—including reduction and cessation—becomes more important for industry strategy and public health policy.

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This article is based on original reporting by Ganjapreneur.