Survey Finds 1 in 3 Americans Use Cannabis Before Family Holidays

It turns out that "pre-gaming" for family holiday gatherings is becoming a major trend, with about one in three Americans opting for cannabis to take the edge off. According to a recent survey from the Freeman Recovery Center, while alcohol remains the top choice for nearly half of those polled, marijuana has secured a solid second place at 31%. This shift is especially prominent among millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly turning to flower and edibles to navigate the social and financial pressures of the season.

This data validates what many in the community have known for years—the "cousin walk" is a real cultural staple. For everyday tokers, this is great news because it highlights how cannabis is becoming a normalized tool for wellness and stress management rather than a hidden habit. As more people choose a joint over a cocktail to endure awkward family dinners, it pushes the industry toward broader acceptance and better accessibility. Seeing these numbers rise shows that the plant is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a legitimate way to decompress.