The World’s Most Widely Used Psychoactive Drugs
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Key Takeaways
- Cannabis is the world’s most widely used drug, with 244 million users in 2023.
- Three-quarters of users of cannabis, cocaine, or heroin are men, though women face higher health risks once they start using drugs.
Each year, hundreds of millions of people around the world use psychoactive substances. This chart breaks down the most widely used drugs globally, based on estimated users in 2023. The data shines a light on both the prevalence of use and the stark gender differences in drug-related harm.
The data for this visualization comes from the United Nations. It estimates the number of people worldwide who used selected drugs in the 12 months leading up to 2023.
Cannabis Remains the Most Popular Drug
With 244 million users globally, cannabis continues to dominate as the most commonly used drug. That’s nearly 80% of all drug users surveyed. The growing legalization movement in North America and parts of Europe may be driving its widespread use. According to Pew Research, support for legalization has surged, especially among younger generations.
| Drug | Estimated Users (Millions, 2023) |
|---|---|
| Cannabis | 244 |
| Opioids | 61 |
| Amphetamines | 31 |
| Cocaine | 25 |
| Ecstasy | 21 |
| Total | 316 |
Opioids: Fewer Users, Greater Risk
Opioids account for 61 million users—far fewer than cannabis—but are linked to significantly higher health risks and overdose deaths. Their addictive potential and impact on public health systems make them a critical focus. As WHO highlights, opioid-related deaths have been rising, especially in high-income countries where prescription abuse is prevalent.
Gender Disparities in Drug Use and Harm
Roughly three-quarters of users of cannabis, cocaine, or heroin are men. Yet once women initiate drug use, they are more susceptible to severe health outcomes.
According to the UN, women in general initiate drug use later in life than men, but once they do they tend to increase their consumption of different substances at a more rapid rate than men. Women also progress to drug use disorders at a more accelerated rate than men. In addition, women have a relatively higher risk of acquiring HIV and hepatitis C if they inject drugs.
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