Norway survey: 30% report drinking alcohol weekly, 5% used cannabis in the past year

28.10.2026 - Statistics Norway’s 2026 population survey shows a lower proportion reporting weekly alcohol use than in 2025. The proportion reporting weekly consumption of six or more alcohol units on one occasion remained unchanged.

Three in ten people aged 16–79 in Norway reported drinking alcohol weekly in 2026, compared with 32% in 2025, according to figures published by Statistics Norway (SSB) on 23 October.

The survey also found that 5% had used cannabis during the previous 12 months, compared with 6% in 2025. The proportion reporting that they drank at least six alcohol units on one occasion at least weekly was 5% in both years.

The figures are estimates from a population survey. The small differences between the two years should not be treated as statistically significant changes or attributed to a particular policy without further analysis.

Differences between men and women

Weekly alcohol use remained more common among men than women. In 2026, 35% of men reported drinking alcohol weekly, compared with 25% of women. The corresponding figures in 2025 were 37% and 27%.

Seven per cent of men and 2% of women reported drinking at least six units on one occasion at least weekly in 2026. For cannabis, 7% of men and 3% of women reported use in the previous 12 months.

SSB’s published table also includes tobacco and nicotine use. In 2026, 6% reported smoking daily and 15% reported using snus daily, compared with 7% and 16%, respectively, in 2025.

Survey methods matter for comparisons

SSB’s methodology report, published on the same day as the statistics, says the survey had a response rate of 58.5%. It was funded by the Norwegian Directorate of Health and is intended to map the population’s use of tobacco, alcohol and other substances.

Since 2024, the survey has combined online questionnaires with telephone interviews. Previously, it relied solely on telephone interviews. This change should be considered when comparing the latest results with figures from earlier years.

The findings provide a regular snapshot of substance use in Norway and a basis for following trends over time. Comparisons with other Nordic and Baltic countries also require care, as surveys may use different age ranges, methods and measures.