Number of worldwide users of cocaine by region 2010-2021

According to the latest estimates there were around 22 million cocaine users worldwide with the highest number found in the Americas. Cocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant and is an addictive stimulant that is usually snorted as a powder. Although it is illegal in most countries it is still commonly used recreationally.

Cocaine worldwide

It is estimated that up to .5 percent of the global population has used cocaine in the past year. With so many users it is unsurprising that the illegal cocaine market is extremely lucrative. Worldwide illicit cultivation of cocaine covers some 234 thousand hectares, with most of the world’s cocaine produced in South America.

Cocaine in the United States

According to the most recent figures around 4.77 million people in the United States had used cocaine in the previous year. Moreover, around 40.9 million Americans have used cocaine at some point in their lifetime. In 2021, there were around 24,486 deaths involving cocaine in the United States, a significant rise from previous years. However, it is important to note that a large portion of deaths from cocaine involve the use of other drugs, specifically opioids.