Happy Tuesday, Campers!
The week’s just beginning and we’re already planning for the weekend ahead! We hope yours is filled with fun, endless sun, and the best vibes. Speaking of unwinding, in a recent study released by New Frontier Data – a global cannabis nexus for all commercial/political activity- found that Gen Z (we’re talking 18-24) preferred cannabis as opposed to alcohol! In a highly weighted poll, 69% of those interviewed showed some preferential bias toward the green goddess as opposed to its liquid libatory partner.
According to New Frontiers Data’s Consumer Survey, cannabis usage increased 11% amongst the Gen Z crowd (aged 21-25) from 2017-2020. Congruently, cannabis usage also increased by a jarring 56% among Baby Boomers (aged 60-64) – that’s a lot of ganj! That’s alright, though. We’re pretty big plant fans ‘round these parts, too.
A case study out of the University of Washington that was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health raises stems around the question: Are Gen Z’ers opting into cannabis as opposed to alcohol or tobacco-based products? Their case study, which observed consumers from 2014-2019, indicates a decline in use of cigarettes, alcohol, and episodic drinking (HED) during that time period. Contradictory to that, vaporizer/vape product use increased since its first assessment in 2016. “Prevalence of past-month alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking (HED), and cigarette use and prevalence of past-year pain reliever misuse decreased, while the prevalence of past-month e-cigarette use increased since 2016 (the first year assessed).”
Alcohol Tapped: Is Gen Z Going Green?
There’s certainly viable data to support that Gen Z is going green, but we’re curious as to why they are! Bloomberg’s weekly news publication on cannabis and psychedelic industries, highlight’s not only Gen Z’s gab for ganj, but also their interests in shrooms: “…found that more than 10% of Gen Z adults report having used psilocybin in the past six months, versus 3.4% for the general population.” This data was collected from a survey of 5,000 people between the ages of 21-23!
Bloomberg’s article also cites one of the main reasons why Gen Z’ers are going green: they’re concerned about the health implications of alcohol and cigarette use. “Many are also specifically turning a cheek to alcohol, with “I want to be healthier” as the top rationale to decrease drinking.” In addition to the lessened risk, Gen Z’ers also turn to cannabis for its ability to inhibit sleep and catharsis (emotional release), and just plain ol’ Mary Jane fun! They also happen to be sproutin’ during a budding time of cannabis legalization, so it’s also more socially acceptable among their peers. While this does fit the narrative that Gen Z’s going green, they should be mindfully aware until the age of 25, our brains are still developing. The National Institute of Health does caution that cannabis use prior to that age poses an added risk for mental illness and possible psychosis.
As always, Campers – be safe, have fun, and consume responsibly!
