As new generations come of age, so do their tastes and preferences. Recent studies have shown that Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, is turning away from alcohol and towards cannabis as their substance of choice. In fact, a whopping 75% of Gen Zers say they prefer cannabis over alcohol. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this trend is happening and what it means for the cannabis industry.
A Focus on Health and Wellness
Gen Zers are very health-conscious, and they’re less likely to engage in behavior that they perceive as harmful to their health. Alcohol has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including liver damage, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Cannabis, on the other hand, has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and may even help with cancer treatment symptoms. It’s no wonder that young people are turning towards a substance that has the potential to improve their health and wellness.
Social Acceptance
Cannabis has become increasingly socially acceptable in recent years, thanks to widespread legalization and a growing body of scientific research documenting its possible benefits. Many young people today grew up in households where parents or other family members used cannabis, and they view it as a normal part of life. In contrast, alcohol is often associated with negative behaviors like binge drinking and drunk driving, which can be dangerous and taboo. As cannabis continues to become more normalized, it’s likely that more and more young people will choose it over alcohol.
The Role of Media and Pop Culture
Finally, it’s important to consider the role that media and pop culture play in shaping young people’s perceptions of substances. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the way that cannabis is portrayed in the media, with more positive depictions and less stigma. This has led to an increase in media coverage of cannabis, from the use of cannabis in television shows to its mention in songs and music videos. These cultural references have helped to make cannabis seem hip and trendy, which in turn has contributed to its popularity among young people.
Continued Growth of the Cannabis Industry
Overall, the shift towards cannabis among Gen Zers has major implications for the cannabis industry. With a growing market of young people who are open to cannabis use, businesses that cater to this demographic are poised for growth. In particular, cannabis growers may see a surge in demand as more and more young people (who are 21+) turn to legal cannabis products. This could lead to new job opportunities, investment opportunities, and more.
What Does the Future Hold?
It’s difficult to predict exactly what the future holds for the cannabis industry, but one thing is clear: the trend towards cannabis among young (21+) people is here to stay. As society continues to embrace this substance and its potential benefits, it’s likely that more and more young people will choose it over alcohol. This could have far-reaching consequences for public health, social norms, and more.
From a focus on health and wellness to cultural shifts and changing attitudes towards different substances, there are many reasons why people today prefer cannabis over alcohol. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how this trend plays out and what the future holds. As you educate your budtenders and customer service excellence professionals, be sure to stay on top of demographic preferences like these. Continue to follow us at Cannabis Trainers. We will keep you up to date. We often weave these types of new observed trends into our live training sessions and share them on our social media networks. For now, it’s safe to say that cannabis is the substance of choice for the next generation.