1 of 3 high on Christmas morning

You’ve done the wrapping and baking, and now all you need to do is get baked. There’s nothing like the climax of Christmas morning – literally. While the holidays are usually a time to drink, there is a new drug in town. A survey by Ayr Wellness found that 8 out of 10 planned to use cannabis with family or friends over Thanksgiving. According to a recent survey by CBD Oracle, a California-based consumer research firm, one in three plans to be the first to burn some proverbial green trees on Christmas morning. That’s about 30 percent of people who specifically plan to wake up and bake on Christmas morning. Additionally, the survey found that 75 percent of respondents would consider getting high with family over the holidays. It’s clear that cannabis is high on the list for many this holiday season.

In addition, 55 percent of people at company parties want to swap the punch bowl for brownies. A full 66 percent said they’ll prefer cannabis to alcohol at least at times during the vacation, and that’s no surprise. Recent studies show preliminary support for the idea that CBD reduces alcohol consumption. This season alone, we’ve seen ads from social tonic maker Cann starring Kate Hudson, creating a hangover-free holiday mood. With cannabis making its way into everyday life, our efforts to break down antiquated stigmas surrounding cannabis are having a real impact.

Photo by Nicole De Khors courtesy of Burst

Happy Christmas

It is clear that an increasing majority use cannabis to relax over the holidays. Not to say that this year will definitely be more relaxed. Between new Omicron-related restrictions and vaccine-related polemics, the holidays are a stressful time. Even the notorious Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale lists major holidays like Christmas as notable stressful life events. It’s clear why a majority are turning to the benefits of cannabis, from reducing stress to improving mood or even just helping us connect with one another. In fact, the survey, titled “How Cannabis is Take Over Christmas,” found that 60 percent said they needed cannabis to deal with polarizing views from family members, especially about vaccines.

January is known as the month when depression rates peak. And as we approach our second Christmas season during a global pandemic, it is worth recognizing that the landscape of traditional holidays is changing and cannabis is playing a role as a stress management resource. Which is a long way to go, don’t be afraid to spark one this morning.

Merry Christmas from CLN

Wherever and however you want to celebrate Christmas time this year, we wish you a relaxing day. Write us in the comments if you want to light up the old “Christmas tree” this year! Don’t forget to follow CLN for the latest news, editorials, research, and more.

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