The Real Reason People Buy Marijuana

Unlike alcohol, cannabis has medical benefits. So what is the real reason people buy marijuana?

Marijuana has gone mainstream, but the old stigma remains among some people — especially members of Congress. With 23 legal and 40 medical states, the majority have overcome the stigma and mainstream companies are starting to embrace it. From Constellation to 7-Eleven, they view it as just another consumer product. All major mainstream medical groups recognize the medical benefits of cannabis and allow its use by patients. So what is the real reason people buy marijuana?

Some states are starting medical marijuana, which requires people to have a reason for purchasing it and typically requires a card and a validation system. When medical conditions transition into the recreational realm, some changes in purchasing habits occur. We know more people are buying, but why?

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality of Life

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BDSA, one of the country’s leading cannabis data companies, shared some exclusive information. Patients who use it for medical reasons may experience changes when a state switches entirely to recreational use, such as: B. Changes in excise and sales tax rates as well as regulations on edible form factors and potency. For those who use it as a “quality of life” issue, such as anxiety etc., these changes tend to be less impactful and “quality of life” consumers will typically benefit from increased retail availability and lower average retail prices Historically, recreational legalization followed.

“Cannabis offers medical benefits that are increasingly recognized by mainstream society,” said Brendan-Mitchel Chesebro, BDSA analyst. “While some old stigmas remain, the majority of states have embraced its use, and both consumer participation and non-consumer support for legalization continue to grow. People buy marijuana for a variety of reasons, from health to social pleasure.”

The main reason is fun and enjoyment. Alcohol and food fall into the same category. But unlike alcohol, users also see a medical reason to turn to cannabis, whether to overcome shyness, reduce anxiety or try to manage post-traumatic stress disorder.

Related: Why Generation Z is giving up beer and turning to marijuana instead

After tobacco use and obesity, alcohol consumption is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States. People drink alcohol because it can alter emotional states. Alcohol triggers euphoria, relaxation and disinhibition while reducing stress and anxiety. Of course, alcohol can make a person aggressive and belligerent. And data shows it provides no medical benefit.