Beer sales are declining thanks to marijuana

Observations in California gave a clue, but now the data is in Canada. Legal marijuana takes some of the head and market share away from beer. But don't panic beer lovers, it's still the third most popular drink in the world after water and tea. IT was the king of hot days, in after-work hangouts and on college campuses. But a new era has dawned.

RELATED: Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

This study, published last week in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, not only marks a significant shift in the alcohol market, but also raises questions about the broader impact of cannabis legalization on drinking habits.

Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash

Generation Z has already changed their drinking habits. Data shows that alcohol has less appeal for a large percentage of Generation Z drinking age adults (ages 21 to 24). A total of 27% say they never drink alcoholic beverages. Generation Z adults who drink are more likely to do so than older adults – 47% of all Generation Z adults (21+) drink alcohol daily to weekly. Baby Boomer generation drinkers are the least likely to drink: 35% of all Baby Boomers drink alcohol at least weekly.

Beer also has some disadvantages compared to marijuana. Beer is higher in calories, more filling and comparatively more expensive. A quick gummy bear on a Monday night can make the day a little more enjoyable, with less weight gain and a fuller wallet.

The study authors concluded that legalization of non-medical cannabis was associated with an immediate decline in beer sales, a trend that continued into the post-legalization period. This suggests a possible shift in consumer behavior as individuals increasingly turn to legal cannabis as an alternative to beer.

RELATED: People Who Use Weed Are Even More Fun, Too

This is a positive social sign as marijuana legalization spreads. Although cannabis is not a health food, it has fewer harmful side effects and has proven medical benefits.