Gen Z is turning things upside down, including weed and voting

Generation Z people were born between 1997 and 2012 and are now between 11 and 26 years old. Many are now moving into full-time employment, increasing their purchasing power and influence. They are already making their taste known. Gen Z is turning things upside down, including weed and elections, making changes in weed, booze and politics.

They don’t know life before the internet, love retro looks and are the most ethnically diverse generation of all time. And in a survey, nearly half of those surveyed said they would like to own their own business. Very different from the Boomers, who were taught to find a good job and career and stick with it.

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When it comes to marijuana, they set trends and can change the way cannabis looks to consumers. Gen Z cannabis buying habits increased by 127% in 2020. Almost 25% of 18-29 year olds (US) smoke cannabis more often than older generations. Gen Z and Millennials are the second biggest revenue generator: e-cigarettes. Joints shrink in young people, as they are no longer so “on the move” and discreet. E-cigarettes and gummies are perfect for an active lifestyle and require different dosages depending on the time of day.

Gen Z grew up with changing attitudes, including an emphasis on health, clean air, bottled water and a balanced lifestyle. They begin to view marijuana as a staple rather than a sin. Around 93% of Gen Xers agree that cannabis use has many health benefits and can be good for the mind and body. There’s also a gentle departure from an alcohol-based environment.

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A Pew Research report showed that 70% of Gen Z think government should do more to solve problems. According to a February 2021 study, 66% of Gen Z disagree that the government has done its best to protect the country. One in ten voters in the 2020 electorate belonged to this generation, and the number will increase as more Gen Z people reach voting age.

RELATED: Why Gen Z is giving up beer and turning to marijuana instead

A large group of supporters of legalization are people aged 18-29, regardless of party affiliation. 78% of Millennial Democrats and 71% of Millennial Republicans agree cannabis should be legal. That’s a big difference from old Republican voters. And it’s a signal for other thoughts on inclusion, taxes and social needs policies.

Vivek Ramaswamy is proposing a constitutional amendment that would require citizens ages 18 to 24 to pass a citizenship test to vote — the same test immigrants take to become naturalized US citizens.

According to Teen Vogue, the GOP recognizes that many young voters have taken part in the election recently and have overwhelmingly supported the Democrats. Now Republicans are stepping up efforts to stifle young people’s access to the right to vote ahead of the 2024 election cycle.

In Idaho, Republican Gov. Brad Little signed a bill banning students from using a student ID as a voter ID. In Ohio, foreign students could be affected by a new law that requires voter identification in the form of an unexpired domestic driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID.

Every generation brings changes, Generation Z has started their journey quickly!