New Poll Shows Gen Z Prefers Weed Over Alcohol – Why Is That?

Younger generations are growing up in unprecedented times. Concerns like the pandemic, global warming, and access to an endless stream of information have reshuffled their priorities, making them a generation that stands out from the rest. When it comes to cannabis, they are also the first to have grown up in a legal consumption environment.

This experience has impacted their substance preferences, according to a new survey, as Gen Z appear to prefer cannabis over alcohol.

The survey, conducted by New Frontier Data, found that participants between the ages of 18 and 24 largely preferred cannabis to alcohol (69%). As participants got older, their fondness for cannabis faded, possibly reflecting the impact legalization has had on young people and how this may impact future trends in substance use and marketing.

Photo by Adam Jaime via Unsplash

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When it comes to why young people prefer cannabis over alcohol, Bloomberg cites another survey that reveals other reasons. These include the fact that cannabis offers sleep aids, provides a way for emotional relaxation, and is also a fun activity for people to engage in. Many participants also cited health concerns as one of their reasons, showing the extent to which cannabis is seen as something natural and beneficial compared to a substance like alcohol.

Alcohol companies certainly need to take this new understanding into account, but it’s also important that cannabis advocates and lawmakers have this information at hand, especially as cannabis continues to gain traction. Cannabis users under the age of 25 are a vulnerable group with young brains that are not yet fully mature. Exposure to cannabis could result in negative side effects that have yet to be evaluated by the relevant authorities.

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Cannabis legislation is a slow process, but one that society has already internalized. It’s important that government agencies catch up and do the necessary research to understand cannabis and give people the information they need to protect themselves and avoid harm in the long term.