Cannabis has become popular for every adult age group- but the surprise is Gen Z and Boomers are using it for similar reasons.

Cannabis is fully legal to over 50% of the population and all groups are embracing its use. Proven healthier than alcohol, it has become much more common in all sets. Even Florida looks like it is going to vote for recreational cannabis. Long stigmatized as a way to get high, be lazy and lay about on the couch, it turns out it is become part of every day life…and part of a health regime. An example of how it is being used, Boomer and Gen Z consume marijuana for similar reasons.

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It is become so accepted, AARP did a study about use among Boomers. AARP is the largest  print magazine with 38 million readers…and their bulletin has 33 million.  A huge validator for the demographic. It also shows they are more open to more mainstream cannabis. This falls in line by the positions of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.

The AARP study revealed 21 percent ages 50-plus used some form of cannabis — be it food, drink, flower or another type— at least once in the last year, a report from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging found. That’s up from 1 in 8 (12 percent) in 2021. In 2015 and 2016, roughly 3 percent of adults 65 and older used cannabis, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Roughly 68% of poll respondents who used cannabis products did so for help with sleep, the researchers found. Many also cited pain relief (63 percent), mental health, anxiety,  and mood (53 percent) and relaxation (81 percent) as reasons for using cannabis.

What is interesting is Gen Z, the youngest adult generation, Gen Z, is an also a big fan of marijuana. They helped fuel the California Sober trend where you reduce or stop drinking and use weed instead.  One reason Gen Z has embraced weed is it helps with anxiety and mood.  They also use it for relaxation, way more so than other generation who tend to lean into alcohol.

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What is interesting is some Boomers and Gen X are consume marijuana in a more traditional way by smoking. Gen X and Boomers new to consuming tend to vape and use gummies.  The later two are more “on the go” and discreet and doesn’t have the smell. It is interesting the marijuana is bonding together two generations.

Edibles have become very popular – finding the right one for you is key!

With over 50% of the country’s population having access to recreational cannabis, it has gone mainstream.  Over 85% of the population believe it should be legal in some form and now there is a whole movement around California sober.  As access to legal marijuana gains, beer sales have flattened and people are curious.  According to BDSA, almost 50% of those who have used cannabis, have used an edible – primarily a gummy.

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Marijuana not only helps you to chill, relax or go on a fun journey, it also has clear medical benefits. Edibles are healthier for you body and lungs than vaping and smoking while capable of producing the same results. While smoking cannabis is a little healthier than tobacco, it is still not a great frequent habit.  Additionally, edibles are likely to provide more pain relief and a stronger response from your mind and body.

Edibles are portable and discreet, allowing you to consume at a party, family event, or on the bus.  No fuss, no muss and you can pop one in your mouth.  According to BDSA, gummies represent at last 85% of the edible market.

Edible makers infuse their foods with marijuana through a variety of ways, primarily with cannabutter and extracts. Cannabutter is the product that results once butter or oil is infused with cannabis. This mixture is then used to make brownies, chocolates, etc.. Cannabutter includes the benefits and limitations of the whole cannabis flower, providing you with the full spectrum of cannabinoids. This means that there’s THC, CBD, and more in these types of edibles but also that they’re more unpredictable.

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Gummies and a few other products are usually made with extracts. Producers isolate THC or CBD in a lab and later add them to their products, making something that is more reliable and consistent. Edibles prepared with extracts are a good option for people who are looking for a specific effect.

When it comes to dosage, if you are new – consider starting with 2.5-5 mg and see how it goes. One benefit of professional edibles is there is a generally a good dosing guide so you can manage your high.  Where you want to chill at a concert of microdose to focus, you should be able to easily manage your high with a gummy.  Traditionally baked edibles can crumble and might not travel as well.

Remember it usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour for an edible to kick in. Wana Brands started a trend by releasing a new edible called Calm which hits in 5-15 minutes.  Being the first, you may have to wait for it to be in your area.

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Dispensary purchased edibles also tend to have less of a “weed” flavor.  Companies have employed chocolatiers and master candy makers to ensure the right taste along with the journey.  Flavors go from cookies and cream to watermelon, so you should find the right flavor.

From 15-19% of the population does Dry January.  After the excess of the holidays with food, drink, celebrations and family….your body might need a break.  But do you want Dry January of California sober.  What is it? Well, it is taking a break from alcohol and drugs except for cannabis.  And there are some sound reasons as marijuana is less hard on the body and offers up some medical benefits. But if you are new to cannabis, you might be worried, concerned or need more information.  Here are the answers to your questions about marijuana.

Is it addictive?

While not all that common, there are people who are heavily affected by marijuana use. The condition, known as cannabis abuse disorder (CID), affects about 30% of users, impairing their lives in one way or another. People who suffer from the condition often have the drug affecting their work and relationships, feel anxious when not consuming it, have cravings, and more. The populations that are at higher risk of developing this condition are teens and young users.

Can you overdose on it?

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Marijuana overdoses are pretty chill in the grand scheme of things. Still, some awkward and uncomfortable things can happen, so it’s important to pace yourself no matter the method of consumption. Symptoms of a marijuana overdose include dry mouth, sleepiness, paranoia, a fast heart rate, and even vomiting.

Which method is best?

Marijuana has come a long way. Long gone are the times of the crappy joint filled with brown weed, making it the perfect time to jump in. While the variety of methods can be overwhelming, it’s simple once you parse it all out. There’s cannabis flower, edibles, and vapes, with each of these having its own perks and pitfalls. In terms of health, vaping and smoking affects your lungs, so an edible might be a good starting place. Just know that edibles take a while to kick in and that you should start off slow.

Can I use it to treat anxiety?

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Historically, cannabis is praised for its anxiety-relieving properties and acting as a facilitator for social situations. While this is true, it’s also not the whole truth. Cannabis is fussy, acting differently depending on the cannabis you’re consuming, the person consuming it, and their level of experience. It’s also important to know what type of anxiety is being treated. If it’s a medical issue, it’s important to talk it out with your doctor.

Can I use it for sleep?

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Cannabis can make people very sleepy, but this isn’t the case for everyone and it depends on the type of cannabis you’re consuming. While some strains can make you feel relaxed and sleepy, others can make you feel wired (indica for the former, sativa for the latter). The best advice for using cannabis as a sleep aid is to start off slow, keeping track of your behaviors and patterns.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?

THC and CBD are cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. The main difference between the two is the fact that THC is psychoactive (producing that “high” feeling), while CBD is not. When smoking a CBD joint you may feel relaxed and loose, yet you won’t get high. CBD is mostly medicinal and it’s also very trendy, appearing in a wide variety of products ranging from hair products to skincare.