Cannabis is popular, but not nearly as popular as its cousin, which is a global powerhouse.

Cannabis has been around for thousands of years, but its similarly aged cousin is still more popular on a global level. You might think Coco-Cola was popular when it had a more active coca component, but it is not the OG version of fun. Cannabis is related to hops, which is a base for most beer. This biggest clue to their relationship is in the smell. You can tell since they both have a bit of a dank aroma.

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While marijuana is becoming widely accepted, it has a ways to go to be as popular as its cousin. Globally, when you look at the beverages we consume, most North Americans would be surprised. Water, followed by tea are the top two drinks in the world. Surprisingly, beer is the third…making hops valuable and highly consumed. Coffee, is the fourth most drank beverage.

Hops comes from the plant humulus lupulus and marijuana comes from the cannabis plant. Both are parts of the relatively small family of Cannabaceae. They basically are cousins, sharing a key ingredient called terpenes^{ans. Cannabis contain terpenes and terpenoids; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a terpenoid. Hops lack the enzyme which could convert cannabigerolic acid into THC or CBD. While THC is what makes you high, hops doesn’t contribute to the alcohol content of beer, but rather the weight and flavoring. On its own, hops has been used for anxiety, sleep disorders, restlessness, symptoms of menopause, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.}

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While in humans, cousins shouldn’t marry, the same is not true in the hops/cannabis world. In 2022, the Canadian and US marijuana beer market was estimated at $190+ million. Beverages are a growing populations and mainstream beer makers have taken notice. Coors, Molson, Anheuser-Busch, and more have developed beers with cannabis, with some looking toward the non-alcoholic market.

It was common and part of the American myth, guys would come home after work and pop a beer.  Or stop by their “local” for a quick one before heading to the house. But the world has changed and more people are concerned about weight, calories and health impacts. A survey by the American Heart Association found millennials, more than previous generations, are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. In addition, Gen Z seems to be the first generation to slowly move away from alcohol, and a portion are moving to marijuana.

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Thanks to anecdotal and hard data, there is now a slow trend where after work instead of a grabbing a beer, people are taking a puff or popping a gummy.  Same relaxation, but with less side effects. But what should be the marijuana dosing for the first half of the week? It is important you don’t rely on anything every day to relax.  To do so could be a sign of addiction. But if you are want a quick, after work cool down.  Here are some suggestions.

Consider vaping, gummies or tinctures. These vehicles are easy to consume and you don’t have to commit to a big dosage.   A couple of hits on the vape while unwinding should be enough to release the tension while doing Monday stuff. The same line goes with gummies and tinctures.

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A suggested dosage of marijuana for a low key chill is between 5-7.5 milligrams (mg).  A study revealed participants who received 7.5 mg. of THC reported less stress after the psychosocial test than those given a placebo, and stress levels dissipated faster after the test.  This would equal a couple of dose on a vape or about 1.5 gummies.  (with gummies having a bout 5 mg of THC).

Alcohol sales, a predictor of use, shows the first half of have low sale but by Thursday it is has jumped 2.5X. Marijuana should follow in the same footprint.