Women Aged 19 to 30 Now Smoke More Weed Than Their Male Counterparts in Sesmic Consumer Shift

Young Women in the US overtake Men in terms of consumption rates according to Report

When you think “stoner,” what image pops into your head? Chances are, you’re picturing some variation of the classic archetype: a dude in a tie-dye shirt, perhaps sporting some questionable facial hair, pontificating about the universe while demolishing a bag of Doritos. And who can blame you? From Cheech and Chong to Harold and Kumar, pop culture has consistently painted cannabis consumption as primarily a masculine pursuit.

But here’s the thing – women have been getting high since, well, forever. Queen Victoria reportedly used cannabis for menstrual cramps, and there’s evidence suggesting that ancient priestesses incorporated it into their spiritual practices. Yet somehow, the “stoner chick” remained more of a supporting character than a lead role in our cultural cannabis narrative. Sure, we’ve had glimpses of female-forward cannabis content – Nancy Botwin’s suburban dealings in “Weeds” or Anna Faris’s epic journey in “Smiley Face” – but these have been more exception than rule.

Well, folks, it looks like the times they are a-changin’. According to fresh data from the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, young women have officially overtaken men in cannabis consumption rates for the first time in recorded history. That’s right – the ladies are officially out-toking the gents, at least in the 19-30 age bracket. And let me tell you, this isn’t just some statistical blip – it’s a seismic shift that’s already sending ripples through the industry.

As someone who’s been observing and writing about cannabis culture for years, I can tell you this is big. We’re not just talking about who’s taking the biggest hits anymore; we’re looking at a fundamental transformation in how cannabis products are developed, marketed, and sold. The future of cannabis might just be feminine, and in this article, we’re going to explore exactly what that means for everyone involved.

According to NIDA’s latest data, young women between 19-30 are blazing past their male counterparts when it comes to cannabis consumption. Now, before my male readers start clutching their papers and pearls simultaneously, this trend is specifically focused on this age demographic – the older crowds still skew predominantly male.

But the evidence doesn’t stop at NIDA’s doorstep. The cannabis app Jointly reports that 55% of their users are sporting two X chromosomes, and if we peek into the sales data from Housing Works Cannabis Company in New York, we find women dropping an average of $91 per visit compared to men’s $89. Sure, it’s just a couple of bucks difference, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s quite the plot twist in our ongoing cannabis narrative.

Here’s where things get really interesting: women make roughly 80% of purchasing decisions in the country. Let that sink in for a moment. When Lauren Carpenter, CEO of Embarc, points this out, she’s not just dropping random stats – she’s highlighting a potential gold mine for the cannabis industry. This isn’t just about who’s smoking more; it’s about who’s driving the market.

And speaking of markets, let’s address the elephant in the room – legalization has played a massive role in this shift. Look, I’ve been around long enough to know that scoring weed in the black market often meant dealing with some sketchy situations. While many of us old-timers might have colorful stories about meeting “a friend of a friend” in a parking lot, that’s not exactly the kind of experience that appeals to everyone – especially women who are rightfully concerned about their safety.

Today’s legal dispensaries are a whole different ball game. They’re well-lit, professional establishments where you’re more likely to get a lecture about terpene profiles from a clean-cut budtender named Chad than worry about getting robbed. This safe, legitimate shopping experience has opened the door for many women who might have been hesitant to explore cannabis in the past.

There’s another factor at play here that we can’t ignore – cannabis is essentially calorie-free. In a society where women often face intense pressure about body image, cannabis offers an alternative to alcohol that won’t sabotage their fitness goals. Want to unwind after a long day without worrying about empty calories from that glass (or three) of wine? Mary Jane’s got your back.

But with this demographic shift comes an inevitable question: how will this change the way cannabis is marketed and sold? The days of pot leaf bikini models and “dude-bro” marketing are likely numbered. But what comes next? Well, my curious friends, that’s exactly what we’re going to explore next.

As mega-corporations like Tilray pivot to chase the female dollar, we’re about to witness a fascinating evolution in cannabis marketing. But what exactly does “feminine cannabis marketing” look like? Well, let me tell you, it’s going to be a lot more nuanced than just “making everything pink” (though I’m sure someone will try that approach).

First up, beverages are going to be huge. Tilray’s already seeing success with their lemon iced tea, and it makes perfect sense. Not everyone wants to rip a bong or roll a joint, and many women might prefer sipping on a cannabis-infused mojito while catching up with friends. The beverage market has been cannabis’s white whale for years, but with women leading consumption rates, we might finally see it take off. After all, “wine mom” culture could easily evolve into “cannabis spritzer mom” culture.

The aesthetic and naming conventions are also due for a makeover. Don’t get me wrong – I love strain names like “Green Crack” and “God’s Gift,” but they might not resonate with everyone. Imagine instead something like “Moonlight Meditation” – a calming indica blend with lavender undertones, or “Aurora’s Kiss” – an uplifting sativa with notes of vanilla and citrus. Marketing could focus on stress relief, mindfulness, and self-care rather than just getting absolutely zooted.

Speaking of self-care, expect to see a explosion of cannabis-infused beauty and wellness products. CBD bath bombs are just the beginning, folks. We’re talking THC-infused face masks, cannabis hair care products, and muscle relief creams that actually work. The beauty industry is worth billions, and cannabis companies would be crazy not to tap into that market.

Here’s the thing about marketing to women – they generally make more considered purchases across a wider range of products than men. While guys might be content with basic necessities, women tend to curate their lifestyles more carefully. This opens up endless possibilities for cannabis products to integrate into various aspects of daily life, from morning wellness routines to evening relaxation rituals.

Over the next decade, I predict we’ll see a beautiful balance emerge in cannabis marketing. The loud, psychedelic aesthetic that’s dominated the scene will make room for more sophisticated, wellness-oriented branding. It won’t be about replacing one with the other, but rather expanding the tent to welcome all styles and preferences.

And you know what? This shift might be exactly what cannabis needs to finally shed its lingering stigma. As more women – particularly mothers – embrace cannabis, we’re going to see a normalization that previous generations could only dream of. Instead of the stereotypical stoner dad zoned out on the couch, we’ll have mindful moms who’ve found that a little THC helps them stay patient and present with their kids.

And let’s be honest, a mom who occasionally partakes in a cannabis-infused tea is probably going to be more relaxed and understanding than one who’s white-knuckling her way through parenting. Recent studies suggest that cannabis, when used responsibly, can actually help parents maintain their cool during those challenging moments of child-rearing. Now that’s what I call progress!

Well folks, it looks like Mary Jane is becoming more of a Jane’s game these days, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. The writing’s on the wall: cannabis is set to dethrone alcohol as America’s relaxation method of choice over the next couple of decades, and women are leading this revolutionary charge.

You know what? It makes perfect sense. Cannabis offers women something that alcohol never could – therapeutic benefits without the nasty side effects. From managing monthly cramps (just like Queen Victoria did) to melting away the stress of a demanding day without the hangover, cannabis is practically tailor-made for women’s needs. And now that they can buy it in a clean, safe, legal environment instead of some sketchy dealer’s basement, they’re voting with their wallets.

The stats don’t lie, my friends. Young women are now consuming more cannabis than their male counterparts, and this shift is going to transform the industry in ways we’re only beginning to understand. We’re about to witness a beautiful evolution in cannabis culture – one that balances the tie-dye aesthetics of yesteryear with sophisticated, wellness-oriented approaches. The future of cannabis won’t be either/or; it’ll be both/and.

As I wrap up this article, I can’t help but feel optimistic about where this is all heading. A world where moms can freely choose cannabis over cabernet, where women feel empowered to manage their health naturally, and where the cannabis industry finally grows up to serve everyone – not just the stereotypical stoner dude. The future of cannabis is female, my friends, and that future is looking mighty fine indeed.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go try one of those new cannabis-infused iced teas. You know, for research purposes.

INSPIRATION:

https://businessofcannabis.com/young-us-women-overtake-men-in-cannabis-

consumption-for-the-first-time-and-retailers-are-rethinking-t

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