Why Gen Z Is Choosing Cannabis Over Alcohol. It’s not just a fad; young people are ditching drinks and switching to cannabis instead. According to a 2022 study conducted by New Frontier Data, roughly 69% of young adults ages 18-24 said that they prefer cannabis to alcohol, and 56% also said that they have replaced their alcohol use with cannabis consumption. For over 40 years, alcohol consumption outpaced marijuana use consistently on college campuses, but not anymore. Why? There are a few reasons people young (and older!) are making the switch, from legalization to health-conscious choices.
Reason 1: Cannabis is now more widely accepted
With widespread legalization currently underway, cannabis, once a taboo drug, is now becoming more socially acceptable to a mainstream audience. Cannabis is now legal in nearly half of all U.S. states for recreational use. And according to the Pew Research Center, nearly 80% of Americans live in a county with at least one cannabis dispensary. Plus, cannabis is marketed much more broadly as an ingredient in drinks, gummies, and even personal lubricant.
Reason 2: Opting For a Healthier Lifestyle
Today, younger generations are more concerned with healthier habits. The effects of alcohol are much more widely known. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that “drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your health. The whole body is affected by alcohol use--not just the liver, but also the brain, gut, pancreas, lungs, cardiovascular system, immune system, and more.” Alcohol consumption can increase risk of cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses, and younger generations are much more aware of that and see cannabis as a much more health-positive option.
Reason 3: More Sober Choices
Culturally, there was once much more pressure to drink alcohol, especially in college campus settings. Today, there’s a wave of sober bars opening across the U.S, like Hekate in New York City, made to provide more options to those who do not like to consume alcohol. Non-alcoholic beer and mocktails are much more commonplace, and are often replaced by THC or CBD-infused beverages. Because sobriety is more socially acceptable today, there is less social pressure to consume alcohol with friends.
Reason 4: No Hangover
Cannabis helps people relax, but without the dreaded hangover the next day. Many cannabis users report feeling less groggy and more clear-headed the day after use, as opposed to alcohol. Not only is there no hangover, but no ‘hangxiety,” or a hangover of the mind, an anxious feeling of dread or worry after a night of drinking. This can last up to 24 hours, or even longer for some.
Reason 5: Fewer Calories
For those focused on weight control and maintaining a healthy body image, the calories in alcoholic beverages may be a reason to shift to cannabis. A standard 12-ounce beer, for instance, typically has around 150 calories, while a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor (gin, rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey) usually ranges from 100 to 120 calories, and wine ranges from 120-130 calories for a 5 ounce serving. If you’re going out frequently and consuming several beverages an evening, that can add up! THC-infused drinks and gummies are typically lower in calories than alcohol consumables, making it a better option for many.
If you’re thinking about swapping alcohol for cannabis, experts agree that it’s important to buy from a legal, regulated dispensary, where the products are tested and determined safe for recreational use. Also, please take it slow! Start with a low dose to see how your body responds before consuming more.
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