Why some people prefer cannabis to alcohol (especially Gen Z)
As someone who has experienced both cannabis and alcohol, I can attest to the fact that they are two very different substances. Growing up, I found myself drinking heavily as a teenager and young adult, but I also smoked a lot of weed during that time. However, after my father died, I stopped smoking weed and began to rely more on alcohol as a way to cope with the pain. Part of this decision was influenced by my religious beliefs at the time.
It wasn’t until I divorced myself from the religious mindset that I was able to reintroduce cannabis into my life. This was a turning point for me as I was able to reduce my drinking significantly. Interestingly, my body had begun to reject alcohol before that time. For example, I would start to get depressed while drinking, or even after just one beer.
Once I reintroduced cannabis, however, I found that I only drank alcohol on certain occasions and very in moderation. I’m starting to see alcohol as a way to “get a little sex,” or like any moderate to heavy drug use. It was okay now and then, but not all the time, just strategically. This shift in perspective was important and changed the way I approached materials.
Since that time, my relationships with cannabis and alcohol have changed. In fact, my whole approach to drugs has become dramatically different—much more mature in nature.
I got them for what they are – the tools!
However, a recent Statenews.com article spoke about this very topic, specifically to new generations and the possible reasons why they may prefer cannabis to alcohol. Titled “The Science Behind Why Some People Prefer Marijuana Over Alcohol,” the article explores the scientific hypothesis for why this is true.
A study by New Frontier Data found that 69% of consumers between the ages of 18 and 25 prefer cannabis products over alcohol.
While both substances can produce similar effects in the body, there are significant differences in the way they affect the brain and body.
Alcohol is a depressant that stimulates dopamine activity in the brain, while marijuana products interact directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The compounds that make up marijuana products are less dangerous and addictive than alcohol.
In addition, Americans generally view alcohol as more dangerous than marijuana, according to a survey by the American Addiction Centers.
However, some people who buy cannabis products may not be fully aware of what goes into the items they consume.
Dispensaries often use retail brands that may mislead people about the ingredients of the products they are buying. While social and cultural factors may contribute to why a person chooses to smoke rather than drink, science can also be a contributing factor.
In the end, people tend to choose whether to drink or smoke based on the experience they hope to get rid of.
Now when we take a closer look at the data according to the study, we can see how social perspective has shifted in favor of cannabis
The results indicate that Gen Zers consciously chooses cannabis over alcohol and tobacco, with more than two-thirds of those ages 18-24 preferring cannabis over alcohol.
Cannabis consumption in the past month decreased by 8% among the younger generation of Zers, but increased by 11% for the elderly. A study found a decrease in past-month alcohol use, frequent heavy drinking, and cigarette use among Gen Zers.
The article notes that the younger generation may make informed choices about their consumption patterns, as cannabis carries fewer risks of dependence and presents no risk of fatal overdose or long-term effects on the lungs.
Key findings:
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- Cannabis consumption in the past month decreased by 8% among the younger generation of Zers (those between the ages of 18 and 20), but it increased by 11% for the oldest (those between the ages of 21 and 25).
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- The largest increase in cannabis consumption was seen among some baby boomers (60-64 years old), whose monthly consumption increased by 56%.
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- Last month alcohol use, frequent heavy drinking, and cigarette use decreased among Gen Zers during 2014-2019.
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- More than two-thirds (69%) of those 18-24 years of age reported a preference for cannabis over alcohol, compared to nearly 70% between ages 25-34, 68% between ages 35-44, and 55% between ages 45-54 , 52% are between the ages of 55 and 64 and 44% are between the ages of 65 and 74.
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- Between the ages of 18-24, more than half (56%) reported replacing some of their alcohol with cannabis, compared to nearly 60% between the ages of 25-34, and more than 60% between the ages of 35-44.
While this study looked at the obvious signs, scientists weren’t really known for being “cool.” They are more “hippet” than “hip”. So, you can’t blame them for digging deeper into the cultural fabric and trying to understand the motives from that perspective.
Games and gaming culture
For example, the use of screens and general time in front of a screen has increased significantly. In addition, technology has made other means of entertainment or escape possible. For example, how much has gaming culture grown over the past 10-20 years?
With alcohol, there comes a point when the gaming efficiency starts to take its toll.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some moments when playing drunk is a lot of fun, but since many games are online and require a certain level of attention – Cannabis allows you to be in the game and ignore everything else, while alcohol does the opposite at a certain threshold.
Aside from the increase in screen time and the growth of gaming culture, there may be other reasons why Gen Z prefer cannabis over other substances.
Mental health and self-care
One possibility is the growing interest in wellness and self-care among young adults.
As mental health issues such as anxiety and depression continue to rise, more individuals are turning to alternative methods of self-care, including cannabis use. CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has gained popularity in recent years as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress.
With increasing awareness of the benefits Cannabis for mental healthIt is possible that more young people may turn to it as a form of self-care, especially as they perceive alcohol to be more dangerous.
Increase acceptance in the general culture
Another possible reason for Gen Z’s preference for cannabis is the growing acceptance of the plant in popular culture.
As legalization spread across the United States and other countries, Cannabis is becoming more widespread And less stigma. This shift in attitudes toward cannabis has been reflected in music, movies, and television shows.
In particular, hip-hop culture has long embraced cannabis as a symbol of rebellion and counterculture. With hip hop continuing to dominate popular culture, this influence may have contributed to the growing acceptance of cannabis among young people.
Even on mainstream shows, cannabis is now a common theme.
Social media
Moreover, the advent of social media has made it easier than ever for young people to connect with others who share their interests, including cannabis use.
Instagram, in particular, has become a hub for cannabis enthusiasts, with many accounts dedicated to sharing photos and information about different strains and products.
By following these accounts, young people can stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the cannabis world and connect with others who share their passion for the plant.
Given that a lot of Gen Z “influences” people on social media, it creates a feedback loop within their map of reality. It’s just the most common way for them to “elevate” or alter their consciousness without entering the realm of hallucinogens.
But do not worry. In a generation or two, there will certainly be pioneering psychics on the rise.
While there may be many factors driving Gen Z’s preference for cannabis, including increased screen time and gaming culture, there are other reasons to consider.
A growing interest in wellness and self-care, the growing acceptance of cannabis in popular culture, and the rise of social media are all factors that may contribute to the popularity of the plant among young adults.
Regardless of the reasons behind it, cannabis use among youth is clearly on the rise, and this trend is likely to continue as attitudes toward the plant continue to change.
Given that of all the substances these young men could choose, hemp is the mildest, – that’s a good thing. As education continues, we will eventually see the starting threshold become “larger”.
Right now, most people seem to opt for it Starting to smoke cannabis at a later age The population under the age of 18 has seen a significant decrease. This is also good news
It appears that Gen Z’s preference for cannabis over alcohol and tobacco may be attributed to various factors, such as a conscious effort to make healthy choices, a desire for more immersive and focused experiences, and the influence of technology and screen culture.
Perhaps we’ve reached a time and place in society where we’re ready to forgo our drinks as our main source of entertainment, and perhaps adopt a more “plant-based” approach.
As more countries legalize cannabis and the stigma surrounding it diminishes, we may continue to see a shift toward it as the drug of choice for generations to come. However, this trend could be disrupted if other drugs, such as narcotics, are re-legalized and gain more mainstream acceptance.
Ability Medicinal benefits of the drug, along with a recent rise in research and advocacy for their use, could lead to a significant shift in drug consumption patterns. Of course, it is important to create a level playing field between large companies and individuals. It is important to ground our human rights in the psychedelic debate. However, the second drugstore psychedelic revolution is coming, and she’s wearing a white coat with drugstore suits of fat running behind him.
In addition, the new immersion in computer technology could also have an impact on future drug preferences, as virtual reality and other digital experiences become more prevalent. I can see people choosing more to smoke weed or eat food to immerse themselves in these realms. Being drunk simply won’t allow you to break the barrier between “here and there,” and may make you feel sick.
However, strong food in the right dose can dissolve gear and allow consciousness to focus only on the information streaming through the lens.
In general, it is difficult to predict exactly how drug consumption patterns will change over the next 2-3 generations.
However, it is clear that cannabis is becoming more accepted and widespread, and this could have significant implications for society as a whole. Whether it leads to a more creative and neurotic society, as some have suggested, remains to be seen.
However, it is important not to sit there and wait for lawmakers and policy writers to come up with the rules. Get organized, stand together and fight for your rights as a human being to these plant-based technologies.
I’m talking to you Gen Z and below. If the world marvels at the power of artificial intelligence, psychedelia is essentially the same technology but from an organic perspective. It’s a powerful tool for consciousness, and unless we band together, it’s going to be snatched away by crazy pharmacies like techno twats are trying to do with artificial intelligence.
However, the first step toward changing social consciousness can be as easy as switching from beer to bud…and over decades, it could mean the difference between our destruction or our rise.
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