What sets Gen Z apart from their parents and grandparents? 

Technology is the first thing that comes to mind as the most defining difference from their predecessors. And it's huge. Baby Boomers grew up with black-and-white TV, Gen X developed computer skills and Millennials matured on the Internet.

And Gen Z? Well, they grew, developed and matured with a combination of all of the above.

So, how do Gen Zers feel about pot?

Survey Summary 

Gen Zers like marijuana, but not until they are old enough. The study revealed that between 2017 and 2020 past-month cannabis consumption declined 8% among those aged 18-20, but increased for older Gen Zers between 21 and 25. By comparison, the biggest increase was seen among Baby Boomers aged 60-64, whose monthly consumption grew by 56%.

• Gen Zers are not really into alcohol or tobacco. 

Some 19.7% of cannabis consumers between 18-24 said they never drank alcohol and were among the least likely to say they drank every day (5.9%). Also, 39.3% of them said they'd never used tobacco. 

• Gen Zers seem to purposely choose marijuana over booze.  

As many as 69% of people between 18 and 24 stated a preference for cannabis over alcohol, compared to almost 70% of those aged 25-34, 68% aged 35-44, 55% aged 45-54, 52% aged 55-64, and 44% aged 65-74. 

• Gen Zers do not place as much effort as older consumers in replacing alcohol with cannabis. 

56% of those aged 18-24 revealed replacing some of their alcohol with marijuana, compared to almost 60% among ages 25-34, and more than 60% among 35-44-year-olds. Those rates dropped further among older groups, from 44% among 45-54-year-olds to about 43% among ages 55-64, and nearly 30% among ages 65-74. It is important to note that the 18-24-year-old group already reported being more likely to not consume alcohol at all.

Reiman concluded that the research data indicated young people are handling the legal marijuana space by avoiding compulsive and increased consumption, and are also less inclined to use alcohol or tobacco, which makes cannabis their preferred substance. 

“Considering that cannabis carries a lower risk of dependence than do either alcohol or tobacco – and presents no risk of either fatal overdose (e.g., alcohol) or long-term impacts to the lungs (e.g., tobacco) – it suggests that the younger generation may indeed be making more considered choices about their consumption patterns. In sum, the kids are alright,” Reiman wrote. 

Could it be that simple? Are Kids Really Alright? 

How did it come to this? While the answer is probably too complex to be attainable, one part of it probably lies at the beginning – technology. The progress of technology has changed our surroundings and estranged us from ourselves and others, making us more prone to various controversial choices.  

Photo: Courtesy of Devin Avery on Unsplash