I am a cannabis user myself, and I believe that more progress should be made where decriminalizing and destigmatizing cannabis is concerned.
Young people, particularly Gen Z, are indulging more often in the use of cannabis products. According to Bloomberg, in 2019, the cannabis industry was worth well over $10 billion. The reason for this number? While not the only consumers, Gen Z is twice as likely to purchase cannabis products ranging from flowers (the dried part of the plant that is usually smoked), oils, vapes, and edibles (chocolates, candies, and other consumables infused with the drug).
While alcohol consumption is still prevalent, research shows Gen Z is opting for a different kind of boost. According to New Frontier Data, roughly 69% of young adults aged 18-24 prefer cannabis over alcohol.
Madeline Cawley, 23, offered her thoughts on why people in her age group are choosing cannabis over alcohol consumption.
“I think younger generations are moving more towards weed and other things due to availability and legality,” said Cawley. “But also because weed is technically “better for you” than drinking, which has a more negative effect on the body.”
It’s clear on a federal level, there is a misunderstanding about the drug’s impact. Currently, the Drug Enforcement Administration has placed cannabis as a Schedule One drug, which is also placed with drugs like heroin. Schedule One drugs are defined as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and high potential for abuse.” Though, in 2024, the DEA issued a review to potentially remove cannabis to a less restrictive category of Schedule Three.
It is unfair to place cannabis on the same level as drugs like heroin. Seven United States’ states have decriminalized the use of cannabis, and in 2012, Washington state legalized cannabis after the passage of Initiative 502, according to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis board website. But there is still much progress to be made, as federally, cannabis is still an illegal substance.
Personally, I find the celebratory attitude of excessive drinking, or the culture of “needing” alcohol to have fun at gatherings, parties, or other events to be irritating. It seems that there’s almost nowhere to go that doesn’t involve drinking sometimes.
As a 22-year-old Gen Z-er myself, I absolutely do drink alcohol occasionally, but I believe the fact that alcohol is legal federally (with laws to ensure public and personal safety of course), and therefore is not necessarily demonized the way cannabis use is, is unfair. We have more research that is needed, but I believe this thinking should be put to rest and as a society, we need to work towards ending stigma and advocating for a change in our legislation.
For questions or comments related to this story, contact the author: sfcc.gus.dinsmore@gmail.com
