Study Shows Similarities in Millennial and Boomer Cannabis Preferences

Millennials and Baby Boomers love a good feud, but it looks like smoking a bowl together might put some of that angst to rest after all. According to a recent study from Verilife, a dispensary operator under the PharmaCann umbrella, there are more similarities than differences when it comes to how cannabis users from both demographics partake in the leafy green. 

The study revealed that inhaled cannabis is the preferred method of use for both groups, possibly because of familiarity. Naturally, Boomers are used to smoking joints and pipes instead of imbibing other ways, and even some Millennials started using cannabis at a time when smoking was more common than taking edibles or using newer inventions like vape pens. Later studies may reveal that Generation Z users aren’t as used to inhaled products.  

Another reason inhalation might be the most common way to consume cannabis in both groups is economics. Flower is one of the most inexpensive ways to buy cannabis, meaning that younger consumers with less income may decide to opt for it even if other options are appealing and available. Also, accessibility plays a role, as cannabis is sold in every dispensary in legal states, and is an easy-to-understand method of consumption..

Generational Differences

There are some differences in consumption methods, however. One big one is the reason for consumption.

“One of the biggest differences between how Millennials and Boomers consume marijuana lies within the reasons why each generation consumes,” the study continues. “For Millennials, nearly half consume for recreational reasons, which is a stark contrast to Boomers who are twice as likely to use marijuana solely for medical reasons. Among those who consume for medical reasons, the top health ailments vary between generations. For example, Millennials cite chronic pain (27 percent) and migraines (13 percent) as their top medical reasons compared to Boomers who consume for arthritis (15 percent) and chronic pain (13 percent).”

However, when it came to those who do use cannabis recreationally, Millennials and Boomers both reported that they use cannabis for relaxation. Also, both groups reported they spend about the same amount of money each month on cannabis, and that consumption has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the study, monthly spending on average has gone up about $27 a month for individuals, in addition to the $76 on average that individuals spent before COVID.

The other big difference is who smokes more cannabis. Based on the study, Millennials do.

“According to respondents, Millennials are more likely to consider themselves daily consumers. In fact, 1 in 5 Millennials said they consume marijuana daily compared to just 12 percent of Boomers.”

However, Boomers are still the ones who are more likely to wake and bake. They reported much more cannabis use early in the morning compared to Millennials, which could be due to lifestyle and being more likely to be retired.

These findings show that while there are definitely differences in consumption style, cannabis could be the one, uniting factor that could end the Baby Boomer vs. Millennial strife once and for all.