Over the last 10+ years as the legalization market has grown we have also seen a decline in alcohol consumption with younger adults today. Boomers apparently are still getting sht faced*.
Why?
There is a myriad of reasons for this but as expected with legalization bringing about more availability, the usage of cannabis has increased.
From sober-dating and other alcohol-free events, the surge in alcohol-free beverages in restaurants and store locations, younger adults want something different today. For many that might be a consideration for cannabis. That where millions are spending their dollars.
Young adults today represent a large portion of the market, but seniors have also been one of the fastest growing markets as well. The market is so diverse, from young adults to seniors, people from all different backgrounds and walks of life.
The CBD market has also been a big reason for that growth in recent years, as an entry point for people who want to get involved with cannabis but don't want THC.
Reasons people might be trending away from drinking are diverse. It might be changing social attitudes to drinking, economic factors with drinks at restaurants being too expensive for many, or other health concerns, there isn't just one reason why some young adults today might prefer the plant instead.
The growth of the canna market has brought about a change in perception and helped erode stigmas and evolve attitudes surrounding this plant. There are many items too that can be found in the market alone from joints, vapes, flower, body care products, food, drinks, advent calendars, clothing, it has brought a significant economic opportunity along with that welcoming of the market in more areas. Are we surprised one has dwindled with a segment of the market while another seems to be flourishing?
Almost half of the US has some sort of market in this area, either for medicinal or recreational, despite it still being restricted federally and many waiting for that change to come about as well. Will we ever see it happen? At least for those who have wanted to gain access they've been able to see some sort of market fashioned along the way. Current restrictions continue to evolve and it isn't clear when or if those changes on a federal level ever will take place because it isn't the most important topic of the day these days.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13257419/alcohol-baby-boomers-covid-pandemic-drinking.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/baby-boomers-alcohol-intake-booze-wine-drinking-gen-z-millennials-2025-3?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/life/health-wellness/2025/03/06/cannabis-drinks-are-surging-in-popularity/81742959007/
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-going-sober-powering-120000888.html