In a perfect world, the stigma around weed will cease to exist. Weed lovers everywhere will be able to use recreational cannabis freely and openly. Luckily, as the result of the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, as well as legislation loosening up in the states and in other parts of the world, there is a phenomenon happening: weed has gone mainstream.
That’s right, people of all ages are choosing to smoke recreational cannabis as a favorite pastime. Even more, is that many are choosing to replace alcohol with cannabis, skipping hangovers for quality bud. In fact, most millennials agree that weed is a much more appealing alternative to booze, as an article demonstrated in Market Watch last year. Furthermore, the popularity of weed has particularly gained momentum amidst a global pandemic.
With no projections of slowing down, the cannabis market is here to stay. So, what are some ways people are enjoying the high life? Young people are choosing to put down the bottle and pick up a joint, parents are swapping happy hour for green hour, and people everywhere are substituting weed for wine, beer for bud, and enjoying a healthier buzz.
Read on to learn why recreational cannabis is becoming “the” preferred pastime for people seeking an alternative way to unwind and have a little fun.
Younger People Prefer Bud to Booze
More young people from around the world are choosing weed over alcohol. While replacing alcohol for weed is not necessarily a new trend, COVID-19, could be what is driving people to switch from booze to recreational cannabis use as an alternative pastime.
In an article posted in VolteFace, a UK based publication, alcohol consumers shared stories as to why they felt motivated to give up alcohol. One personal account comes from a longtime alcohol abuser and party-goer, “Since I started consuming cannabis I feel like my relationships have improved: I am calmer.” Another spotlight story comes from “Hugh” who was diagnosed with pancreatitis and suffers from major depression. He says that cannabis was a stepping stone for him to get sober from years of alcohol abuse and that “smoking cannabis helps. It takes the painful sharp focused edge off reality and makes it less agonising to stumble through life.” For more cannabis inspired stories you can check them out here. But, one thing is clear, cannabis has improved the quality of life for many.
Aside from recreational cannabis use becoming an alternative to binge drinking, it’s also evolving as a fun and socially accepted way to pass the time. As a matter of fact, an article in The Washington Post featured a few surveys from a Yahoo and Marist College poll that showed most people regard weed as socially acceptable, and even feel comfortable smoking around their family. The survey states that “some families even toke together — 21 percent of users have either smoked marijuana in front of their parents or shared a joint with them.” With pandemic restrictions still impeding large social gatherings, it makes sense why more young people, especially millennials, are choosing weed over booze. After all recreational cannabis is an easy way to relax and mellow out for the day and not have to suffer the unpleasant symptoms after a night of drinking.
Parents Like Weed Too
Millennials are not the only ones looking for a “break” during turbulent times, parents are jumping aboard the weed wagon as well. In the same survey by Yahoo and Marist College that was summarized in The Washington Post says that a little more than half of the adults who use recreational cannabis are parents.
This isn’t so hard to believe given that marijuana laws in Canada and some parts of the world have permitted the use of recreational cannabis. This has waned the stigma around weed. In other words, with more cannabis legally available and ready for purchase at places such as recreational dispensaries, some parents feel more comfortable consuming weed around their kids.
On the other hand, many parents still feel the stigma around marijuana use, like those mentioned in the article Parents Who Smoke Pot, featured in Today’s Parent. Here parents share stories about how they reserve recreational cannabis use to when their kids go to bed or feel that they are judged when they tell other parents they smoke weed. In general, however, most parents feel that weed is becoming more socially accepted and agree that pot is a great way to relax after a long day.
Roll It, Pack It, Dab It, Eat It, A Gazillion Ways To Enjoy Weed
Marijuana consumption is on the rise and the support for recreational cannabis is at an all-time high. The legalization of cannabis in Canada and relaxed marijuana laws have opened the doors for unique ways to consume weed.
Smoking weed in Canada is still popular but so are cannabis-infused beverages, potent extracts, vaporizers, and dab rigs. When it comes to the weed market, the choices seem endless. Moreover, due to the pandemic, many people are stuck indoors and have found novel ways to enjoy weed, such as coming up with creative DIY (do-it-yourself) weed recipes in the kitchen. Weed edibles shined in 2020, becoming one of the most popular ways to consume marijuana.
The legalization of recreational cannabis and an ongoing pandemic has influenced the ways people enjoy their weed. When there’s much else to do, and the future seems fragile, it makes sense why people are using a little green to take the edge off.
As the weed craze continues to grow, stoners can expect even more ingenious ways to enjoy their weed. For now, we can sit back, take a puff, a dab, or a nibble of some good heady bud, and let our worries fly away with the wind. Buy weed online today from Canada’s favourite dispensary, Naked Cannabis.
