Cannabis culture has really changed in the last ten years. It’s gone from being something that was mostly illegal and looked down on to something that’s now more accepted and even embraced by a lot of different people and countries. In this article, we’ll dig into how different things, like new laws, new ways to use cannabis, growing acceptance in society, and its role in health and wellness, have all played a part in this shift. Let’s check out the main changes that have shaped cannabis culture lately.
A World-Wide Green Wave
Based on the current data, over 40 countries have made moves to legalize cannabis, either completely or in some form, whether for medical reasons or just for fun. While some places have fully legalized it, others have relaxed their rules to decriminalize small amounts or allow for medical use. In the U.S., the push for legalization really picked up after 2018, with many states passing laws to allow both medical and recreational cannabis. As of 2024, the federal government still keeps cannabis illegal, but state rules are changing quite a bit.
Thanks to that shift in legal status, the way cannabis is viewed by younger generations has really changed lately. A recent study found that people are much more open to it now, especially young people, liberals, and those who have tried it themselves.
The move to decriminalize cannabis has really helped take away the stigma by treating small possession cases like minor offenses—sort of like getting a ticket instead of being treated as a criminal. This change has made it easier to see cannabis use as a personal choice instead of something illegal, plus it lightens the load for law enforcement.
How Has the Way We Consume Cannabis Evolved?
One of the biggest changes in cannabis culture we have witnessed ourselves is how people are consuming it these days. Instead of sticking to joints and bongs, a lot of people are now choosing healthier options like vapes, edibles, and tinctures. A 2021 survey by New Frontier Data showed that almost half of U.S. cannabis users prefer not to smoke, with edibles and tinctures becoming super popular. This shift is likely due to health concerns and the convenience these alternatives offer.
In addition, a 2022 survey from Statista showed that almost 40% of younger cannabis users (ages 18-34) prefer vaping over traditional smoking. Apart from vaping, cannabis edibles are on the rise as well, with a report by BDSA showing a 20% jump in sales in states where cannabis is legal. Both vaping and edibles provide longer-lasting effects, can be used discreetly, and make dosing a lot more precise, which is great for both recreational and medicinal users.
Who’s Lighting Up? Exploring the Changing Demographics
One of the coolest things about cannabis culture we can notice today is how it’s attracting all kinds of people beyond the typical “stoner” stereotype. Nowadays, you’ll find everyone from old to young and women to professionals and people from different backgrounds getting into it. A 2022 Gallup survey even showed that 19% of U.S. adults are using cannabis, and there’s been a big jump in usage among those over 50. For many Baby Boomers, cannabis is becoming a go-to option for physical relief and a way to relax, and AARP data backs that up, showing more seniors are trying it out and reporting positive experiences.
Women especially have really become a key part of cannabis culture. According to some data from Headset, the number of women using cannabis went up by 5% from 2019 to 2022, and now they make up about 37% of the market. This bump in female users likely comes from brands that are paying attention to what women want, like low-dose edibles and products that focus on wellness.
For Your Health: Cannabis is a Key Player in the Wellness Industry
To no one’s surprise, cannabis is no longer just seen as something for a good time; it’s now a big player in the wellness scene. With more research and people becoming aware of how beneficial cannabis can be, things like CBD and CBG—along with other non-intoxicating compounds—are popping up in all sorts of wellness products. Nowadays, folks are looking at cannabis not just for its high but also as a real helper for their health and well-being.
A 2023 survey from Consumer Reports found that 59% of people who use cannabis do so to chill out and relieve stress. About 42% rely on it to help with sleep problems, and 39% use it for physical ailments like achey joints and sore muscles. There’s a ton of research backing up the benefits of CBD, with the National Institutes of Health showing that nearly 30% of cannabis users tap into it for issues like insomnia, anxiety, and chronic physical issues. As more folks are searching for natural ways to feel better, millennials and Gen Z are all about cannabis-infused products—like oils, tinctures, and topicals—rather than going for traditional meds.
CBG, another interesting cannabinoid, is getting a lot of buzz for its potential to ease inflammation and help with brain health. Some early studies hint that it might be useful for treating issues like glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease. As cannabis products become more mainstream, people are starting to look at non-psychoactive options that provide health benefits without the high that comes with THC.
There’s Still Work to Do
As discussed above, based on the drastic changes happened thus far, the cannabis industry has still some hurdles to overcome, both socially and legally. These challenges continue to affect the industry’s growth and how cannabis is accepted in society.
On a positive note, there are emerging trends pointing towards a more inclusive and innovative future. In this section, we’ll look at the ongoing social and legal obstacles, sustainability issues, and what lies ahead for cannabis culture, backed by surveys and research findings.
Social and Legal Barriers
Regardless the hype of cannabis in many places, marijuana-derived cannabis is still illegal or heavily restricted, which complicates things for both buyers and sellers.
In the U.S., states like California, Colorado, and New York have given the green light for medical and recreational use, but on a federal level, it’s still labeled as a Schedule I substance. This creates a bit of a messy situation where people can legally purchase cannabis in certain states, but federal laws still make it illegal to transport it across state lines and complicate banking options for cannabis businesses. A 2023 Gallup poll showed that 68% of Americans support legalization, but the federal government’s stance is still a major roadblock for the industry.
Globally, many countries are grappling with strict cannabis laws. While places like Canada and Uruguay have fully legalized it, a lot of other regions keep tightening the screws. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that only 10% of people in Africa and 20% in Asia are in favor of legalization. This makes it tough for companies looking to enter different international markets, especially with all the differing laws out there.
Even with all the hurdles, it seems like support for legalization is really gaining momentum. A 2024 report from Prohibition Partners predicts that by 2030, more than 50 countries could have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, with major markets in Europe and Latin America leading the charge.
Vibe Check: Predictions for the Next Decade
We believe that for the next couple of decades, innovation is going to be super important for the cannabis culture. With more people looking for ways to use it that don’t involve smoking, products like edibles, tinctures, and cannabis-infused drinks are really taking off. Plus, new options like cannabis patches and transdermal products might change the game for how folks consume cannabis. On the cultivation side, advancements like vertical farming and automation are making it easier and greener to grow cannabis.
The growth of medical cannabis research and its connection to wellness trends will keep shaping the industry. More people are turning to CBD and other cannabinoids for health reasons, especially for things like anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia, and new studies are showing some promising results. As we learn more about it, cannabis is starting to look like a legit wellness option, and its potential in medicine will continue to get more attention.
Final Thoughts: How Has Cannabis Culture Changed?
Recent studies show that attitudes are shifting, with a lot more folks supporting cannabis use, especially for health and medical reasons. Legalization is on the rise in the U.S. and around the world, and with all the cool advancements in cannabis tech, it’s becoming a regular part of everyday life. Plus, with ongoing research into its medical benefits and the possibility of U.S. federal legalization by 2030, cannabis is set to dive even deeper into the mainstream.
In the future, cannabis will play an even bigger role in wellness, with new ways to enjoy it that appeal to health-conscious people. As it becomes more embedded in social, economic, and healthcare settings, it’s likely to influence cultural trends, create new economic opportunities, and change health practices.
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post contains no legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
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References:
- (THCA-A) reduces adiposity and prevents metabolic disease
- THC is a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity
- THCa markedly alleviates liver fibrosis and inflammation
- THCa inhibits prostate cancer tumor growth
- Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill – 07/25/2019 | FDA
- The Controlled Substances Act (dea.gov)
- New Frontier Data, 2021, Cannabis Consumption Preferences Survey.
- Gallup, 2022, Cannabis Usage Among U.S. Adults.
- Pew Research, 2023, Social Media and Cannabis Influence.
- Headset, 2022, Gender Trends in Cannabis Consumption.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2022, Cannabis Use for Therapeutic Purposes.
- Consumer Reports, 2023, Cannabis Use and Wellness Trends.
