Back in the ’70s, if you wanted to smoke weed, you had to know a guy. Maybe it was your cousin who had a connection, or maybe you and your friends nervously rolled a joint in your car, hoping no one would notice the smell. Fast forward to today, and things look a little different. Now, you can walk into a sleek dispensary, chat with a “budtender” about different strains, and even pick up a THC-infused seltzer. Cannabis has gone mainstream, but how people use it—and why—still varies by generation.
From Baby Boomers rediscovering weed for arthritis pain to Gen Z replacing alcohol with THC gummies, each generation’s relationship with cannabis tells a bigger story about changing culture, laws, and attitudes. And beyond just how they consume it, the actual cannabis itself has changed—dramatically.
How Different Generations Use Cannabis
Boomers (1946-1964): From Woodstock to Wellness
Boomers were the first generation to elevate cannabis into a cultural phenomenon, particularly during the 1960s and ’70s. Many experimented with cannabis in their youth, but decades of the War on Drugs led some to distance themselves from it. Now, with widespread legalization and increased recognition of cannabis’s medicinal benefits, Boomers are making a comeback.
Pain relief, sleep aid, and anxiety management are among the top reasons Boomers turn to cannabis today. According to the Sanctuary Wellness Institute, around 22% of Boomers use cannabis, primarily for medicinal purposes.
However, today’s cannabis is far more potent than what they may remember from their youth. In the 1970s, the average THC content in cannabis hovered around 2-5%, whereas today’s dispensary-grade strains often contain 20-30% THC. As a result, many older users find they need to start slow and ease into their cannabis experiences.
Gen X (1965-1980): The Under-the-Radar Tokers
Gen Xers grew up amid the “Just Say No” era, where anti-drug campaigns dominated public discourse. Unlike Boomers, who experienced the free-spirited counterculture of the ’60s, Gen X’s exposure to cannabis was often overshadowed by strict drug policies and harsher legal consequences.
Despite this, attitudes have shifted dramatically. Today, about 34% of Gen Xers report using cannabis, often as a means to manage stress, anxiety, or unwind after a long day. Many who used cannabis sporadically in their youth are now embracing legal dispensaries, opting for carefully curated strains over the low-quality, seedy weed of the past.
For Gen X, cannabis has long been associated with rebellion and risk. Growing up in an era dominated by the War on Drugs, many experienced harsh legal consequences or social stigma around its use. This shaped their relationship with cannabis, making discretion a priority even as laws relaxed. Now, with legalization, they’re finally able to enjoy cannabis more openly, but old habits die screaming, and many still cloak their use in secrecy due to decades of ingrained caution.
Millennials (1981-1996): The Wellness Warriors
For Millennials, cannabis isn’t just about getting high—it’s an integral part of the wellness movement. With 36% reporting regular use, Millennials have driven cannabis into the mainstream, normalizing its use for stress relief, sleep, and self-care.
Unlike older generations who had to take whatever they could find, Millennials have had access to legal dispensaries and lab-tested products. Many incorporate cannabis into their health-conscious routines, swapping out alcohol for THC-infused beverages or using CBD for anxiety relief. Microdosing—taking small amounts of THC for mild effects rather than a full-blown high—is also particularly popular among this group.
According to Pew Research, Millennials are the most likely generation to have both parents and children who use cannabis, which increases their exposure to it across multiple age groups. Unlike previous generations that primarily encountered cannabis in their youth or later in life, Millennials see its presence from both directions.
Generation Z (Born 1997-2012): The Cannabis-First Generation
Gen Z, fondly referred to as Zoomers, is the first generation to come of age in a time when cannabis is widely legal and accepted. Unlike previous generations, many of them see weed as a healthier alternative to alcohol. In fact, a 2022 survey found that 69% of young adults prefer cannabis over drinking (CBS News). They’re also more experimental with their consumption methods, embracing everything from THC seltzers to microdosed edibles.
Because they’ve only known high-potency cannabis, members of Gen Z tend to approach it differently than Boomers or Gen X. Dispensary options now include products with up to 90% THC, like concentrates and dabs (National Institute on Drug Abuse). For older generations, that kind of potency would have been unimaginable. But for Gen Z, it’s just part of the evolving cannabis experience.
Unlike Millennials, who saw cannabis go from underground to mainstream, Gen Z grew up in a world where dispensaries are as common as coffee shops. For them, cannabis isn’t some counterculture symbol—it’s just part of the mix when it comes to relaxation, socializing, and self-care. Older generations had to deal with stigma and legal risks, but for Gen Z, it’s just another option in their wellness routine, no different from meditation apps or adaptogenic drinks.
What Every Generation Has in Common
Despite their differences, all generations share some key cannabis habits:
- More people are using it than ever. Across all age groups, cannabis use is rising. In 2021, about 19% of Americans reported using cannabis at least once (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Even among adults 35-50, usage hit 29% in 2023 (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
- Projections suggest that the number of recreational cannabis users in the United States will nearly double from 3.43 million in 2020 to an estimated 6.41 million by 2025.
- Everyone supports legalization. No matter their age, cannabis users overwhelmingly favor legalization, seeing it as a matter of both personal freedom and economic opportunity.
- They’re aware of potency—but approach it differently. Older generations may be surprised (and sometimes overwhelmed) by the strength of today’s products, while younger generations are more accustomed to high-THC strains and are comfortable exploring stronger options.
What Sets Each Generation Apart?
Of course, each generation has its own distinct approach:
- Boomers and Gen Xers still prefer classic consumption methods like smoking and edibles, while Millennials and Gen Z are exploring newer options like tinctures, vapes, and infused beverages.
- Gen Z is the most open to cannabis but also the most health-conscious. They’re cutting back on alcohol and tobacco in favor of cannabis (CBS News).
- Boomers and Gen Xers are the fastest-growing group of medical cannabis users, often using it for chronic pain and stress relief (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
- Millennials and Gen Z have access to the highest-potency cannabis in history, leading to new consumption trends like microdosing and high-THC concentrates.
Final Hit: Where Cannabis Is Headed Next
Cannabis has come a long way from being an underground counterculture movement to a billion-dollar industry. Whether you’re a Boomer rediscovering weed for pain relief, a Millennial using it as part of your wellness routine, or a Zoomer choosing it over alcohol, one thing is clear—cannabis is here to stay. And as legalization continues to expand, the way we consume and talk about cannabis will only keep evolving.
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
- Pew Research Center, https://www.pewresearch.org/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), www.cdc.gov
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), www.drugabuse.gov
- CBS News, www.cbsnews.com
- Sanctuary Wellness Institute, www.sanctuarywellnessinstitute.com
FAQs About Cannabis Use by Generation
Over the years, the cultivation of cannabis has become more refined, with growers focusing on strains that offer higher THC levels. This shift is largely due to demand for stronger products and advancements in growing techniques.
While many Boomers and Gen Xers initially returned to cannabis for medicinal use, more are experimenting with it for recreation as attitudes towards cannabis continue to evolve and legal markets grow.
Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD, which can provide calming or pain-relieving effects. Many users find it useful for managing chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep issues, especially in medical cannabis programs.
A: For those new to cannabis, it’s recommended to start with low doses, especially for products with higher THC levels. Edibles or tinctures with smaller doses can provide a more controlled experience.
