As public opinions on cannabis continue to change for the better, the fastest growing group of users might surprise you.
No, it’s not millennials. It’s actually Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation – people born between the years 1928 and 1964. As a matter of fact, if someone 55 years of age older is more likely to use cannabis than someone who is 12-17 years old, especially since statistics show the amount of teen users has decreased since states began to legalize. Orders from Boomers on apps like Eaze are up almost 20% in recent years.
Now on the question burning in everyone’s mind: Why? Well, why not? Many people in this age group are retired and don’t have to worry about drug tests, plus, they have a lot more time on their hands. Some feel free and liberated to be able to do something that was highly illegal while they were growing up. Others are losing interest traditional medications that have been causing them unwanted side effects for years… and this list goes on and on.
Seniors are on track to becoming the largest segment of cannabis users
Overall, legalization has made non-users less afraid of trying it out, and less judgmental towards it. And don’t think industry professionals haven’t noticed the trend. Multiple companies are creating products that appeal to this growing “mature market”. Of particular interest are supplements, sublingual tinctures, gummies, and topicals.
Even the issue of limited mobility is being tackled in some markets. For example, in Orange County, California, seniors can hop on the “Cannabus” which will shuttle them directly to the Bud and Bloom medical cannabis dispensary.
Aside from doing it just because they feel like it, it’s also helped many seniors feel like they’re taking their healthcare into their own hands. Although most doctors are still skeptical when it comes to patients self-medicating with cannabis, research shows that there are indeed some benefits. A 2016 study found that patients enrolled in Medicare part D – an insurance benefit for seniors – used fewer prescription and over the counter drugs for ailments like depression, anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Regardless of the reasons why, we know this sector of the cannabis consumer base is growing at an exponential rate. It would definitely be wise for more companies to invest their time finding ways to make older cannabis users feel welcomed and comfortable at their establishments.
