Boomers spend more on legal cannabis than youngsters in the US. A significant segment of the cannabis market is the Baby Boomer generation, which comprises those aged 56-74.
The Boomer generation is not only spending more, but their consumption habits are also on the rise. Cannabis use among seniors increased by 75% between 2016 and 2018 and a staggering 1050% since 2006. The cannabis industry cannot ignore this demographic.
The purpose of this article is to discuss the reasons that boomers are gravitating toward cannabis and how manufacturers and retailers can best meet their needs. Visit Homegrown Cannabis Co. and start growing your own.
Why There Has Been A Major Marijuana Boom
Cannabis As A Medical Supplement
Alternatives to opioids-based painkillers, such as medical cannabis, are less addictive and safer. This is the conclusion reached by the European Journal of Internal Medicine, which stated in 2018 that “Medicinal cannabis use is safe and effective in the elderly population” and that its intake will “decrease the use of opioids and other prescription medications.”
A recent study shows that approximately 65% of chronic pain patients use medical cannabis as a pain management method. In addition to its ability to treat nausea, spasms, and appetite stimulation, marijuana has been shown in various studies to show promise as a potential cure for the following ailments:
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- PTSD
- Sleep disorders
- Wasting Syndrome
- Alzheimer’s
Taking Legalization To The Next Level
In general, boomers tend to follow the rules better than younger generations. In other words, it is no surprise that boomer cannabis consumption rates have skyrocketed in tandem with the number of US states that have legalized the drug for recreational or medicinal use during the last 12 years. According to this paradigm, with more states joining the green rush, senior citizen marijuana consumption will surely spike even more.
Users Getting Older
According to the data, boomer cannabis use is a recent phenomenon; the reality is that cannabis has been illicitly used by a large segment of the senior citizen demographic for decades. The generations living now went through the ’60s and ’70s.
According to these data, we can conclude that more cannabis users are reaching senior status each year and that seniors are purchasing cannabis through legal channels in large numbers where such channels are available.
Senior Cannabis Users Find Vape Pens Ideal
User-friendly
Cannabis smoking can be difficult for many seniors, especially those who are new to it. For seniors suffering from severe dexterity issues such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, dystonia, and osteoporosis, rolling and lightening joints can be challenging. Check out https://homegrowncannabisco.com/cannabis-seeds-rooms/sativa-seeds to learn more.
A breath-actuated cannabis disposable is much better for these consumers. Pushing a button or having any prior knowledge of how to operate these devices is not required. It requires only that users blow into the device with their lips.
A Precise Dosing Mode
Boomers can use cannabis for recreational or medical purposes, but the dosage is crucial. The vaping method provides the most precise dosing control of all delivery methods.
After one draws from their devices, users can determine if they have gotten the dosage they want or need after cannabis vape products provide almost instantaneous onset times and cannabinoid percentages listed on their packages.
When it comes to edibles, this “start low and go slow” technique is a major challenge, as they can take up to 90 minutes to register their effects. Furthermore, edibles are inherently unreliable for delivering consistent doses across servings, even for a single product, since cooking or baking seldom ensures even distribution of cannabinoids. A cannabis chef, no matter how skilled they are, struggles to achieve good results.
A Safer Option Than Smoking
In America, one in ten smokers is 65 or older. Vaping is less dangerous than smoking cannabis, however. The already compromised lungs cause this increased risk at this age. Seniors using cannabis products can find safer alternatives with vape pens.
Smoke causes more lung damage than vapor. They are an attractive alternative to cigarettes as they are relatively safe.
Vaping pens can assist even smoking cessation. Compared to cigarettes, vaping is a familiar feel and shape, making it ideal for breaking the addiction to years of smoking. Vape pens with CBD have been shown to reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the urge to smoke.
