"In just a few decades, cannabis has undergone a major transformation, from a symbol of counterculture to a marketed form of self-care. Legalization, changing perceptions, and aggressive marketing have made it widely accessible, turning it into one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances in the world. Its rise marks more than a change in legality; it reflects a broader redefinition of health itself."
"You might assume the most rapidly growing group of cannabis consumers is millennials, who helped make it part of wellness culture, or Gen Z, who have traded cocktails for cannabis in the name of being "sober curious." While use rates are highest in Gen Z, in reality, the fastest-growing group of users is adults 65 and older. In just the past two years, cannabis use in this age group has nearly doubled- from about 4.8 percent in 2021 to 7.0 percent in 2023."
Cannabis has shifted from a counterculture emblem to a marketed self-care product, propelled by legalization, changing perceptions, and aggressive marketing. The plant is now one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances worldwide. The change signals a broader redefinition of health as more people pursue self-directed, "natural" approaches to manage pain, stress, and sleep, sometimes replacing conventional medical care. Perceptions of low risk persist even though modern high-potency products produce different effects than past cannabis. Use growth is fastest among adults 65 and older, with rates nearly doubling between 2021 and 2023. Many older adults cite chronic pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness and value accessibility and perceived naturalness.
Read at Psychology Today
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]