Gen Z’s Shift: Ditching Alcohol for Cannabis
A notable trend is sweeping through Generation Z (roughly ages 18-27) and even younger Millennials: a significant decline in alcohol consumption. Unlike previous generations, many young adults are choosing to drink less, with some embracing “sober-curious” or “Cali sober” lifestyles where they abstain from alcohol but may use cannabis.
Data shows a consistent decrease in young people’s reported lifetime, past month, and past year alcohol use since the early 2000s. Experts point to a mix of factors driving this cultural shift:
Increased Health Consciousness: Younger generations tend to prioritize health and wellness more, viewing alcohol as a potential risk rather than just a social lubricant.
Changing Social Norms: Alcohol’s role has evolved; it’s no longer universally seen as a necessary marker of maturity or sophistication.
Availability of Alternatives: With the increasing legality and accessibility of marijuana in many areas, cannabis presents a readily available alternative substance.
Less In-Person Socializing: Since alcohol is often tied to social gatherings, a decrease in face-to-face interactions among young people may also contribute to lower consumption.
The cannabis industry has been quick to capitalize on this trend, offering a variety of products like THC-infused beverages and edibles designed to appeal to those cutting back on alcohol.
Is the Cannabis Alternative Risk-Free?
While the move away from alcohol may seem like a clear health win, shifting towards cannabis introduces a different set of potential health concerns that users should be aware of. Emerging research suggests that increased cannabis use is not without its own risks, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular health.
A large meta-analysis published in the journal Heart involving approximately 200 million individuals, primarily aged 19 to 59, shed light on the long-term impacts. The findings indicated that cannabis users had a 29% higher risk of experiencing a heart attack and a 20% higher risk of stroke compared to non-users. Researchers noted that a significant number of young patients hospitalized for heart issues were cannabis users who had no prior history of related medical conditions or traditional risk factors.
The risks highlighted in the study are not limited to smoking. Previous research has also linked ingested THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis found in edibles, to cellular dysfunction that can increase heart health risks. This suggests that switching from drinking to edibles may not mitigate these specific cardiovascular concerns.
While cannabis may not live up to the exaggerated fears of campaigns like “Reefer Madness,” these studies underscore that it carries substantial health risks that users need to consider. Experts and accompanying editorials in medical journals are calling for greater attention to regulating the growing legal cannabis market, emphasizing the need for public health considerations and potentially implementing warning labels akin to those on tobacco products.
