The marijuana community is full of diverse consumers with unique backgrounds, careers, and reasons for consuming cannabis. The culture and sense of community amongst marijuana consumers goes far beyond what most people envision. In many ways, the legalization of marijuana is providing a unique sense of connection in our disconnected society.
More people are consuming marijuana than ever and the culture surrounding cannabis is continuously evolving. From the stoner stigma to the productive consumer, our society is finally seeing marijuana for the remarkable plant it is. The cannabis community has grown drastically, and it is remarkable just how big it has become.
Let’s take a look at some cannabis culture facts heading into 2019!
Marijuana Support Facts
- 78 percent of people age 18 to 34 support the legalization of marijuana.
- 65 percent of people age 35 to 54 support the legalization of marijuana.
- 59 percent of people 55 and older support the legalization of marijuana.
The above cannabis culture facts come from a 2018 Gallup poll which aimed to establish what age groups are the most receptive to legalization. The support for marijuana has grown substantially over the years, and 2018 showed the highest amount of support to date.
- 74 percent of Millennials support the legalization of marijuana.
- 63 percent of Gen Xers support the legalization of marijuana.
- 54 percent of Baby Boomers support the legalization of marijuana.
- 39 percent of the Silent Generation support the legalization of marijuana.
The Millennial generation is all for marijuana legalization, and most generations are in agreement on the topic too. Granted, there are still plenty of the older individuals against cannabis reform.
- 67 percent of the people in the East support the legalization of marijuana.
- 65 percent of the people in the West support the legalization of marijuana.
- 65 percent of the people in the Midwest support the legalization of marijuana.
- 65 percent of the people in the South support the legalization of marijuana.
The majority of the United States did not support the legalization of marijuana from 2009 to 2010. Fast forward to 2018, and the people of this great nation are opening their eyes to the cannabis industry. While the West used to lead the nation in marijuana support, the tides have changed, and the East is catching up with widespread backing.
- 53 percent of Republicans support the legalization of marijuana.
- 75 percent of Democrats support the legalization of marijuana.
- 71 percent of Independents support the legalization of marijuana.
Even the political divide amongst cannabis legalization has drastically changed over the years. 2018 was the first year a majority of Republicans supported the legalization of marijuana. Not only does this mean marijuana reform is a bipartisan issue, but our representatives now have no reason to oppose further cannabis reform.
- 47 percent of Americans oppose recreational legalization.
- 49 percent of Americans support recreational legalization.
- 4 percent are unsure of legalizing marijuana.
Even though marijuana reform is becoming the norm in our society, these cannabis culture facts show that many people are still wary about recreational legalization. Medical marijuana has much more support with about 83 percent of Americans in favor of medical cannabis. It is likely the educational curve will provide insights to those who oppose recreational marijuana, and potentially adjust these numbers in the years to come.
Cannabis Consumer Facts
- 2 percent of people ages 12 or older have consumed cannabis in their lifetime.
- 3 percent of people ages 12 to 17 have consumed cannabis in their lifetime.
- 7 percent of people ages 18 to 25 have consumed cannabis in their lifetime.
- 5 percent of people ages 26 and older have consumed cannabis in their lifetime.
Cannabis consumption is something many people are introduced to early on in life. As more and more education continues to spread, and more cannabis research explains the use of marijuana at an early age, it will be interesting to see how these figures adapt. Nevertheless, these figures show that even with federal prohibition, a good amount of people consume cannabis at some point in their life.
- Nearly 55 million adults currently use marijuana.
- 115 million adults have never tried marijuana.
- 78 million adults have tried marijuana, but do not currently use.
- 20 million adults use marijuana yearly.
- 35 million adults use marijuana monthly.
Cannabis consumption is on the rise, and it is no surprise considering the widespread legalization in our nation. While these numbers are from 2017, it is only reasonable to assume these numbers are continuing to increase. If 55 million people are consuming cannabis, it is just about even without the 59 million people consuming tobacco. Marijuana is taking over!
- 70 percent of those who have tried marijuana support recreational legalization.
- 26 percent of people who have not tried marijuana support recreational legalization.
It is interesting, but not shocking that those who try cannabis are more approving of marijuana legalization. A significant component of those who oppose marijuana is the educational curve. The years and years of reefer madness ideology is tough for people to forget. As more consumers become curious about marijuana, there may be a direct increase in support of recreational marijuana.
- 70 percent of Americans say cannabis is less risky than alcohol.
- 76 percent of Americans say cannabis is less risky than tobacco.
- 67 percent of Americans say cannabis is less risky than opiates.
The American people are beginning to recognize the limited risk of consuming cannabis. It is remarkable to see that so many people believe marijuana is less risky than the already legal substances like alcohol, tobacco, and over-the-counter meds.
Other Cannabis Market Facts
- 27 percent of non-users do not use cannabis because it is illegal.
- 26 percent of non-users do not use cannabis because they don’t like it.
- 16 percent of non-users do not use cannabis because they think it’s unhealthy.
- 9 percent of non-users do not use cannabis because of work or school.
- 6 percent of non-users do not use cannabis because they have no interest.
- 5 percent of non-users do not use cannabis because of family.
- 10 percent of non-users do not use cannabis for other reasons.
Most people would think the legality of marijuana is what keeps them from consuming weed; however, it is not the sole reason. Even with legalization, there are still many consumers who have no desire to consume cannabis. With more products being developed every year, maybe some of these consumers will find a product that fits their specific needs.
- 20 percent of marijuana consumers hide their stash in a dresser.
- 11 percent of marijuana consumers hide their stash in fake containers.
- 11 percent of marijuana consumers hide their stash in a locked safe.
- 8 percent of marijuana consumers hide their stash in the closet.
- 6 percent of marijuana consumers hide their stash in the bathroom.
- 6 percent of marijuana consumers hide their stash in a friend’s house.
- 4 percent of marijuana consumers hide their stash in a cupboard.
- 34 percent of marijuana consumers hide their stash in other locations.
For those in illegal states, hiding a stash is vital. Once in a legalized state, most consumers do not worry about protecting their stash. Well, unless there is a greedy roommate that digs into your bag.
- 41 percent of consumers use marijuana with other people.
- 31 percent of consumers use marijuana alone.
- 23 percent of consumers use marijuana with a spouse or partner.
- 5 percent of consumers use marijuana with members of the family.
Cannabis is renowned for its social use, and many only consume in social situations. Even though 5 percent is a small number of those who consume with family, the number is slowly rising as legalization increases. There are also theories that smoking with family, spouse, or friends is beneficial in building closer relationships. Smoking weed together breaks down the walls many people put up when socializing.
Stay tuned on all cannabis culture facts and trends, here!
