Millennials are defined as the generation born between 1981 and 1996 – putting them between the ages of 23 and 39. In the classic debate of cannabis versus alcohol, increasing numbers of millennials are declaring cannabis their favorite vice. Last week, we reviewed a few primary reasons for millennials’ increasing preference for cannabis as compared to alcohol. We’ve uncovered a few more major reasons this generation’s leaning toward pipe shops over pitchers.
Cost Vs. Benefits
Seldom are individuals surprised to learn that that millennials have accumulated less wealth than the generations before us. In fact, the median millennial’s savings account holds just $2,430, and the effects of the 2008 recession ravage on 12 years later.
Therefore, millennials may be swayed to Team Cannabis because weed is generally more affordable than alcohol. A night out on the town can tally up to $50 or more over a few hours of drinking. However, many marijuana users claim that they can stretch $20 of supply for up to a month of use. Therefore, for cost-conscious millennials, passing a pre-rolled joint between a circle of friends is a much more affordable vice than a night of drinking.
This brings us to another point – while 25% of cannabis users are reportedly solo smokers, most indicate that they use cannabis with others in their social circle. And sharing makes the cost of cannabis even more affordable than alcohol longterm.
Practical Reasons Aside…
The reasons for cannabis use aren’t all in the name of logic and fiscal responsibility. Many lover of the plant indicate that their preference stems from something much simpler – pleasure. The effects of cannabis are preferable to many over those of alcohol, as a night of drinking can make users sloppy, loud, angry or sick. Cannabis is seen by many as the intellectual’s vice, who say they’re trading the hangovers and depressant effects of alcohol for surges of creativity and expanded levels of consciousness.
Oh My G.A.D.
According to reports by the Agency for Healthcare Administration, roughly 30% of millennials meet the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (myself included) – making us the most anxious generation yet. Who could imagine that the least wealth, the most debt and constant technological exposure might collectively cause widespread worry and stress? Unfortunately, many of us may have discovered the connection between steady boozing and increased anxiety day-to-day. This is a documented phenomenon, with increased levels of alcohol consumption correlating highly with heightened anxiety problems.
The wrong strains of cannabis, or excessive use of the substance, are similarly correlated with elevated levels of anxiety. However, many doctors are prescribing cannabis as a medication for a number of mental health disorders. In fact, several studies have repeatedly shown that cannabis use leads to long-term relief for clinical depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Changing Tastes On The Same Old Taste
Mass-market brands of beer like Coors, Corona, and P.B.R. used to be all the rage at ragers and beyond. While these brands still rank highly in sales rates, there’s been a notable shift in recent years from industry-dominating beer brands like these. In fact, American brewers had unprecedentedly low sales rates in 2017, with a disappointing dip of 3.8 million barrels sold compared to the rates from the year prior. Stock reports show that millennials have shifted gradually away from stocking up on cheap beers by the dozen toward sipping wine and cocktails in smaller quantities.
An Apple Bong A Day…
The effects of heavy, long-term alcohol consumption are well-documented. Excess drinking can lead to a number of severe and life-threatening health issues, increasing the risk of pancreatitis, malnourishment, alcoholism, and even several types of cancer. Alcohol causes well-documented negative effects on a number of organs, including the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, stomach and more. Interestingly, the risks of long-term alcohol abuse vary significantly between individuals for reasons that are not fully understood by researchers.
While we won’t preach cannabis as a cure-all, some studies have suggested that marijuana’s health risks are nowhere near those of alcohol. It’s also well-known that terpenes found in cannabis can be beneficial to consumers. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that excessive alcohol consumption leads to a shocking 88,000 or more deaths each year. In contrast, no known deaths are directly attributed to the use of cannabis.
Head To Our Head Shop Today!
Millennial or not, if you’re a fan of smoke shops like I am, 710 Pipes has everything you need. Our three locations carry all of the products you want and trust, like JUULs and other vaporizers, water pipes, hats, hat pins and so much more! Stop by our Northglenn head shop between 8AM-10PM, seven days a week. We have two Denver pipe shops open daily from 12-8PM (11AM-9PM Thursdays through Saturdays) – on Colfax and on Evans near DU. Denver University students get 10% off with a valid student ID!
We’ll see you soon!