Remember the classic stoner movies like Cheech and Chong’s Up In Smoke and How High?
Those films defined a lifestyle embedded in lighting up, smoking, getting “high” and having the “munchies”. They provided the blueprint for every weed-inspired comedy that followed.
The irony is that we were often forced to watch them in dark college dorms minus the judgemental eyes of parents.
A few decades ago, there was a cultural stigma attached to cannabis. “Only losers and stoners smoked weed.” and “It’s a gateway drug.” Sound familiar?
Demonized and persecuted for its euphoric side effects, marijuana came to represent a generation of misguided teens and “lazy stoners.”
Side note: Science has debunked the “slacker stoner” stereotype. A study in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that regular cannabis use does not affect motivation levels. Put that in your pipe and smoke it…
Now that cannabis has become more widespread and made its way into mainstream society, it’s created a shift in the general psyche. Cannabis users are no longer shamed into lighting up in private or keeping their love for the herb under wraps.
Below, we’ll discuss the factors leading to a surprising shift in cannabis culture across the U.S.
Legal Cannabis Production
The legal cannabis industry has exploded in the past several years. According to Statista, Colorado remains the biggest producer of cannabis in the U.S.
Thus far, a total of 38 states have legalized it for medical use, while 24 others have allowed cannabis for recreational use. The marketplace is projected to reach $45.8 billion in 2025. And because so much research goes into the cannabis and hemp plant, it can create a further 743,000 jobs.
But by far the biggest contributor to one in six Americans using cannabis is its availability and accessibility.
Pew Research says that 74% of Americans live in a state where cannabis is legal for recreational or medical use. This means they can buy cannabis at dispensaries, specialized stores or online.
Many cannabis connoisseurs buy their cannabis from brands that have earned their trust and loyalty over the years by selling quality products.
With long experience growing cannabis in California, Sluggers Hit has seen the industry evolve. Yet one thing remains unchanged: the commitment to creating extraordinary cannabis experiences.
Smashing Taboos
Days before U.S. citizens went to the election polls, voters in three states were given the power to decide whether to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
This comes after the Pew Research Center reported that the majority of Americans were in favor of weed being legalized for medical and recreational use. It’s a far cry from the days when alcohol was the drug of choice for many people in the U.S.
That notion appears to have changed following a study published in the journal, Addiction. Researchers reported that the number of Americans who smoke cannabis now exceeds those who drink alcohol.
The results, based on data collected by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health over forty years, recorded about 17.7 million daily cannabis users and 14.7 million daily drinkers.
According to a BBC article, taking away the taboo surrounding cannabis has led to more people openly admitting to using the drug.
Reclassifying Cannabis
Probably one of the most significant drug reforms to happen in recent history is the U.S. Justice Department’s move to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous Schedule III drug.
Outgoing President Joe Biden said: “Far too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana.”
Previously, marijuana was designated a Schedule I drug, putting it in the same category as heroin, LSD, psilocybin and MDMA. But medical doctor Lantie Elisabeth Jorandby fears the reclassification could set a dangerous precedent.
For one, the government needs to clamp down on marketing around cannabis use. Dr Jorandby warns cannabis is far more potent than it was 30 years ago, increasing the risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD).
She claims that in the 1990s, the average THC concentration in U.S. cannabis was 4%. By 2018, the potency level had nearly quadrupled to over 15%.
Pre-Rolls Increasing in Popularity
Canapa Solutions says pre-rolled joints are leading the cannabis industry due to the convenience and simplicity of the product that is already expertly rolled.
Citing recent data, the packaging company explains that pre-rolls accounted for about 5% of cannabis industry sales in 2020. By 2023, it skyrocketed to 13.5%. Pre-roll sales are predicted to account for 20% of the market by 2030.
While discussing current pre-roll market trends, Rolling Stone claimed that U.S. consumers prefer infused pre-rolls, overtaking classic single-strain hybrids, cannabis flowers and vape pens.
Mini pre-rolls are also finding favor among the cannabis elite. Trend Hunter says the trend points to a growing demand for versatile and accessible cannabis products.
For those who prefer micro-dosing, mini pre-rolls provide a convenient way to enjoy controlled cannabis doses.
The compact size and packaging cater to the demand for discreet, easy-to-use cannabis products.
Mini pre-rolls in different strains and multiple variants let consumers choose options for different times of day, improving the user experience.
Smoke Break
Many people are choosing to replace unhealthy habits with cannabis or CBD products for a more enjoyable experience.
CivicScience polled U.S. adults on the eve of Dry January to find out if they participated in the month of sobriety.
About 60% of those surveyed said they would evenly split between non-alcoholic beverages, cannabis/CBD products, and soda products. One-third of the 21-24 age group were leaning on cannabis/CBD products.
Despite the figures showing more consumers willing to try cannabis products, there remain glaring misconceptions about the drug. While we don’t discount the adverse effects of cannabis, more research and education must be done.
In the meantime, more and more consumers are embracing cannabis culture and no longer hiding their “bad habits.” They’re buying their premium cannabis products in stores, online and from reputable stockists and producers.
Further legalizing the drug could be one step closer to decriminalizing it as a gateway to addictive drug use and the choice of the “stoner” generation.
