Cannabis use looks different across generations. From Baby Boomers turning to medical marijuana for wellness to Gen Z swapping cocktails for THC drinks, each age group brings unique patterns to the cannabis market.

Understanding these differences helps explain where the industry is headed. Millennials currently dominate spending, but Gen Z is catching up fast. Meanwhile, the fastest-growing segment might surprise you: older adults.

So, which generation consumes the most cannabis? The answer depends on how you measure it. Usage rates tell one story, while spending patterns reveal another.

This guide presents statistics on consumption patterns, preferences, and trends by generation, based on the latest research and market data.

 

Generational THC Use: How Cannabis Consumption Differs by Age Group

According to the Sanctuary Wellness Institute 2024 data, 36% of Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) currently use cannabis, the highest rate among all generations. Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980) follows closely at 34%, with Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) at 33% and Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) at 22%.

Spending tells the same story, with Millennials accounting for 46% of recreational cannabis sales, based on Flowhub and Headset data from 2023. They’re not just using cannabis; they’re driving the market.

Frequency of use reveals another pattern. Gen X uses cannabis most consistently, with 89% of users consuming weekly or more often, according to the Sanctuary Wellness Institute’s study.

The fastest-growing segment? Baby Boomers saw a 75% increase in consumption between 2015 and 2018, according to the Cannabis Marketing Association. New Frontier Data found a 56% increase in monthly use among those aged 60 to 64 between 2017 and 2020.

Is Gen Z Replacing Alcohol With Cannabis?

Gen Z is replacing alcohol with cannabis, and the shift is dramatic.

According to CBS News and New Frontier Data from 2024, 69% of 18-to-24-year-olds prefer cannabis to alcohol. More than half (56%) report actively replacing alcohol with cannabis products, while past-month alcohol use among Gen Z dropped from 59.6% to 49.6% over the past decade.

Surprisingly, economics drives part of this trend. As one Gen Z consumer told CBS News, “Nowadays it’s $17 for a drink at the club.” Cannabis products offer more affordable pricing and predictable effects.

Also, wellness trends attribute more benefits to cannabis than to alcohol. Due to the decline in alcohol consumption, THC drinks are rapidly capturing this market. Products like the Crescent 9 THC Seltzer offer the social ritual of drinking without alcohol’s downsides.

THC products often come at a lower cost, but the preference isn’t just about price. Gen Z values:

• Precise dosing and effects
• Lower calorie count
• Not having a hangover the next day
• More control over their experience

In the cultural context, Gen Z grew up with legal cannabis in some states. In turn, they see THC drinks as a normal beverage choice, and not a rebellious alternative.

Why Do Different Generations Use THC?

Motivations behind cannabis consumption vary significantly by age group:

• Gen Z uses cannabis for the experience and boredom relief. According to data from the Sanctuary Wellness Institute, 33% cite boredom as a reason for consumption, while 32% use it to enhance experiences such as yoga, concerts, podcast listening, or creative activities.
• Millennials approach cannabis pragmatically. They seek wellness benefits, consistent quality, and good value. This generation treats THC products like any other consumer good, always researching their options and comparing brands.
• Baby Boomers focus on medical benefits. A striking 41% use cannabis to improve their health.

How Do Consumption Methods Differ by Generation?

Each generation has distinct preferences for how they consume cannabis.

• Gen Z and Gen X prefer smoking flowers. Traditional methods remain popular with these groups, though for different reasons. Gen X grew up with joints and has stayed loyal. Gen Z appreciates the ritual and immediate effects.
• Millennials lead in vaping and edibles. They drove the growth of the vaporizer market and continue to adopt new technologies. This generation also shows a strong preference for edibles, valuing discretion and precise dosing.
• Baby Boomers overwhelmingly prefer edibles over smoking. Health concerns about smoking make THC gummies, capsules, and tinctures more appealing. They want the benefits without respiratory risks.

According to a 2024 Harris Poll, 77% of Gen Z and Millennial cannabis users smoke flower. However, this doesn’t mean they smoke exclusively, as many use multiple methods of consumption.

THC drinks represent the fastest-growing category among younger users. Gen Z particularly embraces beverages, enjoying potencies that range from 5 mg THC Seltzers to 20 mg THC Seltzers.

These products fit naturally into social settings since you can bring THC seltzers to parties, enjoy them while gaming, or sip them while watching movies; just like alcohol, but without the negative health impact.

The shift toward beverages and edibles signals broader acceptance. When cannabis looks and acts like normal consumer products, stigma fades away.

Where Do Different Generations Buy Cannabis?

Purchase patterns reveal how legal access shapes cannabis consumption nationwide.

Most marijuana users buy from adult-use dispensaries when available. Legal, regulated stores offer tested products, clear labeling, and come with knowledgeable staff.

Reliance on the gray market remains high among Gen Z. Notably, 27% of Gen Z users buy from illegal sources, the highest rate among generations. Currently, 36% of all cannabis users reside in states where marijuana remains illegal.

With brands like Crescent Canna, which ships federally legal THC drinks nationwide, new and experienced cannabis users alike get full access to hemp-derived THC products delivered right to their door.

Do Americans Support Cannabis Legalization by Generation?

Support for legalization is strong across all age groups, though numbers vary.

According to the Pew Research Center, almost 90% of Americans support either recreational or medical marijuana legalization. This represents a massive shift from just two decades ago.

Among cannabis users specifically, 81% support federal legalization. This slightly lower number seems counterintuitive until you consider that some medical users worry recreational legalization might change their access or increase prices.

Generational support for cannabis legalization looks like this:

• Gen Z and Millennials show the strongest support. They grew up seeing legalization campaigns succeed and stigma decrease.
• Gen X support is solid but slightly more reserved. They have seen many cannabis myths debunked and lived through the beginning of medical marijuana programs, giving them a more mixed perspective.
• Baby Boomers are the least supportive overall, but still show majority support. Many remember intense anti-drug campaigns and need more convincing about safety and benefits.

Social acceptance is increasing more rapidly than legal change. The Sanctuary Wellness Institute study found that 94% of Americans think marijuana is more socially acceptable in 2024 than in previous years.

This acceptance manifests in several ways:

• Celebrities and icons openly discuss cannabis use
• Cannabis drinks appear at mainstream events
• Employers increasingly drop pre-employment marijuana testing
• Families talk about cannabis more openly

The generation gap in support is closing. As older Americans observe that legalization has succeeded in multiple states without negative consequences, their support increases. This suggests continued expansion of legal cannabis access nationwide, regardless of which generation is leading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which generation buys the most cannabis products?

Millennials buy the most cannabis, accounting for 46% of recreational cannabis sales. They dominate spending across most product categories, including flower, vapes, and edibles. However, Gen Z is the fastest-growing segment and may overtake Millennials within the next few years as more members of this generation reach the legal age to purchase.

Do older adults use cannabis more than they used to?

Yes, cannabis use among older adults has increased dramatically. Baby Boomers saw a 75% increase in consumption between 2015 and 2018, making them the fastest-growing user segment.

Why does Gen Z prefer THC drinks over alcohol?

Gen Z prefers cannabis to alcohol for several reasons. According to recent surveys, 69% prefer cannabis, citing lower costs, no hangovers, more predictable effects, and fewer calories. THC drinks offer a social drinking experience without alcohol’s downsides. This generation also values the wellness aspect and greater control over their experience.

Are THC drinks legal to buy online?

Hemp-derived THC drinks containing 0.3% Delta-9 THC or less are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Brands like Crescent Canna ship these products nationwide. Marijuana-derived THC drinks are only legal in states with recreational cannabis programs and typically cannot be shipped across state lines. Always check your local laws before purchasing.

What’s the safest way for beginners to try cannabis?

Beginners should avoid edibles from unregulated sources and start with low-dose products that have clear labeling and provide third-party lab testing results. Start low and go slow, with a beginner dose of 5 mg THC.

Why do different generations prefer different consumption methods?

Preferences reflect when each generation encountered cannabis and their health priorities. Baby Boomers prefer edibles to avoid smoking’s respiratory effects. Gen X grew comfortable with flowers and is sticking with familiar methods. Millennials embraced vaping technology and edibles for discretion. Gen Z gravitates toward flower and THC drinks, seeing beverages as a natural alcohol alternative. Cultural context and health awareness shape these preferences.

Has cannabis use among teenagers increased with legalization?

No, teen cannabis use has actually declined to record lows. According to the University of Michigan’s 2024 data, past-year use dropped significantly among underage consumers. Regulated markets appear to reduce teen access compared to illegal seller networks.

Key Takeaways

• Millennials currently dominate cannabis spending at 46% of recreational sales.
• Baby Boomers show the fastest growth rate for use, increasing 75% between 2015 and 2018, primarily for medical purposes like pain management and sleep improvement.
• Gen Z is replacing alcohol with cannabis, with 69% preferring THC products to alcohol, driving the boom in THC drinks and edibles.
• Consumption methods vary by generation: Baby Boomers prefer edibles, Gen X and Gen Z favor flower, while Millennials lead in vaping and show strong interest in THC beverages.
• Support for legalization is strong across all generations, with 90% of Americans supporting either recreational or medical marijuana legalization, and social acceptance increasing rapidly.