Marijuana Use Among Boomers Is on the Rise

Puff, Puff, Pass It to the Boomers

When we picture people dazed and confused, surrounded by suspiciously smelling clouds, we typically imagine a Millennial playing video games while licking Hot Cheeto residue off their fingers. In other words, our mental picture of Grandma crocheting in her rocking chair doesn't usually involve her asking Gramps to pass a puff of the green stuff her way. Yet, according to recent reports, there's an increasing number of baby boomers giving marijuana a whirl.

older man with cash — ©Willopix/istockphoto

1. How Much Are Boomers Spending on Marijuana?

Boomers are spending around $75 a month on marijuana, according to Verilife, a chain of recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries, which is just $3 less than Millenials are shelling out on a monthly basis for their marijuana.

Colored candy gelatin in a black bowl with marijuana leaves — Stefan Tomic/istockphoto

2. What Types of Marijuana Products Are Boomers Buying?

Preference on consumption methods varies from person to person and can be vastly different in different areas. According to Kimberly Cargile, CEO of Sacramento dispensary, A Therapeutic Alternative, "Older cannabis users bring their own sensibilities to the marketplace. They are more likely than younger customers to choose edibles, tinctures, capsules or salves.

Inspecting Cannabis Buds Before Purchase — FatCamera/istockphoto

3. How Much More Are Boomers Shopping for Cannabis Products?

Individuals aged 65 and older are getting into marijuana at a faster rate than other age groups, according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The number of marijuana users in the boomer generation has tripled since 2009, with the number of boomers trying pot reaching 35% in 2021.

Cannabis store — GoodLifeStudio/istockphoto

4. Are Men or Women Using Marijuana More?

There's a pretty even split of older marijuana consumers (52.3% female and 47.7% male) according to the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), which was performed under The National Library of Medicine one year before and after the implementation of recreational retail sales in California.

5. How Do Boomers View Marijuana?

It's safe to assume that the average Boomer isn't blazing up to drone out and binge watch Bonanza while indulging their munchies. According to Verilife, a whopping 89% of Boomers believe there are medical benefits associated with marijuana, and 61% admitted they would rather use medical marijuana in place of prescription meds to alleviate pain.