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An image of cannabis prescription, an older woman buying cannabis, and cannabis gummies
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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.

1. How Much Are Boomers Spending on Marijuana?

older man removing cash from an envelope
©Willopix/istockphoto

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. 

2. What Types of Marijuana Products Are Boomers Buying?

Colored gum candy jelly with marijuana leaves, on a black glass background. Sweet gummy candy with CBD, THC oil.
Stefan Tomic/istockphoto

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.

Related: THC Seltzer Is on the Rise. Here Are 11 Options To Try

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

A mature woman stands at the counter of a legal cannabis retailer as she holds out a lid of buds. She is dressed casually and looking down to inspect the product as the associate tries to sell it to her.
FatCamera/istockphoto

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.

Related: I Tried Cannabis-Infused Ice Cream — Here’s What Happened

4. Are Men or Women Using Marijuana More?

Cannabis store sign on the street.
GoodLifeStudio/istockphoto

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?

A stock photo of some Medical Marijuana Buds.
LPETTET/istockphoto

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.

Related: Surprising Facts About the Marijuana Industry

Meet the Writer

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer who has dabbled in a variety of subject matter throughout her career. As a mom of multiple young children, she tries to maintain a sustainable lifestyle for her family. She grows vegetables in her garden, gets her meat in bulk from local farmers, and cans fruits and vegetables with friends. Her kids have plenty of hand-me-downs in their closets, but her husband jokes that before long, they might need to invest in a new driveway thanks to the frequent visits from delivery trucks dropping off online purchases (she can’t pass up a good deal, after all). You can reach her at [email protected].