The study revealed that inhaled cannabis is the preferred method of use for both groups. But while half of baby boomers (currently aged between 56 and 75) said they consumed cannabis for primarily medical reasons—and only 28 percent said they used it solely for recreational use—the figures for millennials were reversed.
In the millennial group (currently 26-40 years), 49 percent used cannabis only for recreational purposes, 22 percent used only for medical purposes and 29 percent for both.
Credit: Verilfe
Among those taking marijuana for medical reasons, the top health ailments varied somewhat between generations. Millennials cited chronic pain (27 percent) and migraines (13 percent) as the top two reasons for using medicinal cannabis, compared to boomers who listed arthritis (15 percent) and chronic pain (13 percent) as the conditions they were seeking to treat. Boomers were more likely to start the day with marijuana, which may reflect that arthritic joints tend to be stiffer and sorer on waking. They were also more likely to discuss their cannabis use with their primary care doctor.
There was some common ground between boomers and millennials in that equal numbers—8 percent—in both groups said they were using cannabis to assist with weight management.
Another area where there was similarity was how much both generations spent on marijuana. The amount spent on cannabis and cannabis-related products (such as pipes and vaporizers from places that can be an ozbargain) was on average $78 per month by millennials and $75 per month by boomers.
COVID-19 has had a significant effect on marijuana use according to the survey, with 36 percent of millennials and 44 percent of boomers saying they were consuming more since the pandemic started.
Sources: Verilife, Ganjapreneur
