Gen Z, Boomers Shift to Cannabis, Wellness Drinks Nationwide

Recent trends show a generational shift in substance use and wellness preferences across the United States. Gen Z is increasingly moving away from alcohol, favoring non-alcoholic, functional beverages like coffee, mocktails, and wellness shots that enhance mood and health rather than induce intoxication. In contrast, older adults, particularly Baby Boomers and Gen X, are embracing cannabis more for medical and wellness purposes, using it as a safer alternative to alcohol and opioids to manage pain, sleep disorders, and mental well-being. Despite the rise in cannabis use among seniors, the increased potency and lack of standardized dosing guidance pose challenges for safe consumption. In New York, edibles are the most popular cannabis products, with consumers prioritizing price, effects, and convenience, though there is mixed confidence in product transparency and safety. Meanwhile, among teens and young adults, THC edibles and beverages are gaining popularity due to their taste, discreetness, and perceived safety compared to smoking, raising concerns about potential health risks and unregulated access.