Parents of children under the age of 18 reveal that consuming cannabis enhances their family’s TV time and say they’re more engaged with their kids and the content they are watching, according to a survey released this week.
Nearly eight of 10 (79 percent) report that they regularly consume cannabis when watching or getting ready to watch TV with their kids, ranging from occasionally (17 percent) to frequently (35 percent). The interesting findings are the result of a survey conducted by Miner and Co. Studio, a New York-based strategic research agency with a history of providing TV audience insights.
According to the survey, incorporating cannabis into a passive family experience such as TV viewing creates a more pleasant environment. The findings show 79 percent believe:
- Consuming cannabis makes watching their kids’ TV shows with them more enjoyable.
- They spend more time watching their kids’ TV shows with them when they’ve been consuming cannabis.
- They’re more engaged discussing their kids’ TV shows with them when they’ve been consuming cannabis.
Cannabis-consuming parents are more likely to say they are better able to bond with their children over the TV programs they view together. Interestingly, 80 percent are more likely to seek out shows from their own childhood to watch with their kids when they’ve been consuming cannabis. (Hey kids! Gilligan’s Island is on in 10 minutes!)
The survey was conducted online with 575 cannabis-consuming parents who live in states where cannabis is legal for recreational and/or medical purposes. The demographic information of the respondents:
- Parents of children under the age of 18.
- Consumers of cannabis for recreational and/or medical use in states where it is legal.
- 21 to 55 years old.
- 51 percent male; 49 percent female.
- 77 percent have a household income of $75K or more.
This data could be important for networks and studios planning future programming. According to the survey, 75 percent report that they watch more TV when consuming cannabis and 86 percent say cannabis enhances the overall experience of the shows they’re watching. They’re also more willing to invest in having more shows to watch. Six of 10 say they’ve purchased episodes, full series, and movies when they’ve been consuming cannabis and are more likely to check out recommendations and what’s available for purchase On Demand.
These cannabis-consuming parents do not self-identify as “stoners,” instead roughly 90 percent consider themselves as:
- Present
- Mindful
- Relaxed
- Professional
“The stoner stereotype is so prevalent and persistent in TV and media that it continues to stigmatize those for whom cannabis is part of their active and healthful lifestyle,” said Robert Miner, president of Miner & Co. Studio. “This is especially true for cannabis consuming parents who feel that cannabis plays a positive role in their lives and in some ways, improves their parenting and time spent with their families – including watching TV.”
