Being born between the years of 1997 and 2012, individuals in Gen Z are now between 11 and 26 years old. Many are now entering the full-time workforce and increasing their purchasing power and influence. Already they are making their tastes know. Gen Z’rs upending things including weed and voting, they are making changes in weed, alcohol and politics.
They don’t know a life before the internet, love retro looks, and are the most ethnically diverse generation ever. And in a survey, nearly half of said they’d like to own their own business. Very different from Boomers who were taught to find a good job and career and stick with it.
When it comes to marijuana, they are setting trends and may change what consumer cannabis looks like. Gen Z’s weed purchasing habits grew by 127% in 2020. Nearly 25% of 18-to-29-year-olds (US) are more likely to smoke cannabis compared to older generations. Gen Z and Millennials are driving the second biggest revenue maker which is vaping. Joints are fading in the young set as they are not as “on the go” and discreet. Vaping and gummies are perfect for an active lifestyle with a need a variety of dosages to fit the time of day.
Gen Z grew up with changing attitudes including a focus on heath, cleaner air, bottled water and a balanced lifestyle. They begin to see marijuana as a staple and not a sin. Around 93% of Gen-Xers agree that cannabis use has many health benefits and can be good for the mind and body. There are also gently moving away from an alcohol based environment.
RELATED: Guess What Is Gumming Up The Marijuana World
A Pew Research report showed that 70% of Gen Zers believe the government should do more to solve problems. A February 2021 study said 66% of Gen Zers disagree that the government has done its best to protect the country. One in ten voters in the 2020 electorate was part of this generation, and the numbers will be increasing as more Gen Z individuals come of voting age..
RELATED: Why Gen Z Is Putting Down Beer And Picking Up Marijuana
A large cohort of legalization supporters are people ages 18-29, regardless of party affiliation. 78% of Millennial Democrats and 71% of Millennial Republicans agree on the point that cannabis should be legal. This is a big difference from old Republican voters. And it is a signal of other thoughts around inclusion, taxes, and social need policies.
Vivek Ramaswamy is proposing a constitutional amendment that would require citizens 18 to 24 to pass a civics test in order to vote — the same one immigrants take to become naturalized U.S. citizens.
According to Teen Vogue, the GOP is recognizing young voters have recently turned out in high numbers, and in overwhelming support of Democrats. Now, Republicans are ramping up efforts to suppress youth voting access ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
In Idaho, Republican governor Brad Little signed a bill that prohibits students from using a student ID card as a form of voter identification. In Ohio, out-of-state students could be impacted by a new bill that requires voter ID in the form of an unexpired in-state driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID card.
Each generation brings about change, Gen Z’rs have started on their journey quickly!
