Smoking Weed with Grandparents: Our Best Tips to Toking with Grandma or Grandpa

Cannabis is taking over these days, and almost everyone is getting on board, whether that means dipping your toes into CBD or trying edibles for the first time. With legalization efforts ramping up in every corner of the country, stigmas are being erased and almost everyone is coming around to the idea of cannabis. One study even found that more than half of smokers would consume cannabis with their grandparents. Keep reading for the interesting findings and how to actually light up with grandma.

How Attitudes and Consumptions Are Changing

A leader in cannabis edibles, Azuca, released the results of a study where they examined consumption habits and seemed to answer the question of whether people would ever toke up with their grandparents. Azuca found that 60% of cannabis users, to be exact, would light up with their grandparents, supporting the claim that cannabis is reaching nearly every age and every demographic in today's times.

The study also discussed how people are choosing to consume cannabis. The study found that over half of people are reaching for edibles, gummies or baked goods over smoking and vaping now. Furthermore, 53% of people said that the pandemic increased their edible consumption. None of these stats are too shocking, considering the reputation that vaping holds and how the cannabis industry flourished during COVID-19. These findings have led Azuca to believe that edibles are the future of the industry.

Cannabis Foundations and Wellness Findings

The study also surveyed general cannabis knowledge and understanding. Through and through, the study found that the general public needs some sort of guidance and education as consumer demand for this substance is skyrocketing, and isn't showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon. Overall, Azuca did find that the basis and overall foundation of cannabis knowledge is present. It found that 70% of those surveyed understood the difference between CBD and THC and nearly 45% knows what microdosing is and how to do it.

When it comes to marijuana wellness, 58% of Americans believe that cannabis is the future of pain management. The study also found that numbers are on the rise when it comes to consuming cannabis for relaxation, sleep and overall general health and wellness.

Why The Older Generation is Weary of Weed

When it comes to why the older generations are more adverse to cannabis, even given its popularity today, it all comes down to one thing: the stigma that still lingers about cannabis. Older generations weren't using the likes of ketamine, ecstasy and psilocybin to treat medical issues like they are today. Older generations were simply taught that all drugs are bad, and the counter-culture movement, filled with acid, was for no one but hippies and for those who didn't have a future in front of them.

Starting in the 1970s with Nixon and onward through especially the 90s, the War on Drugs took center stage. It was a global campaign that was especially central to the US that aimed at reducing the illicit drug trade and dramatically increasing sentencing for users and distributors. At this time all drugs were seen as bad, and public enemy number one was illicit drug abuse. With presidents preaching about drugs in this way, coupled with the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, there is no surprise that generations have this sort of negative viewpoint on all drugs.

How Cannabis Can Actually Help this Age Group

Interestingly enough, cannabis has been proven to help in many conditions that directly affect people of an older age group. Cannabis has always been used to treat chronic pain, which is something most seniors deal with, and 62% of them report using it for this sort of relief. Not only is it a holistic approach to help, but it is also a way to get off prescription medications.

Cannabis has been recommended by both the AARP and the National Council for Aging, because beyond the chronic pain relief it can help with sleep issues, such as insomnia, and can combat the likes of anxiety and depression.

Time and time again cannabis has helped cancer patients going through chemotherapy, whether it is to combat nausea or get their eating habits back up.

Finally, cannabis may aid in degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's. A study published by the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease analyzed the "potential therapeutic effects of THC" on the disease. THC was introduced to clumps of proteins that build up in the brain and are one of the leading signs of the presence of this disease. The study found that THC helped slow the advancement of the clumps, showing that THC may be a therapeutic treatment for Alzheimer's.

How to Convince Grandma or Grandpa to Light Up

This isn't exactly the easiest topic to broach with your loved ones. Some may not be receptive; some may be embarrassed, and some may simply not know much about weed at all. Starting slow and not overwhelming here is the key to success.

Communicate Honestly

You're talking about weed with your grandparents, so there is really no reason to beat around the bush any longer. Talk to them about your weed use, how approachable it is and how they can incorporate it into their lives if they are interested.

Show the Facts

Just as we listed above, there is so much that this age demographic can gain from using cannabis, whether that be cutting prescription costs or actually being able to get a good night's sleep. There is a chance that they have no idea about the therapeutic benefits, so opening their eyes to this first may easily sway them into lighting up a joint with you.

Go With the Flow

Smoking cannabis together needs to be a two-way street and should only happen if they are 100% interested in trying it out. If things are looking like they are going south, it is probably best to abandon ship. Besides, pressuring someone into trying a certain substance does not pan out well for anyone ever.

Stay Positive

Regardless of the outcome, remember, it's a fluid and ongoing conversation. Even if they said no, you still got to talk to your grandparents about weed and you should count that as a win.

Have you ever smoked weed with your grandparents? Do you want to or think they'd be up to it? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!