My new article “Seven Myths about the ‘Recreational’ Cannabis Market” now on cannareporter.eu
Cannabis brings us an awareness of what we have spent our entire lives being trained to ignore, forget and put out of our minds.
— Alan Watts
The recreational cannabis market is a rapidly evolving space, but many misconceptions and myths continue to cloud our understanding of its current nature and dynamics. These myths, often rooted in outdated stereotypes and assumptions, ignore the complexity and diversity of cannabis use. From the belief that recreational users are simply seeking a “dazed and confused” high to the notion that the market is dominated by a few big brands, these stereotypes fail to capture the broader reality. As the market matures, it is important to recognize the diverse ways in which cannabis is used, the changing demographics of its consumers, and how the recreational and medicinal cannabis markets are adapting to meet the diverse needs of users. In this article, we will explore and debunk seven of the most common myths surrounding the recreational cannabis market.
Myth 1: Recreational users want to be “dazed and confused”
One of the most common stereotypes surrounding cannabis users is that they use cannabis primarily to relieve stress and improve their mood. The assumption here is that the psychoactive effects of cannabis typically induce a “woozy, confused” and “couch-stoned” feeling, helping users relax and temporarily forget about the burdens and difficulties of their lives.
It may be true that many cannabis users seek these effects, and it is important to note that such use is not inherently harmful, as long as it does not lead to or reinforce persistent escapism. However, to truly understand the current recreational cannabis market and its future potential, we need to recognize the spectrum of potential effects of cannabis varieties on our minds and bodies. While certain varieties are known for their sedative and calming effects, others can be invigorating, stimulating, and conducive to a sense of mental euphoria that boosts cognitive productivity.
For centuries, cannabis enthusiasts, from poet William Butler Yeats to musician Bob Marley, have used cannabis to enhance a variety of activities and crafts, from painting and writing poems to music production, enjoying art and nature, engaging in scientific research and discovery, meditation, introspection, yoga, sexual pleasure, and many other pursuits. Looking at more mature recreational markets, such as those in California, we are already seeing companies adapting and shaping their services to suit these diverse uses. In short, we should not confuse “recreation” with “relaxation,” but rather consider it “re-creation.”
Myth 2: Recreational cannabis users are mostly young men
Contrary to this stereotype, the demographic of recreational cannabis users is much more diverse than many realize and is rapidly evolving. Recent studies have shown that young women in the U.S. are using cannabis more than men, prompting companies to adjust their strategies and product offerings to accommodate this shift. Additionally, a 2021 survey of U.S. adults ages 50 to 80 found that 12,1% reported using cannabis in the past year, with 34,2% of these users using cannabis products four or more days per week.
We still lack reliable data on total cannabis consumption in Europe and other parts of the world for a variety of reasons, including underreporting due to illegality and stigma around cannabis use. The statistics we have on regulated recreational markets may not be accurate; we also need to be careful about stipulating that they show what will happen in recreational markets elsewhere in the world. But clearly, we need to rethink our stereotypes of recreational cannabis users.
Read the full article here on cannareporter.eu
