So often we hear the term, “Okay, Boomer” being used in a negative context. But is there a time we can put a positive spin on the phrase? One specific subject comes to mind, and that is in regards to cannabis. For most of my life I remember hearing about the heydays of my Boomer parents. Back then, they were referred to as hippies. Their bell bottom jeans, long hair and flower power ideals were the key focus of most of the discussions. But as I got older the conversations started to shift into some of the more controversial activities they had participated in including sit-ins, protests and experimenting with drugs. Naturally, cannabis came up as a topic of conversation. My father’s opinions about cannabis were vehemently for the legalization of it. He couldn’t understand why something his generation had been synonymous with was still being viewed as dubious or unlawful even 40 some odd years later.

I was a little bit in shock during this initial conversation that had become so pivotal in our growing relationship into my adulthood. My Baby Boomer father, the one guy who probably would have grounded me for life if he had known all those years prior that I was an avid cannabis user, was on a soapbox about how beneficial it was. He was excited and relieved that America was finally catching onto the medicinal benefits of cannabis use. For him, it was no worse than alcohol and far better than many other substances that America had deemed worthy of a prescription.

Boomers Think Cannabis > Prescription Pain Meds

Despite the growing number of cannabis users and the ever-growing popularity of trying to break the stigma, cannabis sentiment is still viewed somewhat negatively. Why is that? “Just over half of millennials and boomers believe a cultural stigma remains around marijuana, despite over two-thirds of Americans supporting cannabis legalization.” (Bures, 2020). So why is it that the stigma around cannabis use is still lingering? Is it due to mainstream media’s portrayal of cannabis users? Is it because the Silent Generation still views it as an unfavorable option? Is it because it is still federally illegal? No matter the reason behind the stigma, how do we break it? 

One potential answer is to learn from the Boomers. Despite the looming negative stigma, Boomers currently hold positions of power that yielded the legalization of cannabis. Boomers, those born between 1946-1964, are also the biggest cannabis spenders.

In recent surveys, Boomers were beginning to replace prescription pain medications with cannabis and most even preferred to use cannabis as a way to relax and relieve anxiety. “One study found that people aged 50 and older accounted for 34.6 percent to 50.9 percent of medical marijuana users in eight states with medical cannabis programs. Another study found the same age group makes up 29.8 percent of all medi-juana users.” (Kopp, 2019). 

As one can guess, the increasing number of Boomers who are cannabis users is not due to their hippie heydays, but more so because with aging bodies come prescription drugs. Many in this case, are turning to cannabis rather than prescription pills and opioids. While cannabis side effects in older adults are still being studied, the benefits outweigh the potential downsides. “Chronic pain is the most common reason that medical cannabis recommendations are written in the United States, and 65% of medical patients use cannabis for chronic pain.” (Happy Valley, nd). As an older Millennial, I've even noticed some minor aches and pains that often are soothed by a little bit of medicinal cannabis. 

I can only guess that as Boomers such as my father get older and their bodies atrophy, their potential needs for cannabis may increase over the next twenty years or so. As the Silent Generation dies off and the Boomers become the oldest living generation in our country, the sentiment around cannabis may begin to shift to an even more positive light. Even though the cannabis industry is being viewed more positively as it becomes more accessible, more widely purchased, and is increasingly helping medical conditions in a less addictive way, it still has a long way to go. As my Boomer father and his peers continue to pave the way for the younger generations, I can only hope that when it comes to marijuana, “Okay, Boomer” will be said with positive inquisitiveness and hopeful optimism towards cannabis.

Resource:

Bures, Brendan. 2020, July 31. Here’s how millennials and boomers differ on marijuana use. Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/sns-tft-millennials-boomers-marijuana-use-differences-20200731-d5rapxznbnevxbcf4ois5dqpui-story.html

Happy Valley. Nd. Why More Retiring Baby Boomers Are Turning To Cannabis For Pain. https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/why-more-retiring-baby-boomers-are-turning-to-cannabis-for-pain/.

Kopp, J. 2019, April 16. Amid shifting attitudes on medical marijuana, Boomers are big buyers. Philly Voice. https://www.phillyvoice.com/medical-marijuana-cannabis-seniors-baby-boomers/.