Marijuana’s Mainstream Acceptance Continues to Grow
In the past decade, the public’s perception of marijuana has undergone a significant shift. What was once considered a taboo substance has become increasingly accepted and normalized. Since Washington and Colorado legalized recreational marijuana use in 2012, 22 more states have followed suit, and 38 states now allow medical marijuana. Today, over 50% of the population has access to cannabis, and its popularity spans all age groups.
Even the “war on drugs” generation of Baby Boomers has come to embrace marijuana, with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reporting that many use it for its medical benefits. Celebrities like Martha Stewart and Fox News personalities have also publicly endorsed the plant, treating it as a consumer product and a business opportunity.
According to recent data, past-year marijuana use among adults aged 35-50 has reached an all-time high of 28%, more than doubling from 13% in 2012. This trend reflects a broader increase in marijuana use across different age groups, with Gen Z embracing the “California Sober” concept, which replaces alcohol with marijuana for a healthier lifestyle.
Michigan, a midwestern state, is breaking year-over-year sales records, with $2.4 billion in sales already clocked in 2024 and expectations of reaching $3 billion. This will secure the state more tax revenue from cannabis than from alcohol, solidifying marijuana as a reliable source of income for states since legalization.
To cater to this growing demand, Planet 13, the largest dispensary in North America, has introduced the “store-in-store” concept, similar to traditional department stores. This concept has been successful in the beauty department and high-end lines like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. The inaugural brand to offer exclusive merchandise and strains is Khalifa Kush, in partnership with Wiz Khalifa.
The Las Vegas-based Planet 13 Entertainment Complex has become a flagship destination for celebrities to showcase top brands in the industry. Cannabition, another major attraction, will soon open and offer an elevated immersive experience.
Cannabis has also become a part of celebrations, with the day before Thanksgiving, dubbed “Drinksgiving” and “Blackout Friday,” becoming one of the top 5 drinking days in the US. The public has also made the day one of the top 5 for consuming, referring to it as “Green Wednesday.”
As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that marijuana’s mainstream acceptance is here to stay.
