Gen Z has seen the legalization of cannabis in real time, and they are embracing both as a lifestyle and as a career choice.
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Gen Z and Cannabis Consumption
Born from 1997 to 2012, reports have shown that Gen Z prefers cannabis over alcohol due to lower costs, more predictability, and fewer hangovers. 33% using cannabis to “cure” boredom, and another 32% using it to enhance experiences such as concerts or daily activities, according to CrescentCanna.
According to MJBizDaily, “Gallup and other national surveys show younger adults are drinking less than older generations, reflecting a preference for substances that feel lighter, cleaner, and easier to integrate into daily routines. And that includes cannabis.”
Gen Z’s preferred method of consumption is seen to be vapor pens or edibles. This is typically due to convenience, discretion, and being easy to transport or pack in a bag. Only the upper half of Gen Z born from 1997 to 2005 can legally buy cannabis in certain states. These product indicators may cause a generational recalibration for the cannabis industry.
According to Direct Digital Holdings, Gen Z is more likely to shop at diversely owned and/or operated businesses, “81 percent of Gen Zers – the most diverse generation in history –…say that multicultural and diverse consumers have a big impact on their brand choices.”
So they should appreciate the diversity of the NJ cannabis market.
According to Coast Mountain Cannabis, “Gen Z is reshaping cannabis culture into something more thoughtful, inclusive, and future-forward. Their values…are pushing cannabis brands to evolve in meaningful ways. As this generation continues to mature into the industry’s dominant consumer group, the companies that thrive will be those willing to adapt, innovate, and communicate honestly.”
Additionally, the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) has a safety campaign “advocating for youth deterrence, abstinence during pregnancy, safe and informed usage.” They don’t want teens smoking weed. So there must be a demand that they want to address.
NJ Gen Z Cannabis Community, Students and Industry Professionals
The NJ cannabis Gen Z community has been getting established as legalization has created a blooming industry where many are studying to work in the legal industry. Stockton, Rowan, and Rutgers University all offer varying degrees of courses and student involvement in the cannabis industry.
Stockton University has the first-ever Bachelor of Science in Hemp and Cannabis Business Management. This program equips students with the understanding and knowledge needed to succeed in “business, regulatory, and operational sides of the hemp and cannabis industries.”
Additionally, Stockton offers a minor in Cannabis Studies, which gives students in any major the basics in understanding entrepreneurship, legalization, and employment.
Courses for both programs include: “Practical Hydroponics,” “Psychopharmacology,” “Cannabis and Social Justice,” and much more.
Rutgers Law School offers a six-month Certificate in Cannabis Law and Business program. This program has courses developed with New Jersey’s state regulations in mind. Their electives focus on cultivation or retail. So it allows students to focus on what is best for their career or business path.
Rowan University has both undergraduate and graduate certificate programs with their Certificate of Undergraduate Studies: Social Behavioral Impact of Cannabis Legislation and the Certificate of Graduate Studies: Cannabis Specialist – Assessment and Social Control of Legalized Cannabis. These programs allow students to gain an understanding of the legal implications, social impacts, and policy knowledge.
Additionally, Rowan has the Institute for Cannabis Research, Policy & Workforce Development. This institute “provides expertise and guidance for policymakers, health care professionals, pharmaceutical industries, government agencies, and businesses as it relates to the legalization of cannabis.” This includes their Center for Cannabinoid Science & Therapeutics, Center for Cannabis Workforce Development, and Socio-Behavioral, Security & Law Enforcement Cannabis Center. These centers give students a wide array of information and resources. They include research labs as well as faculty assistance in public policy and governmental research.
With these programs becoming increasingly popular in New Jersey’s higher education system, Gen Z is becoming better equipped with the resources and knowledge needed to change the industry.
