Part 2: Golden Ganja
In recent years a new brand of pot enthusiast has emerged and they probably aren’t what most people would expect. Years ago they hid their weed consumption like a dirty little secret or they simply did not partake at all for fear of repercussions. But now, the days of Reefer Madness, “just say no” and D.A.R.E. are long past and a new age of freedom has emerged for a very special group of marijuana lovers; our beloved seniors (or more informally, Ganja Grannies and Grandpas). This burgeoning market for marijuana is growing rapidly and I really had no idea.
Marijuana has impacted the lives of seniors in ways I never would have thought and with the dawn of legalization saavy seniors have tentatively eased in to a new world that accepts that one can both use marijuana and still be an “upstanding citizen.” As the perception of marijuana users shifts within our society so too has the method seniors use to access weed products and accessories. At first, the idea that weed was legal was a concept that was too suspicious to be believed. But seniors slowly began acquiring small amounts through the mail while nervously worrying that someone, somewhere would find them out. Fast forward a few years and weed has become a fast-growing part of senior culture. Grannies and grandpas everywhere are finding that cannabis can enrich their golden years in ways they never expected. They’ve come a long way from smoking grass in behind gym!
While many seniors aspire to “see the world” in retirement, marijuana tourism has become a novel way for seniors to approach travel. These days North America is the veritable epi-centre of legalization and weed tourism is no longer just about Amsterdam. Seniors can enjoy a toke in Toronto or a cannabis cocktail in Colorado without the substantial cost of a European vacation. At Colorado’s National Cannabis festival they even have a Senior Citizens Lounge- a special place for their “golden buds” to mingle and share experiences. Perhaps even more enticing for many seniors is the scenic beauty and abundance of North America’s west coast. California, Oregon and British Columbia have become premier destinations for weed enthusiast of all ages. One can only imagine that as our population ages more and more seniors will prefer destinations that feature marijuana as not just an available product but as an amenity.
Today’s senior pot user is constantly evolving and looking for new ways enrich their lives with cannabis products. Simply smoking a joint is great for nostalgia, but less enticing for more discerning seniors as evidenced by the increasing popularity of oils, edibles and topicals. In an age of endless customization (of just about anything) it’s all about the specific desired effect. Our friends at Creator’s Choice had this to say about their senior clients:
“Our clients in their golden years are some of our shrewdest consumers. When our senior clients come in to the dispensary we know that we are about to be tested. These are consumers that know what they want and how they want to feel. They want all the information and all the options, they want perceived value in not only the products they buy but also the interactions they have with our budtenders. It’s amazing to chat with these folks and see their enthusiasm. They really represent the evolution of the cannabis industry and they are a big part of where it’s going.”
In our post-legalization world it seems the possibilities are limitless it terms of how much personalization can go in to a cannabis purchase. For seniors benefits like pain relief and relaxation are primary reasons for use but often the demands surrounding a purchase are even more complex. Want to feel calm but not too high? Reduce nausea and anxiety? Chances are that your budtender can find something to get you there and seniors are reaping the benefits of this level of specialization. There is a particular beauty to the fact that we have now reached a time in which seniors can freely seek to enrich their lives using cannabis products.
In a time of life where feelings of loneliness and isolation can be a serious issue, marijuana is even bringing seniors together. I mean who doesn`t enjoy getting a little toasted with a pal? Social groups for senior cannabis users have been popping up everywhere both online and in-person for years. Whether it’s gathering to enjoy a toke or sharing cannabis gardening tips seniors are uniting over their growing passion for the beautiful bud.
For so long seniors have been portrayed in this unrealistically wholesome way, as if Granny and Grandpa never let loose. It is my hope that we can eventually put this ridiculous trope to rest and let our seniors live free of those kinds of expectations. Shouldn’t the elders of society be free of such constraints? It seems like the very least we can do considering what they’ve endured.
As for me, I picture my old age as a very chill time of life. I hope for glorious sunny days where I wake (and bake) and maybe enjoy a crossword or two. I figure that by then maybe dispensaries will truly cater to the mature individual. Imagine large print menus, comfy chairs and entire sections dedicated to the concerns of the elderly. Perhaps some seniors will choose dispensary jobs in their retirement rather than greeting at Walmart?
Over at Creator’s Choice it’s clear that the future of marijuana is not necessarily green, but perhaps golden. “It’s taken time, but every year we see more and more seniors enjoying the benefits of cannabis products. I expect that as our population ages our over 65 consumer base will grow rapidly.” I certainly hope so because I can only assume that Granny’s pot brownies would surpass all others!
Do you know a Ganja Granny or Grandpa? We’d love to hear your stories. Better yet, share Granny’s brownie recipe!
