There are many articles out there trying to put a wedge between generations, but we have a lot more in common that some of us may think. While millennials and baby boomers have grown up in a different atmosphere and may hold different values and dreams for our world, both generations are exposed to stressful environments, disease, and illness. Depression, arthritis, anxiety, and cancer don’t care how old you are, what your values are, or if you’re “killing the diamond industry.” Studies are starting to reveal that both generations are seeking out alternative treatments and are seeking out innovative cannabis treatments instead of conventional pharmaceuticals.
One thing Millennials are totally winning at is being more mentally unstable than generations prior because of the environment we find ourselves in. Some researchers suggest it is because the younger generation that is creating the new workforce is constantly being held to higher standards and are becoming the generation that struggles with perfectionism the most. This may lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Some psychologists have gone as far as to say we are in the middle of a crisis. Millennials are more aware of mental health and contribute less to the negative stigma, but they are suffering more than the generation before them. So, it would make sense that a new generation with new problems would seek out a new solution.
Studies have shown that millennials are more likely to choose natural remedies such as supplements, natural therapy treatment, and medication like cannabis. A small survey in the UK showed that 50% of the millennials preferred CBD hemp oil to prescription medication for their mental health. Researchers have discovered this may be because millennials are more likely to do their own research and are more concerned with the effects things have on them and their environment that they are choosing different methods than what our society is used to.
Studies have shown that millennials are on track to have worse health than the generation before us. Researchers have stated that because millennials are experiencing a completely different world from the generation before them with stagnant wages, unable to afford a home, and constant debt, this is setting them up for long term illness and a poor quality of life. Considering that millennials have done their research and are extremely connected to the world around them thanks to being integrated into a technological world, they are trying to find ways to preserve their health without having to sacrifice other parts of it.
While millennials are beginning to pave the way for the future of treatment being the generation that is controlling the market, they aren’t the only ones to thank for medical cannabis having a significant impact in many people’s lives. Baby boomers are also playing a massive role in driving the cannabis market.
This younger generation isn’t the only one having a hard time right now; mental health in baby boomers is still an issue even if they don’t have the same statistics as millennials. This is quite a problem because there are so many boomers and not enough mental health practitioners. The boomers were the first to break the record of being the most depressed, and are also the first generation to feel a lot younger at 65 than generations prior. This generation is young as it ages, which means they are living through more isolation, losing loved ones, and a barrage of physical ailments that come with old age which is causing an unprecedented type of mental decline.
Baby boomers have experienced some of the vilest cannabis propaganda, which is one reason it is so impressive that this generation is beginning to embrace medical cannabis. One of the main reasons being the lack of severe side-effects and the myriad of symptoms cannabis may be able to treat, helping the baby boomers reduce the number of pills in their medicine cabinet. Boomers have been around this medication for a long time; they know what risks are involved. Now that they have been given an opportunity to find health without the risk, baby boomers are taking it.
Both Millennials and Baby Boomers are working together toward abolishing the cannabis stigma and working toward a healthier life for all. While there are many things both generations don’t have in common, one thing we do have in common is that we want what is best for ourselves and what is best for our community. We are in a time where cannabis is thriving, and the trend suggests we can only go up from here.
Ashley Everett and Jay Burton, the owners of Cachet Brands, are creating premium CBD for an active community of athletes, fitness enthusiasts, dancers, entertainment professionals and creatives. They hope to always provide quality CBD infused products that are consistent, high quality and trusted. If you have any questions, please contact us.