For decades, alcohol has been the undisputed social lubricant of choice in America. Boozy brunches, after-work happy hours, and weddings drenched in champagne—it’s been the cultural norm. But there’s a new player stepping into the mainstream, and it’s greener than your overpriced craft IPA.

Cannabis is no longer lurking in the shadows of counterculture. It’s at dinner parties, yoga studios, and hell, even some retirement homes. So, let’s break it down: How are different generations choosing between alcohol and cannabis, and what does that say about where we’re headed?

Boomers: The Late-Blooming Cannabis Converts

Baby Boomers grew up with anti-drug PSAs screaming about the dangers of marijuana while simultaneously pounding scotch like Mad Men extras. But times have changed.

While this generation is still sipping wine at record rates, Boomers are also the fastest-growing demographic of cannabis consumers. With legalization sweeping the nation and retirement in full swing, they’re swapping out hangovers for edibles and CBD-infused tea. They’re ditching the whiskey for a little weed to manage aches, pains, and sleepless nights. And let’s be real—Boomers love a good trend once it hits mainstream acceptance.

Gen X: The Keepers of the Bar Tab

If there’s one generation still clutching onto their cocktails, it’s Gen X. They’re loyal to their liquor, sticking with the drinks they grew up with, whether it’s a stiff gin and tonic or an unapologetic cheap beer.

That’s not to say they aren’t dabbling in cannabis, but overall, they’re less likely to fully trade in their old vices for new ones. For Gen X, weed was always the slacker’s indulgence, while alcohol was the sophisticated, socially acceptable poison. That mindset is shifting—slowly—but not nearly at the rate we see with Boomers or Millennials.

Millennials: The Mindful Moderators

Millennials aren’t necessarily drinking less—they’re just drinking differently. You won’t find as many binge-drinking bar crawlers in this group, but you will find them sipping craft cocktails, organic wines, and non-alcoholic alternatives with buzzwords like "adaptogens."

At the same time, they’re leading the charge in normalizing cannabis use. Whether it’s for stress, creativity, or sleep, Millennials see weed as a wellness tool rather than a rebellious indulgence. They’re also the first generation to experience widespread legalization in their prime adult years, making cannabis more accessible (and socially acceptable) than ever before.

Gen Z: The Sober-Curious Stoners

Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook entirely. Drinking? Meh. Too expensive, too many calories, and honestly, kind of lame. This generation is much more likely to be "sober curious," choosing cannabis—or nothing at all—over alcohol.

With TikTok full of discussions on mental health, mindfulness, and the downsides of drinking, Gen Z is actively rejecting the alcohol-fueled party culture of their predecessors. Instead, they’re embracing weed as a safer, more chill alternative. The days of cheap beer and vodka shots might be numbered, and cannabis lounges might just be the future of nightlife.

Where We’re Headed: The Rise of Weed and the Fall of Booze?

Alcohol still dominates the U.S. social scene, but the tides are shifting. Cannabis is creeping into everyday life, and the younger generations are embracing it without the stigma that previous ones carried.

So, what does this mean? Expect more cannabis-friendly events, fewer alcohol-soaked traditions, and maybe even a future where weed and wellness go hand in hand. One thing’s for sure: The days of alcohol being the only socially acceptable vice are coming to an end. And honestly? It’s about time.

Chart citation:

Caulkins JP. Changes in self-reported cannabis use in the United States from 1979 to 2022. Addiction. 2024; 119(9): 1648–1652. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16519