Blurring the generation gap with CBD

‘Sales of products containing CBD, also known as cannabidiol, products have skyrocketed by 99 per cent in the UK, according to new data. Analysis by online deals platform Wowcher reveals that purchases have almost doubled in 2019, with Brits rushing to invest in the ingredient that is now used in copious health and beauty products.’ 

All the statistics and data being released is only revealing that the popularity of CBD and its products are increasing at a rapid pace, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The Cannabis Trades Association U.K. has recently revealed that, in the last year, the amount of CBD consumers has doubled from 125,000 to 250,000. 

It seems that generations from Boomers to Gen-Z’s are becoming more involved and interested in CBD products, as the CBD movement trickles into their everyday lives in a variety of ways. However, it has been revealed that those born between the mid-1990s and late-2000s are more likely to use CBD, and this can be seen in all the CBD drinks, skincare products, and makeup that are appearing on the market. This isn’t surprising when you think about the celebrity ambassadors for cannabis products, who are mostly from Generation-Z, for example, music artist Lil Pump. Whereas the advertising that Millenials and Baby Boomers were more acquainted with while growing up were traditionally alcohol advertisements. 

‘The increasing popularity of CBD in the U.K. is perhaps a delayed reflection of the success in the U.S., where legal sales of marijuana products surpassed $10 billion in 2018. Bolstered by a growing cohort of Gen-Z consumers, who are twice as likely to use CBD than the national average, it’s no surprise that CBD uptake in the U.K. has grown so quickly.’ 

Generation-Z may be surrounded by the rise of CBD as they step into adulthood, nonetheless, Millenials and Boomers have still accepted it into their lives. One characteristic that Millennials are known for is the idea of uncertain social security in their futures, however, in the short-term, it has been found that this demographic is even more interested in any products that they believe can help with their mental wellbeing. This can be seen in the following eBay statistics, which disclose that, ‘...millennial shoppers also purchased 39,000 cannabidiol (CBD) oils and supplements this year and conducted 284,000 related searches.’ 

Boomers and Millennials have seen high-profile personalities advocating CBD to their demographics. When thinking about the Boomers, there was the announcement that Martha Stewart entered into a partnership with a Canadian based cannabis company. And for the Millennials, it has to be Kim Kardashian and her CBD-themed baby shower for her fourth child. There are many more examples of celebrities coming out and sharing their CBD tips and tricks with the rest of the world, and across the generation board.

Now, there have always been divides between generations when it comes to a range of political, economic and social issues, and maybe even more so in this day and age, however, CBD is one thing that has no generational borders. As the public continues to build on their knowledge of CBD and how it works, the increasing popularity of CBD will also continue in every generation, especially with the help of its celebrity advocates, such as Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman. CBD being generationally fluid, can only reflect the growth in its acceptance and following- and that can only be seen as a positive.