Why More Americans are Getting High This 4th of July

Cannabis has become increasingly popular over alcohol and other commonly used de-stressors due to its calming effects and fewer health-related risks. And, not surprising to those of us who are patients and believers, many are turning to cannabis to replace alcohol usage. 

Cannabis and the the 4th of July are bound to be linked together, for a few key reasons. But first, let’s dive into the fascinating history of hemp and its role in America’s beginnings and independence.

The Patriotic History of Hemp

This might come as a surprise, but the hemp plant has a deep-rooted history within the foundation of the United States. Here are five ways that hemp has played an integral role in the forming and continued growth of the United States:

Agriculture

Hemp seeds were brought over in the early 1600s from England for farmers to grow. The plant itself has as many uses - if not more - as cotton, as it is used for the production of sails, ropes, clothing, and various other textile products. There was even a time when hemp plant leaves were accepted as a legal form of tender if someone didn’t have paper currency on them, as paper money was rare in the early founding of our nation.

Drafts and Fabric

The original parchment used for the Declaration of Independence was created from animal skins, but the two drafts that came before it were written on hemp parchment. In fact, hemp paper has been used since 150 BC and was one of the most used sources of parchment in the early foundation of the country. Fabric was also made out of the plant, out of which almost all of the earliest American flags were made.

Presidential Crop

Many of the founding fathers actually grew hemp plants, although it’s unknown whether they consumed them by smoking or orally, or if they even know of the properties of THC. Virtually every part of the plant can be used, which is an extremely rare feature that makes the industrialized crop perfect for almost any farmer to invest in, our country’s founders included.

Community

During WWII, the country’s citizens abandoned everything to help the war efforts. It might seem a little dramatic to us now, but back then everything and everyone was supporting the war efforts. People would even have to take turns going to fill up gas only one day out of the week based on the number of the license plate on your car. Food was rationed and many jobs were supporting the industrialization of the country. The government eventually pleaded to farmers to plant more hemp for their soldiers, using slogans like “Hemp for Victory” as a rallying call. Clothes, blankets, tents, flags, oil, and many other products needed to support the war effort required more of the plant to be grown.

Consumers are Starting to Choose Marijuana Over Alcohol

Compared to alcohol, marijuana is a safer, healthier, and non-addictive source for anti-depressive effects. Long-term health risks are an added risk in long-term or heavy consumption of alcohol, including:

• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Stomach and digestive issues
• Central nervous system damage
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility

More than just these long-term effects, it’s also an addictive substance. Overcoming alcohol addiction is extremely challenging, and withdrawal can be life-threatening. Cannabis, on the other hand, has shown to be non-addictive (with the exception of mental dependence), with little to no long-term effects - though more research is needed, particularly when comparing the number of studies on alcohol vs. cannabis.

A growing number of Americans are opting for cannabis over alcohol, with 67% of them considering it a healthier alternative, according to research by BDSA. Furthermore, 57% feel that cannabis impairs them less compared to alcohol.

In a CivicScience survey from January 2023, 21% of participants used cannabis or CBD during Dry January instead of alcohol. A separate study at a Berkley, CA medical cannabis dispensary found that 40% of people used cannabis as an alcohol substitute. This survey also revealed that 26% used it instead of illegal drugs, and 66% used it to replace prescription medications.

Canadian medical cannabis patients also reported significant shifts in their alcohol consumption, as per a detailed survey published in the International Journal of Drug Policy. Key findings include 44% of respondents reducing their alcohol use over the last month, 34% cutting down on weekly alcohol consumption, and 8% abstaining completely in the 30 days prior to the survey. The study notes that younger individuals under 55, or those who drank more previously, were more likely to decrease their alcohol intake if they intended to use medical cannabis for this purpose.

These insights suggest that cannabis might play a role in reducing or even stopping alcohol use among its users.

The Best Cannabis Products for the 4th of July

If you’re looking for good vibes this 4th of July, you're in luck. We've rounded up our top cannabis categories and products within each to ensure you have an enjoyable Independence Day:

Cannabis Flower

Nothing says summer like enjoying a joint outside, except maybe poolside.

• Cake Crashers, an uplifting and creative hybrid. The frosting of this hybrid pastry is trichomes, sprinkled atop bud of purple and deep greens, with layered flavors of cake, citrus, and gas. Expect a sugar rush from Cake Crashers in the form of stimulating, creativity-boosting, and blissful effects.
• French Toast, happiness in the form of a hybrid. High in terps and low on pain, this smooth and creamy hybrid strain offers relief from anxiety while increasing your bliss.
• Minty Blizzard, a sativa with a blizzard of uplifting effects. A frosty cross of Amnesia Haze with The Menthol, the strain brings intense flavors of pine and mint, particularly on exhale, with a pleasant head high and a spark of creativity.

Marijuana Vapes

Discreet, low odor, and fast-acting, vapes are a great option for any occasion, including the 4th of July.

• (the) Essence Nectar Vapes, potent, delicious cured resin in 0.5g and 1g cartridge options
• Sweet Supply Dart Pods, fruit-forward 0.5g and 1g pods that sing with flavor and produce maximum vapor
• MÜV Plus, premium, strain-specific extra in a host of rotating strains – and sizes 0.3g, 0.5g, and 1g

Cannabis Edibles

It's no secret that edibles can stimulate your appetite, sometimes far more than flower. In our opinion, that makes edibles perfect for the BBQ-centric holiday. Our picks?

• (the) Essence Nectar Soft Chews, strain-specific cured resin gummies that pack a potent punch, in flavors Strawberry and Bonsai Berry, both with hints of tropical guava
• Encore Soft Chews, a vast array of fruity sweet and sour options, from THC to THC/CBD and THC/CBN ratios, with specially formulated indica, sativa, and hybrid terpene profiles
• MÜV Chocolates, a delicious fusion of flavors like Milk Chocolate Caramel and S'mores, Dark Chocolate Orange, Peppermint, and Raspberry, or classic Milk or Dark, also available in sugar-free and potent RSO options

Cannabis Continues to Be Celebrated

Expect to see more and more people including cannabis as part of their 4th of July celebrations, especially as more states legalize its use for medical and recreational purposes. No matter where you are in the country, it’s clear marijuana is something that has become an integral part of our collective, overall wellbeing. And, we think that’s worth celebrating!

Find the cannabis you need to make your 4th of July memorable at your local MÜV Dispensary.

*This post was originally published in 2021 and updated on June 19, 2024, to include new statistics.

References:

1. Sober Curious Nation: One in Three Americans are Trying to Drink Less Alcohol in 2023 (2023). NCSolutions. ncsolutions.com/the-goods/sober-curious-nation-alcohol-survey/. Accessed April 17, 2024.
2. Ninety Percent of Gen Z Dry January Participants Are Leaning on Other Drinks and Substances to Fill the Void (2023). CivicScience. https://civicscience.com/ninety-percent-of-gen-z-dry-january-participants-are-leaning-on-other-drinks-and-substances-to-fill-the-void/. Accessed April 17, 2024.