Gen Z Women Are Ruling the Marijuana Market—Find Out Why

More women are buying weed each year, with Gen Z leading the way with a 151% increase in sales growth. Seattle-based cannabis data firm Headset reported this in a recent webinar where experts discussed changing consumer demographics.

In 2020, adult-use cannabis sales reached $5.6 billion for men and $2.7 billion for women. Gen Z women (ages 21–24) showed higher growth rates across all generations. Women prefer to buy Indica online due to its calming effects.

Experts are just beginning to understand Gen Z women and their future impact on the cannabis market.

Key Takeaways:

• The female market share rose from 31 percent in 2019 to 32 percent in 2020.
• Female Gen Z consumers slightly prefer pre-rolled joints, edibles, and beverages.
• Gen Z women prioritize wellness and self-care by choosing products that aid in managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues through the use of different strains of Indica.

Who are Gen Z Women?

Generation Z women are those females born after 1997. This generation is said to be the most racially diverse and educated women ever.

Headset analyst Cooper Ashley noted that the female market share increased from 31% in 2019 to 32% in 2020.

In 2023, women are taking the lead in the cannabis industry by asserting their influence and reshaping the market landscape. Headset states that the impact of COVID-19 and differing perceptions of cannabis among age groups contribute to this trend.

They’re embracing cannabis like never before, which drives sales through the roof. From stress relief to better focus, they are finding all sorts of reasons to choose cannabis over traditional meds.

Gen Z cannabis sales have surged by 127%. Here’s a total breakdown of what they consume and the differences between Gen Z male customers.

Note: These are the statistics analyzed during the 2019–2020 period.

According to Headset data, flower remains the top seller for both men and women. Among female Gen Z consumers, there is a slight preference for pre-rolled joints, edibles, and beverages.

Gen Z Women Stories

As cultural trends shift in favor of female empowerment, women are asserting their buying power in the cannabis industry. Consumers also show a strong preference for buying weed from women-owned businesses. According to a 2021 Weedmaps consumer survey, 46% of respondents expressed a desire to visit women-owned cannabis establishments.

Danielle Jordan

Danielle Jordan, a 21-year-old EKG technician student, finds pre-rolled joints convenient and easy to use. She chooses lab-tested products from dispensaries for a smoother experience than street brands.

For Jordan, cannabis Indica brings relaxation and euphoria, which allows her to unwind and enjoy activities like boating with friends without feeling the need to be on the move constantly.

She uses cannabis to self-medicate for various conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which provides relief where traditional treatments have fallen short.

Sydney Cheney

Sydney Cheney, a 21-year-old customer service representative, turns to cannabis for relieving stress and managing anxiety. She uses it in stressful situations like grocery shopping, which she finds helpful in reducing the impact of crowds and aiding focus.

Factors Driving Gen Z Women’s Dominance

Why do Gen Z women love cannabis? It’s simple: cannabis works for them. They used cannabis for chilling out after a long day or trying to ease anxiety.

Social Acceptance

The increasing cannabis acceptance in various states and countries has led to a broader social acceptance of its use. Gen Z women, known for their progressive attitudes, are more likely to embrace cannabis as a natural and acceptable part of their lifestyle.

Wellness and Self-Care

Gen Z women prioritize wellness and self-care by seeking products that help manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Many mentioned that they had limited success with prescribed medications or therapy and found marijuana to be a more effective alternative. Indica strains, prevalent for their relaxing and sedating effects, fit well into this wellness-oriented lifestyle.

Feminine Packaging

Women continue to drive the conversation forward in the cannabis industry. The revolutionary weed capitalists of 2023 are embracing the bold, feminine energy in their marketing and design. This shift has led to a surge in women-oriented products and events, which offer a fresh perspective and vibe that contrasts with the traditionally male-dominated cannabis market.

Innovative female entrepreneurs challenge traditional norms by creating cannabis brands catering to women. They offer products and experiences that resonate with the modern, feminine consumer.

Managing director at Brightfield Group, Bethany Gomez, explained that shifting public attitudes and increasingly sophisticated design and packaging drive this trend. She said that more brands are becoming more acceptable, compact, and packaged in a way that appeals more to women.

The Best Indica Cannabis Strain Top Recommendation

Gen Z women actively demonstrate their dominance in the cannabis market through their product selection and preferences, especially favoring various strains of Indica weed.

Cement Shoes

• THC: 19-22%
• CBD: 1%

Cement Shoes, an Indica-dominant hybrid, offers a strong body high that often leads to couch lock. It can induce calmness and mental clarity by replacing negative thoughts with contentment.

Derived from a blend of Animal Cookies 09, OGKB, and Wet Dream strains, Cement Shoes’ genetic lineage is robust.

This strain relieves chronic pain, muscle spasms, and stress with gentle body buzz.

Gorilla Glue

• THC: 28%
• CBD: 1%

The Original Gorilla Glue strain is an Indica-dominant hybrid created by crossing Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. Known for its pain-relieving properties and ability to induce a restful night’s sleep, this strain offers a balanced experience.

The potent effects begin gradually, with a rising sensation that envelops your mind in euphoria and ignites a gentle surge of creative energy. As your mood lifts, a profound sense of relaxation takes over. This calmness spreads throughout your body and makes you feel cozy and relaxed for an extended period.

Gelato Cake

• THC: 29%
• CBD: 1%

The Gelato Cake strain is an Indica-dominant hybrid, born from the crossing of Wedding Cake and Gelato 33. It offers a smooth blend of calming effects and tasty flavors, with an enticing aroma featuring sweet vanilla, sharp gas, and hints of pine.

You’ll experience a burst of happy energy that boosts your focus and creativity for various projects. This energetic state is brief, usually followed by a relaxing body high.

Benefits and Effects of Indica Strains

• Indica’s effect on the human body is often described as a “stoned” or “body high,” which means its impact is felt more throughout the body than in the head.
• Indica enhances senses such as sound, touch, and smell, which leaves you highly relaxed and sometimes drowsy.
• The high from Indica can be lethargic and almost “lazy.” Despite its relaxing properties, it sometimes produces a heavy bodily sensation that causes most users to sit down and relax. People commonly refer to this as “couch lock.”
• While Indica strains can occasionally clear the mind and inspire creativity, they generally result in shorter attention spans.
• Relief is one of Indica’s most notable benefits. It can alleviate stress, anxiety, migraines, body pain, and spasms.
• Indica relaxes muscles and can reduce the frequency of seizures. It also helps reduce nausea and combat depression.
• Another notable effect of Indica is its potential to sedate, even at relatively low doses. This makes it an effective sleep aid and best suited for nighttime use.

Conclusion

Gen Z women are undoubtedly shaping the future of the cannabis market, mainly through their preference for Indica strains and products that support their wellness and lifestyle needs. As they wield increasing purchasing power and influence, Gen Z women drive ongoing innovation and diversity within the industry. There will be increasing demands on pre-rolls, accessories like popular filters, more strain types that aid women in their conditions, new edibles, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why more women are using Indica strains?

Indica is much commonly appreciated not only for its shorter flowering period. Indica strains tend to produce relaxing and sedating effects akin to unwinding with a glass of wine, brandy, or scotch after a long day at work. It’s a rewarding and soothing ritual.

Women prefer Indica over Sativa strains as they also help them manage pain or mood changes during their menstrual cycle. Those with insomnia find that Indica plants help them achieve a good night’s sleep.

Are there other forms of Indica products women can buy online?

Yes. In addition to the flower, you can find Indica strains in pre-rolls, vape pens, edibles, tinctures, and more. These products offer convenient alternatives to smoking and varying THC content. Women can find a product that they can use for microdosing or to experience more effects from cannabis.

Why are women more likely than men to purchase alternative cannabis products?

Despite the rising consumption of cannabis flower among Gen Z women, there’s also a notable uptick in their preference for alternative products such as pre-rolls and edibles.

• Women choose quick and convenient options like pre-rolls vaporizers.
• Many women turn to cannabis for medicinal purposes, so choosing a product that can produce long-lasting benefits is a must, like edibles.
• The discreet nature of these alternative products makes it easier for them to avoid scrutiny when using cannabis.