Why Are Americans Embracing THC More Than Ever?

Researchers are studying Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for its potential to treat various conditions. Although THC can effectively treat many ailments, its psychoactive properties also make it popular for recreational use.

The heightened interest in THC has prompted many Americans to search “Can you buy THC online?” as they are seeking convenience in acquiring recreational marijuana. 

What is behind the increasing popularity of THC among Americans, and why are they interested in buying it online? 

Key Takeaways:

• Almost half of the US population has reported using cannabis at least once, which marks a significant increase from previous years. This surpasses the 45% reported in both 2017 and 2019.
• THC is the most popular cannabinoid as it simultaneously provides euphoric effects and medicinal benefits.
• In a small survey of undergraduate students, the main reason they reported using THC was socialization.

An Overview of Weed Use in the US

Over the past 25 years, the number of Americans who have tried marijuana has steadily increased, with half of the population (50%) reporting having done so at some point. This marks a rise compared to previous years, which surpasses the 45% reported in 2017 and 2019. While this percentage has remained relatively stable since 2021 (49%) and 2022 (48%), it represents a notable increase overall.

When asked specifically about current behavior, approximately one in six Americans (17%) admit to smoking marijuana. This figure, the highest recorded since Gallup began tracking this trend in 2003, is slightly higher than the 16% reported in the previous year.

Breakdown per Demographic:

Age

Gender

Educational Background

Party ID

Gallup’s data over decades shows a significant trend in marijuana experimentation. From 1969 to 1977, those who admitted trying marijuana rose sharply by 20 points, from 4% to 24%. By 1985, it increased another nine points to 33%, then hovered below 40% until 2015. It rose to 44% in 2019 and 49% in 2021, where it remains today.

What is THC, and Why Are Americans Embracing Its Use?

THC is the component responsible for the psychological effects of marijuana. It behaves similarly to the body’s naturally produced cannabinoid chemicals.

Cannabinoid receptors, which THC interacts with, are densely concentrated in specific brain regions linked to functions such as cognition, memory, pleasure, coordination, and time perception. THC binds to these receptors, which leads to changes in cognition.

THC is just one of numerous compounds found in the glands of the marijuana plant, with a higher concentration around its reproductive organs. This resin also contains other cannabinoids, such as CBD.

Why Americans Use THC?

Effects of THC

THC triggers the release of dopamine in the brain and leads to feelings of euphoria. It disrupts information processing in the hippocampus, a region necessary for memory formation. 

THC can also prompt hallucinations, alter thought patterns, and induce delusions. Its effects endure for about two hours, with onset occurring 10 to 30 minutes after consumption. Psychomotor impairment may persist beyond the perceived high.

Socialization

Aside from the euphoric effects that THC produces, some Americans enjoy the recreational use of marijuana due to the social aspect. From an initial pool of 1,253 undergraduates, researchers selected those who had completed both the 6- and 12-month assessments and were regular marijuana users. This resulted in a final group of 322 undergraduates, of whom 153 were female.

The analysis of self-reported reasons for cannabis use revealed four different contexts:

1. Seeking peer acceptance (fitting in).
2. Managing emotions and moods.
3. Engaging in sex-related behavior (lowering inhibitions).
4. Enhancing social interaction and well-being (social facilitation).

Among these, social facilitation emerged as the primary reason for marijuana use. For instance, when asked about the circumstances in which they most frequently consumed marijuana, over a quarter of participants cited being with a group of friends on campus.

Medical Use

In 2021, approximately 4.4 million patients in the US were registered users of medical marijuana. By the close of 2022, this figure rose to about 4.7 million. Analysts estimate that by 2030, the number of registered medical marijuana patients could reach as high as 5.7 million.

Regarding the purposes for which people use medical cannabis, the majority, 64.2%, employ it for managing chronic and severe pain. Muscle spasms are addressed by 13% of patients, while 6.3% utilize it to alleviate severe nausea.

Pain Management

In a 2020 study from the Journal of Cureus, researchers surveyed patients from three medical cannabis clinics who had previously relied on opioids for chronic pain management. Analyzing data from 525 patients, they discovered that cannabis not only complemented opioid therapy but also, in certain instances, could completely replace the need for opioids.

• 40% of respondents ceased using opioids altogether.
• 45% reported a reduction in opioid consumption.
• 48.5% experienced a pain reduction of 40% or more.
• 62% expressed a reluctance to use opioids in the future.
• 87% reported an enhanced quality of life.

Muscle Relaxation

A study on muscle spasms in Multiple Sclerosis patients revealed that an oral cannabis extract effectively reduced spasticity or muscle cramps. This research involved over 500 subjects, with more than half reporting a notable improvement of over 20% in spasticity after a month of treatment.

Nausea Relief

As per the National Cancer Institute’s data up to April 2017, only ten human trials have investigated the potential of inhaled cannabis in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Among these trials, one study observed that inhaled cannabis showed efficacy, particularly among patients administered high doses of methotrexate.

Can You Buy THC Online?

You can easily buy marijuana online through specialized dispensaries. These platforms offer cannabis in forms such as THC, CBD, or a combination of both. They categorize products into flower, edibles, vapes, concentrates, or topicals.

Among these, the most popular THC product is flower, particularly favored by younger male consumers. Flower is commonly smoked or vaped, but some use it to make edibles. Pre-rolls are also available within the flower category.

Edibles and vapes are the next popular choices. Edibles appeal more to women due to their discretion and longer-lasting, potent effects compared to THC flower. Vapes offer an alternative to traditional smoking methods.

Online transactions extend beyond cannabis products; they offer convenience to many Americans. You can shop for the THC product you need from the comfort of your home and have it delivered to your doorstep. The purchasing process is straightforward, accompanied by discounts. These perks make it understandable why many are exploring buying weed online.

THC-Containing Products

Not Just a Buzz, But a Lifestyle

THC is favored by many Americans for its euphoric effects and social appeal. It offers recreational enjoyment and important medical benefits, especially for patients who don’t respond well to conventional treatments. THC and its derivatives are widely available online, which makes cannabis consumption easy and accessible for countless Americans through smoking or ingestion, including through dispensaries like GetLoud Cannabis.

Contact our staff if you have more legal weed questions in regards to legalize recreational marijuana. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is THC more popular with the younger generation?

A study highlights a notable shift in Gen Z’s preferences toward weed. Perceptions have since reversed, with young people now favoring cannabis for purposes such as relaxation, sleep, emotional release, and recreation.

What are the potential economic impacts of the rise in THC use?

Interest in THC or cannabis can create more jobs. As businesses grow, they need more people to work for them. This boosts job creation and economic activity in the cannabis industry across different areas.

New Frontier Data suggests that cannabis taxes could generate a substantial $106 billion in revenue and create one million jobs by 2025.

Marijuana presents the prospect of significant economic benefits at both local and national levels. It can potentially support investors’ portfolios within the country and beyond its borders.

Is microdosing THC popular among Americans?

Yes. Americans use THC in various doses, such as through microdosing. Microdosing THC involves consuming small amounts of THC without inducing psychoactive effects. This dosage provides benefits such as pain management and mood improvement. It also allows the body to acclimate to THC before increasing the dosage.