Marijuana usage is more popular among Gen Z as it begins replacing alcohol. The two substances should be treated the same so less people are disqualified for drug use.

Solution: Lawmakers should lower the drinking age to 18 for those in the military and stop testing or asking for Marijuana use.

Zoomers spend more time indoors in their places of living than prior generations. Images of young Americans with eyes glued to video game consoles and computers come to mind. The entire world took shelter inside during the pandemic, and social events dropped to nearly zero. Along with this comes a new view on what recreational activities are acceptable. Alcohol, the primary social lubricant of the 20th century, is primarily viewed as declining in popularity compared to its past peaks. Alcohol is generally consumed in social settings at bars and gatherings, which decreased due to the lockdown. It also leaves an intense hangover that many medical studies are beginning to prove have increasingly adverse long-term effects. On the other hand, marijuana usage among Z has skyrocketed…

Matthew Weiss is currently an Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. His book, “We Don’t Want You, Uncle Sam: Examining the Military Recruiting Crisis with Generation Z” is available on amazon in paperback, e-book, and audiobook format.