Is that the scent of weed and roses in the air?
Gone are the days when chocolates and champagne held the monopoly on Valentine’s Day gestures. In their place, a more inclusive and tailored approach to love and gift-giving is emerging: cannabis.
This transition is no doubt a reflection of changing attitudes towards cannabis, viewing it as a means to deepen connections, enhance experiences, and personalize the celebration of love. In fact, the rise of gifting weed on Valentine’s Day is more pervasive than you might realize.
A New Wave of Valentine’s Day Celebrations
In 2023, a survey from Wired Research revealed that 61% of American adults are planning to incorporate cannabis into their Valentine’s Day plans, signaling a paradigm shift in the way love is celebrated.
Traditional gifts are taking a backseat, and cannabis is in as part of this greater movement towards more personalized, thoughtful expressions of love.
Here’s a quick glance at some of the key findings from this survey:
- Compared to adults without children, parents show a higher propensity to either use or gift cannabis.
- Opting out of traditional champagne celebrations, 19 million American adults are set to prefer cannabis this Valentine’s Day.
- Approximately one in four American adults hold the view that cannabis can enhance sexual performance.
- The likelihood of incorporating cannabis into Valentine’s Day plans is highest among American adults in the Northeast, more so than in other regions.
What does all this mean? Why is it important? And how does it represent a societal paradigm shift in favor of the cannabis plant?
Let’s talk about that.
Cannabis Over Champagne: The Rising Popularity
The preference of 19 million American adults for cannabis over alcohol is a notable shift that underscores a growing desire for more relaxed, genuine experiences that cannabis uniquely offers. People are catching on that cannabis products can offer a more memorable, nuanced experience.
What’s more, the move towards cannabis over booze (even the glam and glitter of champagne) signifies a quest for authenticity in celebrations, where people seek deeper connections and more meaningful moments, free from the haze of alcohol.
The Generational Shift: From Boomers to Gen Z
The acceptance and incorporation of cannabis into Valentine’s Day festivities reflect a significant generational shift in attitudes. The Wired Research survey reveals that Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are more likely to include weed in their celebrations this Valentine’s Day.
This is a great opportunity for people who’ve grown bored with the conventional Valentine’s gift. Seriously: what says ‘I love you’ more than a couple of Premium Pre-Rolls from Old Pal?
However, this generational difference also shows that the cannabis industry continues to leave a lot of opportunity on the table when it comes to reaching older generations, especially Boomers.
Cannabis for Couples to Enhance Romance and Intimacy
Cannabis in the bedroom, anyone? One in four adults believe that cannabis plays a positive role in enhancing sexual performance and setting the mood for romance.
Just don’t use too much because nothing kills the mood more than greening out on THC (paranoia, anxiety, mind racing, etc).
In fact, experts like CannaSexual® sex coach Ashley Manta and psychologist Dr. Shannon Chavez are guiding people to get the most out of cannabis during sexy time.
“Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for couples to try something new together and try a more dynamic and less formulaic approach to intimacy, which cannabis can help inspire,” said Dr. Chavez in a Forbes article.
Indeed, a well-timed cannabis dose and the right vibe can actually reduce anxiety, heighten sensitivity, and improve emotional connection, making it a valuable addition to romantic occasions.
“Cannabis really helps you tackle whatever is getting in the way of pleasure, connection, and intimacy,” Manta told The Bluntness. “And for some people that is pain, for some people that’s stress and being really stuck in your head, and for some it’s kind of a sexual shame.”
Parents Joining the Trend
Surprisingly, parents are more likely to use or gift cannabis on Valentine’s Day compared to adults without children. But maybe this isn’t so surprising. Parenting is one of the toughest jobs on earth, and it can certainly take a toll on a relationship.
Enter cannabis as a stress-relief tool for parents searching for quality time with their partners, a practical means to unwind and reconnect in the midst of busy family lives.
Regional Variations in Cannabis Gifting
The Northeast has emerged as a region with a notably higher likelihood of including cannabis in Valentine’s Day plans.
This trend shows the cultural impact of legalization in some of the newest cannabis markets in the U.S. while pointing to a broader acceptance and integration of cannabis into various aspects of life, including love and romance.
Hopefully, more states will continue to get on the right side of history in 2024.
Choosing the Perfect Cannabis Gift
Selecting a cannabis gift for Valentine’s Day goes beyond just picking up a pre-roll or a box of edibles; it’s about understanding and matching the gift to your partner’s preferences, experiences, and desires.
Here’s how to ensure your cannabis gift hits the right note of thoughtfulness and personalization:
- Know Their Preferences – Start with understanding whether your partner prefers the subtlety of edibles, the tradition of flower, or the convenience of vape pens. Each product offers a different experience, from the immediacy of smoking or vaping to the delayed onset and longer duration of edibles.
- Consider the Strain – Not all cannabis is created equal. Sativa strains tend to offer more energizing effects, ideal for couples looking to enjoy an active day together. Indica strains, on the other hand, are more about relaxation and might be perfect for a cozy night in. Hybrids balance the two, catering to a range of activities and moods.
- Think About Dosage – Especially if your partner is a novice cannabis user, choosing products with a manageable dose is key. Look for low-dose edibles or strains known for their mild effects to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- Presentation Matters – Adding a personal touch to the presentation of your cannabis gift can make all the difference. Consider elegant packaging, pairing cannabis with traditional gifts like chocolates or flowers, or even including a handwritten note explaining why you chose this particular product for them.
- Educate and Inform – If your partner is less familiar with cannabis, include some educational material about the product, its effects, and how to use it safely. This not only shows care but also encourages a shared learning experience.
Old Pal’s Recommendations for Weed on Valentine’s Day
Old Pal offers a range of products catering to any Valentine’s Day plan. Whether it’s sharing a pack of pre-rolls under the stars, enjoying the subtle high of an infused brownie mix, or selecting a special strain of flower, Old Pal has something for every couple. Here are a few recommendations:
- Shareable Pre-Rolls – Great for couples who enjoy smoking together, Old Pal’s Palitos Pre-Rolls are the perfect mini-joints if you want to keep dosing under control – while our Premium Pre-Rolls are ideal for those with a heavier tolerance.
- Flower Varieties – If whole flower is your game, we’ve got you covered there, too. Choose from Old Pal’s Classic Shareable Cannabis selection of sativa, indica, and hybrid strains to match your planned activities and desired mood.
- Cannabis-Infused Edibles – For a more discreet option, consider Old Pal’s infused Baked at Home brownie mix for a sweet end to your evening.
By choosing Old Pal for your Valentine’s Day cannabis gift, you’re offering an experience—a chance to make new memories and deepen your connection.
A Call to Celebrate Love with Old Pal
As we redefine romance in the era of cannabis enlightenment, Old Pal invites you to embrace this Valentine’s Day with open hearts and open minds.
This year, let’s move beyond the conventional, choosing gifts that speak to the authenticity and depth of our connections. Whether it’s through a shared pre-roll under the stars, a quiet evening accompanied by the subtle embrace of edibles, or the discovery of a new favorite strain, cannabis offers a unique pathway to celebrate our bonds.
