Rising Interest Among Elderly Seen as Positive Push for Cannabis Churches by Peter J. Burns III

The rise in popularity of Cannabis Churches—along with heightened interest in marijuana among elderly residents of the United States—recently caught the eye of Southern California entrepreneur Peter J. Burns III.

At the same time that places of worship are legally serving cannabis as a sacrament, more than 10,000 people in this country celebrate their 65th birthday every single day. So, while Peter J. Burns III sees investment into Cannabis Churches as a way to spread peace and love, it’s also a chance to pair older folks with a new experience in a setting where they feel quite comfortable.

Before looking at the trend among elderly, and cannabis churches, here are some overall industry facts and figures:

--  As of 2020, the medical use of cannabis has been legalized in 33 states in America. The recreational use of cannabis is legal in 11 states—Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

--  At the federal level, use and possession of cannabis is illegal. However, as more and more states approve legal use on a recreational level, it’s highly likely the federal government will face great pressure to reconsider its stance.

--  The cannabis industry is growing at an amazing pace. Sales in 2016 were 6.7 billion. That number is predicted to jump to 20.2 billion in 2021.

--  In California and states all over the country, cannabis churches have sprung up. At these churches, people don’t technically pay for marijuana. Instead, they tithe (donate money) to the church in exchange for cannabis.

Older Americans Are Curious About Cannabis

The number of American seniors who are 65-and-older and smoke marijuana (or use edibles) is on a steep climb, according to a 2020 article published in the Journal of American Medical Association.

While the overall percentage of senior cannabis users is relatively low, the proportion of 65-and-older users doubled to 4.2 percent from 2015 to 2018, the report says.

The JAMA report also notes that key groups of older Americans have been experimenting with cannabis use, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, adults with high family incomes and those receiving mental health and diabetes treatments.

Whereas cannabis used to be stigmatized, the changes in state laws about medical and recreational usage has made many more people curious and open to try something new, say researchers.

And that’s where Cannabis Churches have a role.

The Rising Popularity of Cannabis Churches

In California, and states all over the country, cannabis churches have sprung up quickly. At these church services, people don’t technically pay for marijuana. Instead, they tithe (donate money) to the church in exchange for cannabis.

There are legal issues. But proponents argue that many people truly believe that cannabis has a history and a proper place in being delivered as sacrament. Members of cannabis churches believe they are involved in religious efforts that help them connect to a higher power.

Here are answers to a few questions you might have about Cannabis Churches:

Are the churches exploiting a loophole just to make a buck?

No. The beauty of these services is that they’re about topics that are from the heart, touching on things like love, self-awareness, and empathy. And they’re interactive. Anyone can participate.

Aren’t churches just selling cannabis?

Not any more than the Catholic Church is selling wine. Wine is a sacrament. Did you know the Catholic Church sells wine that has been blessed? Cannabis Churches stop short of that.

What’s wrong with having the government oversee the process of distributing cannabis?

Nothing. There’s room for that model, as well as a church using cannabis as a blessed sacrament. With the state model, the cost to the consumer is exorbitant. Do you know exactly where tax dollars are going? When you tithe at a church and receive cannabis as a sacrament, the money goes, in part, to charities.

So as more and more people warm up to cannabis—especially among the 65-and-over set—look for Peter J. Burns III to be active in the process of being a facilitator in spreading peace, love and harmony.

Peter J. Burns III

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