Boomers Enjoy New 'Whatever' 'Tude on Pot

Older tokers find they can be open about once-taboo habit
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 16, 2009 1:47 AM CST
Boomers Enjoy New 'Whatever' 'Tude on Pot
Greener pastures.   (?robmcbell)

Aging baby boomers are not only boosting the ranks of older pot smokers, they're enjoying a kind of neo Age of Aquarius of relaxed attitudes toward one of their favorite habits. The number of marijuana smokers in the 50-59 age group has doubled over the past decade, according to statistics. "There's gotten to be greater tolerance, that's for sure," said one toker, 62. "I know hundreds of people my age who smoke. They are upright citizens, good parents who are holding down jobs.”

With the American Medical Association and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger calling for a more relaxed view of the drug, there’s no doubt a cultural shift has taken place. And that’s spurred boomers to be more open about their lifestyle. “I don't think more people in their 50s are smoking marijuana. I think we are just more comfortable talking about it," travel guru Rick Steves tell the Washington Post. "Even my pastor knows I smoke pot."
(More Arnold Schwarzenegger stories.)

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