[OkayPhysicist]

Substance use is dropping precipitously, because partying and socialization writ large are dropping. The people who party are still drinking, they're really not the ones driving these decreases.

Alcohol's primary purpose in our society is as a social lubricant. It both lowers inhibitions, and in the expectation of its doing so creates spaces with freer acceptable behavior. Cannabis doesn't currently fill that niche, because there aren't really spaces dedicated to its consumption.

[laughing_man]

I wonder if some of the drop is just that people are worried if they let loose a video will make its way onto TikTok and be there forever.

[littlexsparkee]

Well, with edibles, mints, drinks - does there need to be? There are lounges opening in some cities like Oakland, SF but that's an emerging thing depending on openness to changing zoning.

[OkayPhysicist]

Dedicated spaces to consuming social lubricants naturally are social spaces. Losing them would be a dramatic blow to the entire concept of social life.

[littlexsparkee]

Yeah, I agree with you. I'm just saying someone could take a 5mg THC mint and then grab a beer at a bar to be social. My point is that weed can be social in any third place, whether or not it's dedicated to it.

[throwawa5]

And many US cities allow bars to serve THC-infused drinks. They won't win any awards for flavor but can be a fun alternative to alcohol.

[dmonitor]

> and then grab a beer at a bar to be social

I feel like you're missing the point. The bar a necessary part of the equation because alcohol has a social monopoly on physical locations.

[xenospn]

When I smoke weed, the last thing I want to do is be around people, or socialize. It also doesn’t make me horny. The exact opposite of alcohol.