When it comes to juvenile crime, one of the most common offenses used to be drinking underage. People are not supposed to drink in the United States until they reach the age of 21. But there have always been many cases of high school and college students having alcohol at graduation parties, house parties, school dances, sporting events and in many other situations. This has historically led to a significant number of underage drinking arrests.
For Gen Z, though, this type of arrest is less common because Gen Z is drinking far less alcohol than previous generations. That said, some reports claim that they are simply switching to cannabis or marijuana products instead, which still leaves the door open for serious legal charges.
Gen Z prefers cannabis products
In one study, young adults from 18 to 24 were asked if they would prefer to drink alcohol or use cannabis products such as edibles or vape cartridges. A total of 69% said that they preferred cannabis.
However, in Texas, cannabis is still heavily restricted and often illegal. Part of the reason that Gen Z embraces it may be that other states have legalized recreational marijuana products, making them more common and easier to access. But Texas has not done so at this time. The state does have a medical marijuana program, but only people who have a valid medical need are going to qualify.
So, in some ways, this is a positive trend with Gen Z, as young people are less likely to be arrested for underage drinking, drunk driving and related offenses. But it does seem that they have simply traded alcohol for other substances, meaning marijuana-related arrests may increase. It is very important for young offenders and their parents to understand exactly what legal defense options they have.