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Cannabis has emerged as an economic driver that some U.S. states
see as a way of helping to fund budget items such as public
school spending.
Marijuana use is a federal crime in the United States, but it is
legal for medical use in 30 states and recreational marijuana is
allowed in nine states and the District of Columbia.
The Baby Boom generation includes people born between 1946 and
1964, and some of them are already working in the cannabis
business.
Edward Weidenfeld, 74, is a lawyer and part owner of Phyto
Management in Washington, a marijuana farm that grows and sells
medical marijuana to city-registered dispensaries. He uses
medical marijuana to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's, which
affects his speech.
Weidenfeld said operating a marijuana farm keeps him "sharp"
despite battling a debilitating disease.
"I do like the idea of remaining relevant, active, having a
passion. The idea of sitting by a lake in northern Wisconsin and
fishing all day doesn't hold much appeal to me," he said.
In New Jersey, where medical marijuana is legal and newly
elected Governor Phil Murphy has promised to do the same for
recreational marijuana, blogger Patricia Patton runs the
“cannaboomer" website.
Patton, 70, connects older people with cannabis brands and
answers questions about the budding industry.
And in New York City, venture capitalist Jeanne Sullivan, who
said she is in her 60s, consults with up and coming cannabis
entrepreneurs.
“(It’s) a rich sector in which to play, in which to contribute
ideas and information, to invest, to create business, to be a
medical professional and to be an activist,” Sullivan said.
(Writing by Barbara Goldberg)
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