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Issue 003: Daily Cannabis Use Surpasses Alcohol Consumption

Daily cannabis use has now surpassed daily alcohol consumption for the first time in U.S. history, according to recent studies. A significant shift, driven by the increasing legalization of marijuana across many states, has caused more Americans to consume cannabis regularly than alcohol.

Author

Bruce Hamilton
October 05, 2024

Welcome to the Everybody newsletter. Think of this as a digital magazine covering topics and news in the world of pop culture, consumer, and technology. Today’s main topic is daily cannabis use surpassing alcohol consumption.

Apple scales back theatrical release in shift to streaming strategy

In Culver City, Los Angeles, Apple Inc. is expanding its presence with a new 536,000-square-foot office, aiming to double its local workforce to over 3,000 by 2026. However, despite this growth, Apple is scaling back its film division after several big-budget releases, including Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, struggled at the box office. The company has canceled plans for global theatrical releases and is shifting many of its films, like Wolfs with George Clooney and Brad Pitt, to limited theater runs followed by streaming on Apple TV+.

Apple’s new strategy focuses on fewer films with lower budgets, most under $100 million, while still committing $1 billion annually to content. Major theatrical releases are on pause until mid-2024 with F1, a high-budget racing film starring Brad Pitt. This marks a change from Apple’s previous plan to release more blockbuster films in theaters.

Apple’s move comes as Netflix and Amazon also reevaluate their film strategies to cut costs. Both companies are producing fewer films, with Netflix focusing more on in-house projects and Amazon planning a mix of theatrical and streaming releases. These shifts are a blow to theater operators, who had hoped tech companies would fill the gap left by traditional studios in a post-pandemic world.

The future of Apple’s film business hinges on the success of F1, its most expensive project to date. While the tech giant has reshaped television with streaming, its place in the movie industry is still evolving.

LVMH sells Off-White to Bluestar Alliance

Three years after acquiring a 60% stake in Off-White™ from Virgil Abloh, LVMH has sold Off-White LLC, the brand’s parent company, to Bluestar Alliance. The sale, announced on what would have been Abloh’s 44th birthday, comes as Off-White™ transitions under new leadership.

Financial details were not disclosed, but Bluestar Alliance, which manages brands like Hurley, Scotch & Soda, and Bebe, sees Off-White™ as a unique addition. CEO Joey Gabbay said the acquisition honors Abloh’s legacy, highlighting his impact on blending streetwear with luxury fashion.

LVMH echoed this, praising Bluestar Alliance as the right partner to continue Off-White™’s innovative trajectory. The acquisition follows Off-White™’s efforts to find its footing under new creative director Ib Kamara, after leadership changes at New Guards Group.

Off-White™ remains separate from Virgil Abloh Securities, the creative company led by Abloh’s wife, Shannon, which parted ways with the brand in 2022.

California’s new law forces digital stores to admit you’re just licensing content, not buying it

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2426, a new law aimed at addressing the issue of “disappearing” digital purchases, such as games, movies, music, and ebooks. This law will require digital storefronts to clearly inform customers that they are only acquiring a license to use the digital content, rather than owning it outright.

Effective next year, the legislation will prohibit digital platforms from using terms like “buy” or “purchase” unless they explicitly notify customers that their access to the digital media is limited. These storefronts will need to disclose that the license can be revoked and provide a full list of any restrictions. Companies failing to comply with the new rules could face penalties for false advertising.

The law will not apply to platforms offering “permanent offline” downloads and is seen as a response to incidents involving companies like PlayStation and Ubisoft. In April, Ubisoft removed access to The Crew for users after shutting down the game’s servers, and last year Sony reversed its decision to remove Discovery content from PlayStation libraries after backlash.

“As retailers shift away from selling physical media, protecting consumers in the digital marketplace has become increasingly critical,” said California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin in a press statement. “I appreciate the Governor’s support in signing AB 2426, which ensures that deceptive practices suggesting customers own their digital purchases will be eliminated.”

While the law won’t stop platforms from revoking digital content, it aims to make consumers more aware that their digital purchases can be taken away at any time.

Daily Cannabis Use Surpasses Alcohol Consumption

Daily cannabis use has now surpassed daily alcohol consumption for the first time in U.S. history, according to recent studies. A significant shift, driven by the increasing legalization of marijuana across many states, has caused more Americans to consume cannabis regularly than alcohol.

In 2022, around 17.7 million people reported using marijuana daily or near-daily, compared to 14.7 million daily or near-daily alcohol drinkers. This marks a sharp rise from 1992, when fewer than 1 million people reported near-daily cannabis use. Experts, like Jonathan Caulkins from Carnegie Mellon University, suggest that nearly 40% of current cannabis users consume it daily or almost every day, a usage pattern that has historically been more associated with tobacco than alcohol.

The rise in marijuana use can be attributed to multiple factors. Increased legal access, societal normalization, and affordability are some key drivers. Unlike alcohol, which remains more widely consumed overall, cannabis is now more frequently used on a daily basis  .

The public health implications of this shift are still being examined, with some experts calling for clearer government policies and public health guidelines regarding cannabis use. Dr. Steven Teutsch, who was part of a National Academies of Sciences report, emphasized the need for regulatory oversight to minimize potential health risks associated with the widespread, regular use of marijuana .

This trend is reshaping societal views on substance use and health, as well as influencing public policy discussions surrounding cannabis and alcohol.

Curated Vibes

Song of the week: “Vibes Don’t Lie” by Leon Thomas
Apple Music
Spotify

Movie of the week: Joker: Folie a Deux

LA Tech Week

We’re hosting two events during LA Tech Week this year and would love for you to join us if you’re available. It’s a great opportunity to connect with tech community in Los Angeles.

Mario Kart Invitational
Date: October 17, 2024
Location: AMC Santa Monica 7
Description: We’re renting out a movie theatre to create an immersive experience for our inaugural Mario Kart Invitational. Expect a fun and competitive atmosphere with some of the best in tech.
RSVP

Sunset Mixer
Date: October 16, 2024
Location: Hotel Erwin
Description: Enjoy drinks and food on a rooftop by the Venice beach during the sunset while you network with fellow founders and investors.
RSVP

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