U.S. Cannabis Consumption Styles: Edibles, Vapes & Flower

Cannabis is legal in some form across the majority of the U.S., but how exactly are people consuming it?  According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)¹, smoking still leads the way.  However, new modes like edibles, vaping, and dabbing are becoming increasingly common, especially among younger users.

Below, we look at a few of the insights this recent survey shared, what it says about cannabis consumption methods across age groups, and what it might signal for the future of the cannabis industry.

Smoking Still Dominates, But Alternatives Are Catching On

The NSDUH found that smoking cannabis remains the most common method across all age groups.  Among people aged 12 and older who used cannabis in the past month:

Modes of Cannabis Use Among Population Aged 12+ (2022–2023).

Interestingly, the report allowed for multiple responses, meaning that many cannabis users engage with more than one consumption method.  This is, obviously, something retailers and brands should take note of when diversifying product offerings.

Edibles Are Gaining Ground, Especially Among Women and Older Adults

While smoking may still reign supreme, edibles are quickly becoming mainstream, particularly among older demographics and female users.  Among past-month cannabis consumers aged 26–34, over 40% reported using edibles.  Use was even higher among those aged 35–49.

Women, in particular, were more likely to consume cannabis via edibles than men.  This may reflect growing consumer interest in discreet, non-inhalable forms of cannabis, as well as the perception that edibles are healthier or easier to dose.

Notably, this finding also aligns with another recent survey that discovered patients in the State of New York have also been transitioning toward edible consumption over smoking.

Vaping and Dabbing: A Generational Divide

When it comes to vaping and dabbing, younger adults lead the way.  For instance, more than 30% of 18–25-year-olds reported vaping cannabis oil or concentrate in the past month.  Similarly, dabbing is most prevalent among this group, with over 17% indicating use.

These methods remain far less common among users aged 50 and older, suggesting a generational divide in cannabis technology adoption.  As such, for brands targeting Gen Z and Millennials, developing innovative concentrates and vape tech remains a key growth opportunity.

Want to see where these types of devices could be headed? Read about our coverage of smart cannabis tech products, including smart dab rigs and app-connected vaporizers.

A Closer Look at Poly-Use Patterns

Interestingly, the NSDUH data shows that poly-use is the norm, not the exception.  This means that many users don’t stick with just one method; they combine smoking with vaping, or supplement edibles with dabbing.

This has important implications for how cannabis products are marketed and consumed.  It also aligns with user preferences for situational consumption: smoking may suit a casual weekend setting, while edibles offer discretion during travel or work.

This evolving behavior mirrors other trends we’ve reported on, like how aromatherapy and cannabis are being combined to enhance mood and reduce stress through multiple sensory pathways.  Then there are examples of infused topicals used in spas, breathwork, and more, each with different approaches toward methods of consumption.

Cannabis Retail: Meeting Consumer Demand with Data

While all of this data may be interesting, who exactly can learn the most from it?  This would perhaps be retailers, as these mode-of-use insights are critical for aligning inventory with actual consumer demand for retailers and dispensaries. Here’s why:

1. Stocking the Right Mix of Products

• Since 17 % of users still prefer smoking, flower, and pre-rolls should remain core inventory.
• Edibles – used by over 10 % of the general population – are no longer a niche category; they require a wider variety of flavors, dosages, and formats (gummies, baked goods, beverages).
• With 8.2 % of people vaping and nearly 3.7 % dabbing concentrates, maintaining a robust selection of cartridges, vape pens, and concentrate jars is essential.

2. Tailoring Marketing and Promotions

• Knowing that older adults (35–49) gravitate toward edibles and topicals, retailers can run targeted promotions – e.g., “Midweek Edibles Special” or “Topical Tuesdays”- to boost sales in these categories.
• Younger patrons (18–25) are likelier to experiment with vaporizers and dabbing tools; bundling sample-size cartridges with branded dab rigs can encourage trial.

3. Adjusting Store Layout and Product Placement

• High-traffic display cases at the counter should feature best-selling flowers and pre-rolls.
• Shelves or coolers near the register can showcase the top-selling edibles, tinctures, and topicals, which encourage impulse purchases.
• A dedicated “Concentrates & Tech” section can highlight vape hardware, beaker bongs for dabbing, e-rigs, and accessories.

4. Inventory Forecasting and Seasonal Trends

• Data from NSDUH can guide reorder points. For example, if vaping accounts for nearly 8.2 % of users, a retailer can more accurately forecast monthly vape-cartridge consumption.
• Seasonal promotions (e.g., “Summer Vaping Essentials” or “Holiday Edibles Gift Packs”) can be planned around historical spikes, like increased edible sales during December holidays.

By leveraging these consumption patterns, retailers not only reduce out-of-stock situations but also capitalize on higher-margin categories (e.g., concentrates and edibles often yield better margins than flowers).

What This Means for the Future of Cannabis Consumption

Looking forward, the data suggests a clear trend toward diversified, tailored cannabis experiences.  While smoking will likely remain a foundational method for years to come, possibly due to its accessibility, alternative forms that are smoke-free, discreet, and tech-forward will continue to grow in popularity.

Brands and retailers should pay close attention to these insights as they innovate and tailor their products to changing preferences.  At the same time, education remains key, particularly for newcomers to modes like dabbing or high-potency vaping, which carry different risks and onset dynamics compared to more traditional consumption.

Studies Referenced:

^{1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). 2023 NSDUH Data Brief: Modes of Marijuana Use. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/}