According to the results of a new study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research and e-published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, smoking remains the most common method of marijuana consumption among U.S. adults, followed by edibles, vaping, and dabbing.
Researchers from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville analyzed data from nearly 17,000 adults who reported using marijuana in the past 30 days, drawing on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The results showed that 77.3% of current marijuana users reported smoking as their primary method of use. Edibles were second at 37.3%, followed closely by vaping at 34.8%.
The study found that following these three methods of consumption, the next most populated were dabbing at 15%, topicals at 6%, tinctures at 4.5%, and pills at just 2% (notably, adults over 50 had higher odds of using marijuana sublingually or orally).
The study revealed notable demographic differences in cannabis use patterns. Vaping was most common among adults aged 18 to 25 (29.8%), while edibles were preferred by those aged 35 to 49 (29.6%). Adults 50 and older had the highest rates of smoking (26.6%) and sublingual/oral use (38.2%). Women were significantly more likely to use topicals (68.5%) but had lower odds of smoking, vaping, and dabbing compared to men. Non-Hispanic Black adults had over twice the odds of smoking compared to White adults but were less likely to vape, dab, or use edibles and sublingual methods.
In addition, LGBTQ+ participants showed higher odds of using edibles, dabbing, vaping, and pills than heterosexuals. Education and income also influenced modality: college graduates were less likely to smoke but more likely to use edibles and sublingual products.
For more detailed information, you can find the full study by clicking here.
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