The cannabis industry offers a wide variety of products, each catering to different consumer preferences and needs. The array of options available today speaks to the dynamic and rapidly evolving market. Understanding which cannabis product category is the most popular and which one is growing the fastest, is crucial for businesses and consumers alike. Here’s an overview of the most significant product categories in the cannabis industry and how they compare.
Cannabis Flower: The Classic and the Leader
Cannabis flower, the dried buds of the marijuana plant, remains the most popular product category in the cannabis industry. Known for its versatility, flower can be smoked, vaped, or used to make various extracts. It’s the traditional product that many users are familiar with, making it the cornerstone of most dispensaries. According to recent market data, cannabis flower still holds the largest share of total sales, although its dominance is slowly decreasing.
The popularity of flower is driven by its affordability and the ability to control dosage easily. It is also appealing to both novice and experienced users. Additionally, consumers who prefer the ritual of smoking tend to favor flower over other forms of cannabis. However, due to the growing popularity of more discreet and potent options, its overall market share is beginning to wane.
Vapes: Fastest Growing Segment
While flower holds the crown as the most popular product category, vape products are the fastest-growing segment in the cannabis market. Vapes appeal to consumers who value convenience, discretion, and portability. Vape cartridges, which contain concentrated cannabis oil, are compact and easy to use, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. The cleaner experience of vaporizing rather than smoking is another selling point, as it offers a smoother inhalation experience and produces less odor.
Over the past few years, vape products have seen a significant rise in demand, particularly among younger consumers who prioritize convenience and ease of use. Innovations in technology and increased focus on flavor variety and potency have only added to their appeal. However, the vape segment did face challenges following the vape crisis in 2019, which was linked to the use of illicit market products containing harmful additives. Despite this, the segment has rebounded as the industry has put more emphasis on safety and transparency.
Concentrates: Potency in Demand
Cannabis concentrates are another product category experiencing rapid growth, albeit not as quickly as vape products. Concentrates are highly potent forms of cannabis that appeal to experienced users seeking intense effects. These products can be consumed in a variety of ways, including dabbing, vaping, or adding them to flower.
Concentrates are popular for their strength, purity, and ability to deliver high levels of cannabinoids like THC or CBD. The segment is gaining traction among seasoned consumers who prefer more powerful effects without consuming large quantities of product. Concentrates rank third in terms of popularity, but the category is expected to continue growing as more consumers explore its benefits.
Pre-Rolls: Convenience Meets Tradition
Pre-rolls are pre-made cannabis joints, offering the traditional smoking experience without the hassle of rolling a joint. This category has seen consistent demand, especially among consumers who enjoy smoking but want the convenience of a ready-to-use product. Pre-rolls are especially popular among casual users and social smokers who may not own smoking paraphernalia or prefer not to roll their own joints. While pre-rolls aren’t growing as rapidly as vapes or concentrates, they hold a steady market share. As new consumers enter the market, pre-rolls continue to be an entry-level product for those who want a straightforward cannabis experience
Edibles: A Growing Favorite for Health-Conscious Consumers
Cannabis edibles – such as gummies, chocolates, and beverages—have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers and those looking for an alternative to inhalation. Edibles offer a longer-lasting and often more intense experience than other consumption methods. They are discreet, portable, and appealing to those who want to avoid smoking or vaping.
Although edibles rank lower in terms of total market share, they are expected to grow as more consumers seek non-smokable options. The onset time for edibles may be longer, but the effects can last several hours, making them a good choice for people looking for a prolonged experience.
Topicals: Niche but Expanding
Cannabis-infused topicals—such as creams, balms, and lotions—are used for localized relief of pain and inflammation, and often do not produce psychoactive effects. While this category holds a smaller share of the market compared to flower, vapes, or edibles, it is steadily growing as more consumers turn to cannabis for wellness purposes.
Topicals appeal to individuals who are not interested in the intoxicating effects of THC but are seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids. The category remains niche but has significant potential in the wellness and medicinal markets.
Conclusion
The cannabis market continues to evolve, with flower remaining the most popular product category. However, vapes are the fastest-growing segment, closely followed by concentrates and edibles. Pre-rolls and topicals maintain niche but steady demand. For cannabis businesses and consumers alike, understanding these trends is key to staying ahead in this dynamic and ever-changing industry.
