Cannabis users in the United States span a broad demographic spectrum, but nearly all are looking for a way to disconnect, according to a new report.
In February 2023, researchers from New Frontier Data surveyed over 5,500 people about their cannabis use. The results show that while cannabis users span a wide range of backgrounds, economic brackets and political stances, many of them are active and almost all are looking for something to help them relax.
According to the report, 42% of adult participants said they had used cannabis before and would likely use it again, with 37% describing themselves as “current users”.
Among them, 37% said they had increased their consumption in the past year, and more than a third of them use cannabis every other day. Although more than half of the respondents live in a state where adult cannabis use is legal, the authors report that the frequency of use does not vary significantly by market type.
The demographics are almost evenly split between male (54%) and female (46%), but the majority identify as white (63%), followed by Hispanic/Latin (14%) and black (14%). %).
Only 10% of respondents were aged 18-24, with 25-44 year olds accounting for just under half (47%). Some 18% were between 45 and 54 years old, 15% between 55 and 64 years old and 10% over 65 years old.
The majority of consumers were working people, with most earning between $25,000 and $75,000, and 38% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. 38% have children under 18.
Asked about their political orientation, 36% describe themselves as “liberal” and 26% as “conservative”.
Reasons for cannabis use
The line between medical use and recreational use is blurred. Most respondents said they use cannabis to achieve a ‘specific goal’, with 83% saying they use it for relaxation, including relaxation, anxiety and sleep .
While most respondents reported using cannabis “for recreational purposes”, more than half indicated that their use was both medicinal and recreational, with chronic pain being the most common indication, followed closely by anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Three-quarters of declared “medical consumers” treat a specific disease diagnosed by a doctor. Almost all (94%) said their condition had improved since using cannabis.
A significant proportion of non-consumers also said they would be willing to try cannabis if they became ill with a condition that could be relieved by cannabis.
How do people consume cannabis?
Joints are the most common consumption method, followed by edibles.
Even in states where adult cannabis use is legal, access to a wide range of products is limited. Less than half of consumers had access to products other than flowers, pre-rolls and edibles.
THC potency and product effect are the attributes that consumers find most relevant when choosing a product.
Among flower consumers, 77% said variety was important and 47% gave importance to minor cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
Where do consumers get their cannabis?
While just under half of respondents (43%) buy their cannabis from a dispensary, many still get their supplies from friends or family members, 15% have it delivered and 10% get it from from a reseller.
Only 2% of respondents say they grow their own cannabis at home.
Cannabis consumers need more options
Although the report indicates a strong position and potential growth for the cannabis industry, the report’s authors say producers and regulators need to do more to meet consumer needs.
“The demographics of cannabis users are diverse, with users split across age groups, genders, economic brackets and political affiliations,” the report said.
“The majority of cannabis users use the product for medical and recreational purposes. This underscores the need to develop products focused on specific effects, such as increased energy or pain relief, and to understand that a consumer may seek several distinct effects in different settings. »
The authors add: “Access to forms of cannabis other than flower and edibles remains limited for many consumers, even in states where use is restricted to adults. As such, regulators should ensure that a greater variety of cannabis products are made available to consumers, and existing operators who have focused primarily on flowers and edibles should expand their product offerings to reach new consumers, while providing existing consumers with additional product options. »
