Federal Study Highlights Gender and Age Differences in Marijuana Consumption: Men Prefer Smoking, While Women opts for Edibles, Drinks, and Topicals
A comprehensive new report from a federal health agency is offering fresh insights into how Americans are using marijuana, revealing significant differences in preferences between men and women, as well as across different age groups. Based on detailed national data from the 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the findings were published by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, part of SAMHSA. This annual survey is one of the most respected sources for understanding trends in substance use across the United States.
Men and Women Use Marijuana Differently
The report’s most striking discovery is the clear gender divide in cannabis consumption habits. While smoking remains the most common way to use marijuana for both men and women, men are much more likely to choose this traditional method. According to the survey:
- Nearly 19.8% of male cannabis users aged 12 and above reported smoking as their preferred mode of consumption.
- Only 14.3% of female users reported smoking as their main way to use marijuana
This means that, although smoking is still the most popular method overall, it is particularly favored by men.
In contrast, women are experimenting with a broader range of cannabis products. The findings show that women are considerably more inclined than men to use:
- Edibles: Cannabis-infused foods and candies, including gummies, brownies, and chocolates.
- Beverages: Drinks that contain cannabis extracts, including teas, sodas, or even infused coffees.
- Topicals: Products like lotions, creams, or transdermal patches that are applied to the skin for localized relief.
Topicals were preferred by 2.5% of female cannabis users, versus just 1.2% of males. Women were also more likely to use oral drops, lozenges, or sprays, while men reported higher usage of inhaled methods like vaping or dabbing (using concentrated cannabis extracts).
Age Plays a Major Role in Consumption Choices
The report also dives into how age affects marijuana use patterns:
- Marijuana use through smoking is more common among younger individuals: particularly those between the ages of 18 and 25, compared to older adults. The survey found that, regardless of gender, this age group had the highest rates of smoking.
- Teenagers (ages 12 to 17) showed a unique trend: Among this group, girls were more likely than boys to consume marijuana by eating or drinking it, rather than by smoking.
- Among older adults, there is a tendency to rely on one primary method of cannabis use: About 45% of all users said they used just one way to consume marijuana, while the rest reported using two or more methods. Younger users were more likely to experiment with multiple forms of cannabis.
This suggests that as people age, they may settle into a preferred method of use, while younger people are more open to trying different products and experiences.
Multiple Methods of Consumption Are Becoming More Common
The study also found that the diversity of cannabis products on the market is influencing how people use marijuana:
- Nearly 44.9% of participants indicated that they relied exclusively on one method of use.
- 27.5% used two methods
- 27.6% used three or more methods
The trend toward using multiple methods was especially strong among young adults. This could be due to the growing variety of cannabis products available, from traditional flower to edibles, drinks, topicals, vapes, and concentrates.
Trends over Time: Edibles and Vaping on the Rise
Backing up these findings, the CDC ran its own analysis. By comparing data from 2016 and 2022, researchers discovered that:
- Eating and vaping marijuana have both become more popular
- More people are now using multiple methods of consumption than in previous years
The CDC’s survey, which allowed participants to select more than one method of use for the first time since 2016, revealed that Americans are increasingly mixing and matching how they consume cannabis. This shift may be driven by the expanding legal cannabis market, which offers a wider range of products than ever before.
Youth Marijuana Use: No Surge since Legalization
One of the most important findings from these federal reports is that legalization has not led to an increase in marijuana use among teens and minors. In fact, several studies—including those from the CDC and SAMHSA—show that:
- Marijuana use among high school students has declined or remained stable since legalization
- Consumption among minors (ages 12–20) has slightly decreased in the past year
This challenges the common fear that legalizing cannabis would make it more accessible or appealing to young people. Instead, the data suggests that responsible regulation and education can help keep youth usage rates low.
Marijuana vs. Alcohol: Americans’ Changing Preferences
Another recent poll highlighted a remarkable shift: More Americans now report using marijuana daily than drinking alcohol every day additionally, individuals who consume alcohol are more likely than cannabis users to recognize the benefits of reducing their consumption. This reflects a broader trend of changing attitudes toward both substances, with many people viewing cannabis as a safer or more manageable option.
Why Are These Differences Important?
Understanding how different groups use marijuana can help policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators create better resources and regulations. For example:
- Product Safety: Knowing that women are more likely to use edibles and topicals can help ensure these products are properly labeled and tested.
- Public Health Campaigns: Tailoring messages to different age groups and genders can make educational efforts more effective.
- Industry Innovation: Cannabis companies can develop new products that reflect the preferences of various consumers, from smokeless options to wellness-focused topicals.
Conclusion: A Diverse and Evolving Cannabis Culture
The latest federal data paints a picture of a rapidly evolving cannabis culture in the United States. While men still prefer traditional smoking, women are leading the way in exploring new, innovative forms of cannabis consumption. Young people are experimenting with multiple methods, while older adults tend to stick with what they know best. Importantly, fears about increased youth use have not materialized, and Americans are increasingly turning to cannabis as an alternative to alcohol.
As legalization continues to spread and the market for cannabis products expands, these trends are likely to shape the future of how Americans use marijuana—making it more diverse, more personalized, and, hopefully, safer for everyone.