A recent study published in the April 10 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the most common methods of marijuana consumption among Americans. The study analyzed data collected in 2022 from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, covering 22 states and two U.S. territories. The goal was to better understand the prevalence of marijuana use and the ways in which it is being consumed, with a focus on identifying demographic patterns and associated health risks.
According to the research led by Zerleen S. Quader, Ph.D., from the CDC in Atlanta, 15.3 percent of respondents reported current marijuana use. Among these users, smoking marijuana remains the most common method, with 79.4 percent reporting this route of use. However, other methods are also gaining popularity: 41.6 percent reported consuming marijuana by eating (edibles), 30.3 percent reported vaping, and 14.6 percent said they used dabbing—a method that involves inhaling vapor from concentrated cannabis.
The study also revealed age-based differences in consumption methods. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 were more likely to use vaping and dabbing compared to older age groups. This trend raises health concerns, as vaping can expose users to contaminants or harmful additives, and dabbing often involves high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis.
The researchers emphasize the importance of developing public health messaging tailored to different methods of use. Because each method of cannabis consumption carries unique risks—such as lung damage from smoking or unpredictable effects from edibles due to delayed onset—education efforts should address these specific concerns. For example, public health campaigns could inform users about the potential dangers of high-potency THC products or the risks associated with unregulated vaping devices.
Ultimately, the findings from this study provide valuable insights for shaping future public health strategies. By understanding how people consume marijuana and which groups are most at risk, policymakers and health professionals can create more effective education campaigns and harm reduction initiatives. These efforts can help minimize health risks while promoting safer consumption practices in the context of growing marijuana use across the United States.
