Vaping concentrates was linked to increasing cannabis problems while edible users had fewer issues

Four groups emerged: smoking (reference), vaping concentrates, edible use, and multiple modes. Edible users tended to use cannabis less frequently and reported fewer problems than smokers. Concentrate vapers experienced more problems and more frequent use at follow-up compared to smokers, controlling for baseline levels. Using multiple modes per day was not associated with frequency or problems.

Latent profile analysis of 338 sexual minority women and gender diverse individuals (ages 18-25) who used cannabis. Groups were identified based on modes of use, then compared on cannabis use frequency and consequences using longitudinal data with baseline controls.

Different cannabis products carry different risk profiles, and this study provides evidence that vaping concentrates may be particularly risky for developing problematic use patterns, while edible use appears to carry lower risk. This has practical implications for harm reduction messaging.

The concentrate vaping finding is concerning because concentrates deliver high THC doses efficiently, which may accelerate tolerance and dependence. Combined with the RTHC-06376 finding that higher potency cannabis is associated with more use (not less), this adds to evidence that high-concentration products pose outsized addiction risks.

Sample was limited to sexual minority women and gender diverse young adults, who may have different use patterns than other populations. Latent profile analysis groups are data-driven and may not replicate in other samples. Concentrate vaping group may have started with higher risk profiles.