Among 372 young adults in New York City, edible cannabis was the most common method (51%), surpassing smoking (28%) and vaping (29%), with 21% becoming new vapers/smokers between visits while only 6% quit.
Public health researchers, cannabis retailers, and young adults curious about trends.
51% use edibles, surpassing smoking (28%) and vaping (29%)
What the researchers found
At Visit 2, 58.9% of participants reported cannabis use. Edibles were the most common method (51.2%), followed by CBD products (31.8%), vaping (29.0%), and smoking (28.1%). Between visits, 20.9% became new cannabis vapers/smokers while only 6.3% quit vaping/smoking. This asymmetry (new users far exceeding quitters) was statistically significant (p = 0.007).
Why it matters
The dominance of edibles over smoking among young urban adults represents a significant shift in cannabis consumption patterns. While edibles avoid respiratory risks, they carry unique risks including delayed onset, overconsumption, and inconsistent dosing.
The numbers in context
N = 372 (median age 26, 50.5% male). Visit 1: 33.6% dual substance use, 4% exclusive cannabis. Visit 2: 58.9% any cannabis use, 51.2% edibles, 31.8% CBD, 29.0% vape, 28.1% smoke, 3.7% topical. 20.9% new vapers/smokers, 6.3% quit (p = 0.007).
How the study worked
Longitudinal cohort study (VapeScan) recruiting 372 adults aged 18-50 in NYC from 2021-2024, independently of cannabis use. Two visits with increasingly detailed cannabis questionnaires. Described product types, methods, frequency, and transitions between visits.
What this study cannot tell us
NYC urban sample may not represent other populations. Small sample limits subgroup analyses. VapeScan was designed for e-cigarette research, so cannabis measures evolved between visits. Self-reported use.
How to read the evidence
Longitudinal cohort with two visits providing transition data. Moderate evidence limited by sample size and urban-specific recruitment.
When this study was published
Published in 2025 with data from 2021-2024.
The bigger picture
The shift toward edibles may have mixed public health implications: fewer respiratory risks from smoking but potential for overconsumption and accidental intoxication. The very low quit rate (6%) for inhaled cannabis suggests that once initiated, young adults rarely stop.
Questions still open
- Is the shift toward edibles reducing respiratory harms in this population? Why is the quit rate for inhaled cannabis so low among young adults?
Common questions
Are edibles safer than smoking cannabis?
Why are so few people quitting inhaled cannabis?
Read the original research
Cannabis products and trends in a cohort of young adults: The VapeScan longitudinal study.
Tobacco induced diseases, 23
Citation
McGraw, Katlyn E; Oelsner, Elizabeth C; LoIacono, Nancy J; Gao, Siyue; Anderson, William; Sangapalaarachchi, Dona; Illievski, Vesna; Liu, Justin; Martins, Silvia; Sanchez, Tiffany R; Shimbo, Daichi; Navas-Acien, Ana. (2025). Cannabis products and trends in a cohort of young adults: The VapeScan longitudinal study.. Tobacco induced diseases, 23. https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/210320
Explore the wider topic
- How to Talk to Your Teenager About Weed (Without Losing Them)
- My Kid's Friends Smoke Weed: A Parent's Guide
- I Smoke Weed But Don't Want My Kids To: Navigating the Hypocrisy
- Quitting Weed as a Parent: Why It Is the Hardest and Most Important Quit
- Quitting Weed as a Teen or Young Adult
- My Kid Is Smoking Weed: A Parent's Guide