Smoking Remains the Most Common Way Americans Use Cannabis, With Vaping Rising Among Young Adults | Research

The takeaway

Among current cannabis users across 22 U.S. states, 79% smoked, 42% used edibles, 30% vaped, and 15% dabbed, with vaping and dabbing most common in 18-24 year olds.

Public health officials, cannabis regulators, harm reduction advocates, epidemiologists tracking substance use trends.

79% of users smoke cannabis

What the researchers found

Using the 2022 BRFSS data from 22 states and 2 territories, 15.3% of adults reported past 30-day cannabis use. Among users, smoking was most common (79.4%), followed by eating (41.6%), vaping (30.3%), and dabbing (14.6%). Vaping and dabbing were most prevalent among ages 18-24. The survey used a newly revised marijuana module for the first time.

Why it matters

This is the first BRFSS analysis using an updated marijuana module that captures multiple routes of use, providing the most comprehensive population-level picture of how Americans actually consume cannabis. The dominance of smoking despite known respiratory risks has direct public health implications.

The numbers in context

15.3% current (past 30-day) use. Smoking: 79.4%. Eating: 41.6%. Vaping: 30.3%. Dabbing: 14.6%. 22 states + 2 territories. Vaping/dabbing highest in ages 18-24.

How the study worked

Analysis of the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) with a newly revised optional marijuana module administered across 22 states and 2 territories. Weighted prevalences with 95% CIs were reported overall and by demographic characteristics. Women aged 49 or under were analyzed by pregnancy status.

What this study cannot tell us

BRFSS is phone-based survey with potential response bias. Only 22 states plus 2 territories administered the module. Self-reported use may underestimate actual consumption. Cannot capture all emerging product forms. Cross-sectional snapshot from a single year.

How to read the evidence

Strong: large nationally representative surveillance system (BRFSS) with standardized methodology across 22 states and validated survey instruments.

When this study was published

2025 study (2022 data)

The bigger picture

Despite the proliferation of edibles, vapes, and concentrates, smoking remains how nearly 4 in 5 cannabis users consume the drug. This has implications for respiratory health interventions, which remain relevant even as alternative products gain market share. The concentration of vaping and dabbing among young adults suggests generational shifts in consumption patterns.

Questions still open

Will smoking prevalence decline as edible and vape markets mature? Are different routes associated with different health outcome profiles? Should public health messaging focus on route-switching as a harm reduction strategy?

Common questions

What is the most common way people use cannabis?

Smoking remains dominant at 79.4% of current users, followed by edibles (41.6%), vaping (30.3%), and dabbing (14.6%). Many users employ multiple methods.

Do young adults use cannabis differently than older adults?

Yes. Vaping and dabbing (inhaling heated concentrates) were most prevalent among 18-24 year olds, while smoking was common across all age groups.

Read the original research

Routes of Marijuana Use - Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 22 U.S. States and Two Territories, 2022.

MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 74(12), 198-204

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Quader, Zerleen S; Roehler, Douglas R; Vivolo-Kantor, Alana M; Ko, Jean Y. (2025). Routes of Marijuana Use - Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 22 U.S. States and Two Territories, 2022.. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 74(12), 198-204. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7412a1