Cannabis flower, which is the traditional way of using marijuana, has always been the top selling cannabis products in cannabis stores. But things are changing now. As the cannabis market grows, new and creative products are becoming more popular. People are finding different ways to use cannabis, and these new methods are slowly taking over. To be successful in this business, it’s important to look at the latest trends and be ready for what’s coming next, instead of just focusing on what used to sell well.
Historical Product Category Breakdown
The data below illustrates cannabis product sales trends among customers of Dr Feel Good Weed Delivery DC over the past three years.
Top-Selling Cannabis Products
Traditional marijuana flower (which can be pre-packed, bought from a display case, or as ready-to-use rolls) still remains the biggest seller. However, other products like cannabis concentrates and edibles are quickly gaining ground. In 2021, flower made up about 59% of all sales, while concentrates took 24% and edibles 11%.
This shows that customers are becoming more adventurous and experimental, exploring diverse consumption methods beyond traditional smoking. They are increasingly interested in trying different types of cannabis products like drinks, concentrated forms, and prepared edibles, slowly shifting away from the classic flower format and embracing more innovative and convenient consumption option
6 Key Trends in Cannabis Product Sales
1. Flower Still Reigns Supreme
Despite evolving trends, the flower remains the leading product category in dispensaries across Washington DC and all states.
Medical vs. Recreational Purchases
Medical patients buy more flowers than recreational users, with a difference of about 5% in preference.
State-by-State Data
Flower sales vary significantly across states:
- Alaska: 70%
- Montana: 69%
- California: 57%
- Oregon: 58%
In mature markets like California and Oregon, flower sales are slightly lower compared to newer markets such as Alaska and Montana.
2. Concentrates and Edibles Are Growing in Popularity
Cannabis concentrates, which are basically extracted and more potent forms of marijuana, have been gaining popularity over the past few years. On average, they made up about 22% of total sales, and in 2021, they rose to 24%. Some states like Nevada, Colorado, and California showed more interest in these concentrated products, while others like Oklahoma, Alaska, Maine, and Montana were less enthusiastic.
Similarly, edible cannabis products such as chocolates, gummies, and cannabis-infused drinks have also seen growth. They represented around 9% of sales over three years and increased to 11% in 2021. States like Missouri, Maine, Nevada, and Massachusetts were leading this trend, whereas California and Oregon were slower to adopt these new cannabis food and drink products.
3. Medical vs. Recreational Consumers Have Unique Preferences
Part 1 Simplified: Medical and recreational cannabis users have different shopping habits. People using cannabis for medical reasons tend to stick more to traditional marijuana flower, while recreational users are more open to trying various types of products like concentrates, edibles, and other cannabis items. For example:
- In Michigan and Alaska, adult-use customers prefer flower (64% and 70%, respectively).
- In Massachusetts and Maine, flower accounts for less than 60% of sales, with higher interest in concentrates (27%) and edibles (15%).
Fower remains the top choice in several states. Colorado leads with 72% of medical patients preferring flower, followed by Montana at 70% and Maryland at 69%. Interestingly, Michigan medical patients show a different trend, with 25% preferring concentrates, while edibles maintain a consistent level of popularity across these states.
4. Pre-Rolls Maintain Popularity
Pre-rolled cannabis joints, which are ready-to-smoke marijuana cigarettes typically grouped with flower products, have varying popularity across different states. Some states like Alaska show a high demand, with pre-rolls making up 17% of their cannabis sales. Massachusetts follows with 13% and Nevada with 9% of sales coming from pre-rolled products.
On the flip side, states like Michigan, Oklahoma, Montana, and Colorado are seeing a decline in pre-roll popularity, with these states experiencing much lower sales percentages ranging from 3% to 5%. This suggests that consumer preferences for pre-rolled joints are changing, with some regions embracing them more than others.
5. Pre-Packed Flower Outpaces Deli-Style
Pre-packed flower is significantly more popular than deli-style options among Dr Feel Good Weed Delivery DC customers:
- Pre-packed: 36% of total sales
- Deli-style: 18% of total sales
When looking at bulk cannabis flower sales over the past three years, there’s a clear pattern showing that consumer preferences have remained quite stable. This means that people have been consistently choosing certain types of cannabis flower, indicating that their tastes and needs haven’t changed dramatically during this period.
6. Accessory Sales Are Lower in Established Markets
Sales of cannabis accessories, including rolling papers, bongs, and pipes, are higher in newer markets where consumers need basic paraphernalia. For instance:
- Higher accessory sales: Missouri (3%), Maine (4%), and Michigan (5%)
- Lower accessory sales: California (2%), Colorado (1%), and Oregon (2%)
Final Thoughts
The cannabis market is undergoing a significant transformation, with traditional marijuana flower still holding the dominant position, but innovative products like concentrates, edibles, and cannabis beverages steadily gaining ground. Consumers are becoming more adventurous, exploring diverse consumption methods that go beyond classic smoking. This shift reflects changing preferences and a growing sophistication in how people approach cannabis products.
The market’s evolution is deeply influenced by state regulations, which shape product availability, potency, and definition. Just as a restaurant menu adapts to changing customer tastes, the cannabis industry is dynamic and responsive to consumer demands. Each region has unique characteristics that impact sales, with factors like market maturity, local demographics, and regulatory environments playing crucial roles in determining which products gain popularity.
This ongoing transformation suggests that the cannabis industry is not static but continuously evolving, with businesses and consumers needing to stay informed about emerging trends and new consumption methods. As you strategize, consider consumer preferences and legal constraints to maximize success in your dispensary that delivers near me.