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especially among newer and wellness-oriented consumers. Their appeal lies in ease of use, discretion and consistency,” says Barsoom.“ In many markets, edibles have already outpaced flower as the preferred format for first-time or returning users. As stigma declines and product design improves, we expect continued migration from inhalables to ingestibles.”
Headset Cannabis Data released a Cannabis Demographics report in 2023 which found that older age groups and female consumers show a stronger preference towards edibles compared to other categories. In Canada, women account for 46 % of category sales while U. S. consumers over 41 contribute to over half of edible sales
Even though older age groups have a particularly noteworthy edibles preference, younger generations are also major consumers to this market. Specifically, gummies and infused beverages. These users are often more open to alternative consumption methods and are more likely to view cannabis as a substitute for alcohol.
“ Many people are drawn to edibles for their convenience, discretion and ease of use,” notes Urmawm’ s Mariolis-Baker.“ There’ s also the perception that they’ re a healthier, more socially acceptable alternative to smoking or vaping. Plus, edibles allow for more personalized dosing, which appeals to both first timers and experienced users looking for a balanced, controlled experience.”
CHOOSING THE RIGHT EDIBLES FOR YOUR GOALS
As with any cannabis product, it’ s important to choose the right dosage and type for the desired effect. Hanson suggests that consumers start thinking about what kind of experience they’ re looking for before making a purchase.
“ If you want a strong psychoactive effect, look for a THC-only product,” she advises.“ If you’ d prefer something more balanced, try an edible with a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio, or a blend designed for sleep that includes CBN or melatonin.”
Potency is very important in deciding which edible is right for you. Hanson suggests that beginners start slow,“ even just 2.5−5mg THC, and see how that feels before trying more.”
“ Be mindful of how long you want the effects to last and how quickly you want them to kick in,” she continues.“ Gummies and brownies tend to take longer to start working and also last much longer.”
Also be sure to pay attention to dietary needs and ingredients, since there are plenty of great vegan, gluten-free and low-sugar edible options out there.
Agreeing with Hanson is McLaughlin, reiterating the importance of selecting the right edible by identifying your desired effect.
“ Consider factors like onset time, dosage and the cannabinoid profile, such as THC, CBD or CBN,” she says.“ Functional ingredients such as L-theanine, valerian root, chamomile or passionflower can further enhance the experience.”
McLaughlin advises consumers who are seeking sleep support to look for products specifically formulated with THC, CBD and CBN, paired with calming botanicals. For social or recreational use, a fast-acting, low-dose edible may be ideal.
“ If you’ re new to cannabis, it’ s wise to do your research or consult with a trusted dispensary professional before making a purchase,” she says.
It’ s also important to avoid overconsumption with edibles. According to Barsoom, this comes down to three factors: starting with the right dose, choosing fast-onset products and trusting the formulation.
“ Most adverse experiences with edibles are tied to delayed onset and inconsistent potency, leading users to re-dose prematurely,” he says.“ We believe that education also plays a critical role in overconsumption. For example, starting at 2.5−5 mg and waiting is still the best advice for newer consumers.”
“ Avoid mixing with alcohol or other intoxicants,” Hanson adds.“ Being in a comfortable, safe setting and planning not to drive for several hours are also good practices. Make sure to stay hydrated; some people think that only smoking can give you dry mouth and it’ s not the case. Soft drinks are your best friend, but personally I stick to water.”
CHANGING CONSUMER PREFERENCES AS LEGALIZATION EXPANDS
Legalization has expanded the canna-
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