Cannabis consumption is more popular in the U.S. than ever before. Roughly 40 percent of American adults turn to the plant at least once a week, and daily weed use exceeds daily alcohol consumption for the first time in history.
But precisely what experience are people looking for when they roll a joint or pop a gummy? A new survey has the answer.
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NuggMD, a company offering online medical marijuana licenses, surveyed over 6,500 cannabis consumers about their weed preferences. The online poll covered motivations for consuming, favorite flavors and aromas, and desired effects.
The most common use case for cannabis among respondents was pain relief (25 percent), followed by anxiety (23 percent). Easing stress rounded out the top three, with 18 percent using weed to chill. Around 13 percent of participants said they consume cannabis “recreationally.”
When asked when they typically consume cannabis, nearly half said “anytime.” Close to one-third said they prefer pot in the evening. Only four percent were fans of wake-and-bake.
Regarding terpene profiles, “fruity” strains were the most popular, with 27 percent of those polled favoring the flavor profile. “Sweet” and “citrus” were neck-and-neck for second place, with 18 and 17 percent of respondents choosing them, respectively. Surprisingly, only ten percent of participants said they look for “gas” strains like OG Kush and Sour Diesel.
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Analysts at NuggMD used the poll results to determine the most desirable weed strain in America. Searching its internal strain database, the team found that the Lava Cake strain checks all the boxes. The Thin Mint GSC x Grape Pie cross offers the ideal flavor, aroma, and effects, according to the survey data collected and anecdotal strain reviews.
Deb Tharp, head of legal and policy research at NuggMD, believes the data is helpful for dispensary operators trying to understand their customers’ true desires. She told GreenState polls like these are “a better assessment of what customers prefer than data on inventory and sales.”
While the cannabis experience is extremely nuanced, and effects can vary from person to person, the NuggMD data shows that many consumers are seeking the same things. If Tharp’s theory is correct, expect to see more fruit and less gas on dispensary shelves in the coming months.
