In the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis culture, a groundbreaking federal study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2025 has illuminated fascinating differences in how men and women engage with marijuana. Titled as a comprehensive analysis of the 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the report reveals a striking divide: men are significantly more likely to smoke marijuana, while women gravitate toward cannabis edibles, drinks, and lotions. This divergence not only highlights gender-specific preferences but also reflects broader shifts in the cannabis industry, from Marijuana Online platforms to innovative product offerings. Let’s dive into the details of this study and explore what it means for consumers and the market in 2025.

Smoking: The Male-Dominated Marijuana Ritual

The act of smoking marijuana, whether through joints, blunts, or bongs, remains the most prevalent method of consumption across the board, with 44.9% of users favoring a single method, according to the SAMHSA report. However, the gender breakdown is telling. Among male cannabis consumers aged 12 and older, 19.8% reported smoking as their primary method, compared to just 14.3% of female users. This gap persists across most age groups, except for adolescents aged 12 to 17, where smoking rates are similar. The preference for smoking among men may stem from cultural associations, historical norms, or the immediacy of effects, which hit within seconds to minutes. Smoking delivers a rapid onset of euphoria, appealing to those seeking instant gratification, a trait often associated with male consumption patterns. The tactile ritual of rolling a joint or packing a bowl also carries a social cachet, particularly in male-dominated circles, reinforcing its popularity.

Women’s Love Affair with Cannabis Edibles

While men light up, women are more likely to indulge in cannabis edibles, a category that includes gummies, brownies, and chocolates. The federal study notes that women surpass men in using edibles, with a particular affinity for these ingestible treats. Among female cannabis users, edibles are a preferred choice due to their discreet nature and longer-lasting effects, which can take 30 to 90 minutes to kick in but persist for hours. The report highlights that women are significantly more likely to consume cannabis-infused foods and beverages, with edibles being a standout. This trend aligns with market data from Flowhub, which indicates that edibles and beverages are seeing some of the highest consumer spending, with women driving demand. Cannabis edibles offer a controlled, predictable experience, appealing to women who may prioritize health-conscious or low-profile consumption over the harshness of smoking. The rise of gourmet edibles, from THC-infused truffles to vegan gummies, has further fueled this preference, making edibles a staple in the female cannabis experience.

Cannabis Drinks: The Rising Star for Women

Cannabis drinks are carving out a significant niche, particularly among female consumers. The SAMHSA study underscores that women are more likely to sip cannabis-infused beverages, such as THC seltzers and teas, than their male counterparts. These drinks, often containing 2-10 mg of THC per serving, provide a mild euphoria and relaxation without the intensity of smoking. Unlike edibles, which require digestion, cannabis drinks use water-soluble THC, allowing effects to manifest in as little as 15 minutes. This faster onset, coupled with precise dosing, makes them an attractive alternative to alcohol, especially for women embracing the “Cali sober” lifestyle. Market insights from Brightfield Group project the THC beverage market to reach $571 million in 2025, driven by female consumers and health-conscious trends. Retailers are responding by dedicating more shelf space to cannabis drinks, with brands like Cann reporting over 70% revenue growth in 2024. Women, particularly those aged 35-55, are drawn to the social and wellness aspects of these beverages, which promise no hangovers and align with a growing sober-curious movement.

Lotions and Topicals: A Feminine Frontier

The federal study also reveals a notable gender disparity in the use of cannabis topicals—lotions, creams, and transdermal patches—with 2.5% of female users favoring them compared to just 1.2% of males. These products, applied directly to the skin, offer localized relief for pain, inflammation, or skin conditions without psychoactive effects. Women’s preference for topicals reflects a broader trend toward wellness-oriented cannabis use, with products marketed for relaxation and self-care resonating strongly. The rise of Marijuana Online platforms has made these topicals more accessible, with e-commerce sites showcasing CBD and THC-infused lotions tailored for women’s skincare routines. The appeal lies in their non-invasive nature and alignment with beauty and health trends, which women are more likely to explore. As Flowhub notes, retailers are increasingly refocusing shelf space toward topicals to cater to this growing demographic, with over one in three women in the U.S. consuming cannabis in some form.

Why the Gender Divide?

The reasons behind these gendered preferences are multifaceted. Social norms play a role, with smoking often tied to male-centric subcultures, while women may seek discreet, health-focused options like edibles and topicals. Biological factors also contribute: women metabolize THC differently, often experiencing stronger effects from edibles due to digestive processes, as noted by Johns Hopkins researcher Tory Spindle. Additionally, women’s higher engagement with wellness trends drives interest in cannabis drinks and lotions, which are marketed as lifestyle enhancers. The study also points to accessibility, with Marijuana Online platforms making it easier for women to explore diverse products without the stigma of visiting dispensaries. Cultural shifts, such as the sober-curious movement and declining alcohol consumption among younger women, further amplify the appeal of cannabis drinks and edibles as socially acceptable alternatives.

Market Implications and Future Trends

The gender-specific findings from the 2025 study have significant implications for the cannabis industry, projected to reach $45 billion in the U.S. by 2025. Retailers are adapting by tailoring products to women, with brands investing in sleek packaging and health-oriented marketing for edibles, drinks, and topicals. The rise of hemp-derived THC products, legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, has fueled the accessibility of cannabis drinks, with sales soaring in states where recreational marijuana remains restricted. However, the study also raises concerns about health risks, noting that edibles and high-potency products can lead to overconsumption, particularly among inexperienced users. Emergency department visits linked to edibles have risen, underscoring the need for better education and regulation. Marijuana Online platforms are stepping up, offering dosage guides and product transparency to empower consumers, especially women new to cannabis.

A New Era of Cannabis Consumption

The SAMHSA study paints a vivid picture of a cannabis landscape shaped by gender. Men’s preference for smoking reflects tradition and immediacy, while women’s embrace of cannabis edibles, drinks, and lotions signals a shift toward discretion, wellness, and innovation. As Marijuana Online platforms expand access and the industry evolves, these trends are set to redefine how cannabis is consumed. Women, now outpacing men in overall cannabis use according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, are driving demand for products that align with modern lifestyles. Whether it’s a THC seltzer at a social gathering or a CBD lotion for self-care, the future of cannabis is diverse, inclusive, and distinctly gendered.

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