Edibles, Vaping, and Dabbing on the Rise, Says New CDC Report

Cannabis consumers are switching it up—and the CDC has taken notice. According to a brand-new report released in April 2025, while smoking remains the top choice, cannabis consumption methods like edibles, vaping, and dabbing are gaining serious ground, especially among younger adults. The data, pulled from 2022 national surveys, shows how those methods are evolving—and what that shift means for public health moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• 15.3% of U.S. adults reported using cannabis in 2022.
• While 79.4% still smoke, nearly 42% use edibles, and 30% vape.
• Dabbing is gaining ground, especially with younger users.
• The 18–24 age group leads in vaping and dabbing by a wide margin.
• About half of all users reported using more than one method.

Younger Adults Are Leading the Shift

If you’re between 18 and 24, chances are high (pun intended) that you’ve tried more than just lighting up a joint. According to the CDC’s data, nearly 45% of adults in this age group reported vaping cannabis, and about 28% have dabbed—which involves inhaling concentrated THC from heated surfaces.

That’s compared to older age groups, where smoking remains the dominant choice by far. It’s clear that younger consumers are more open to experimenting with newer formats—especially those that are discreet, fast-acting, or, in the case of dabbing, extremely potent.

Most Users Use Multiple Cannabis Consumption Methods

The report also revealed that roughly half of current cannabis users use multiple consumption methods. For some, that might mean vaping during the week, popping an edible before bed, and saving joints for weekends.

This mix-and-match behavior highlights how today’s cannabis consumers aren’t just loyal to one format—they’re choosing methods based on context, convenience, or desired effect.

Why This Matters for Public Health

The CDC isn’t just tallying numbers for fun. As cannabis becomes more accessible, how people use it matters—and different methods come with different risks.

For example:

• Edibles can take a while to kick in, which may lead to overconsumption. They’re also responsible for a rise in accidental ingestion by children.
• Vaping and dabbing often involve much higher THC concentrations, which could affect developing brains, especially among teens and young adults.
• Smoking, while still the most common, is associated with known respiratory risks.

Public health experts say keeping up with these trends is critical for creating better education and prevention strategies—especially as the cannabis landscape continues to shift and diversify.

Conclusion

As legalization expands and access improves, so do the ways people are using cannabis. The CDC’s report makes it clear that cannabis consumption methods are diversifying quickly, and smoking is no longer the only go-to. This shift isn’t just a trend—it’s a key piece of the cannabis normalization puzzle. And if the rise in edibles, vapes, and dabs continues, public health experts will need to adapt right along with it.