According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the well-known cannabis company MedMen, approximately 4 out of 10 American women aged 21 and older regularly use cannabis. A quarter of them get high or stoned at least once a month. However, it is noteworthy that many female cannabis consumers keep their love for the green herb a secret from their family, friends, and colleagues.
The survey, conducted between February 28 and March 2, 2023, involved 1,020 women from across the United States. 37% of the respondents admitted to using cannabis, with over a quarter of them doing so at least once a month.
Women primarily use cannabis for medical reasons, particularly for anxiety relief, improved sleep, and pain management. This aligns with the trend of using cannabis as an “over-the-counter” remedy for various ailments.
Two-thirds of women hide their cannabis use In the study, a striking 65% of participants acknowledged that people are unaware of their cannabis use. This indicates that stigmas and biases regarding cannabis use persist, despite the increasing acceptance and legalization of the drug in many places. Many women are afraid to openly discuss their cannabis use, even with their loved ones, out of fear of judgment or experiencing negative effects.
This secrecy can also have implications for the cannabis industry, as stated in the study. “It may indicate that current marketing and educational initiatives are not effectively reaching or serving a significant portion of consumers. It also underscores the need for ongoing education and activism to dispel prejudices and foster better appreciation of the potential benefits and safe use of cannabis.”
More women are finding their way to cannabis stores, where they primarily purchase edibles, flower buds, and pre-rolled joints… [photo: Davinia de la Mancha/Shutterstock]
Women predominantly purchase legally, and edibles are the favorite According to the report, the majority of American women (91%) who use cannabis choose to purchase it legally from a dispensary. The research also reveals that 32% of female cannabis consumers spend at least €92 per month on weed.
A surprising finding from the survey is that 35% of customers prefer shopping with a female budtender, indicating “a desire for a more individualized experience when buying cannabis products,” according to the researchers.
Now, the question arises as to what women prefer to buy at cannabis stores. Surprisingly, edibles are the most popular method of consumption among female cannabis users (57%), followed by flower buds/pre-rolled joints (43%), and vapes (39%).
Forget Venus and Mars – Everyone is welcome on Planet Weed Karen Torres, Chief Product Officer at MedMen, concludes that representation is essential in the cannabis industry. As a black queer woman working in this sector, Torres emphasizes the value of diversity and inclusion at the company level. These are ideals that her employer, MedMen, holds in high regard, according to the CPO. However, she also acknowledges that there is still room for improvement in the rest of the cannabis industry and society at large.
Torres further highlights that MedMen understands that women are increasingly turning to cannabis for their wellness needs. Despite the lingering stigmas associated with cannabis use, the survey results show that many women consider it a common form of self-care, especially as they seek natural ways to manage their stress, worries, and pain.
Well, you know what? We’ll dare to say it: women are just like men… sometimes.