Today, cannabis consumption extends beyond just smoking. People now choose from options like vaping, ingesting in foods or beverages, or inhaling vaporized concentrates. A recent study in the U.S. suggests that the variety of methods someone uses may reveal important details about their usage habits.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that adults who utilize multiple forms of cannabis are significantly more likely to use it daily. They also have a higher chance of displaying signs of cannabis use disorder, a condition characterized by problematic, hard-to-control use that causes significant issues.
With changing laws and shifting public attitudes, cannabis use has become more prevalent across the United States. Recent national estimates indicate that tens of millions of Americans aged 12 and older have used cannabis within the past month.
Cannabis products deliver effects through various methods. Smoking acts quickly, whereas edible products tend to have delayed but longer-lasting effects. Vaping heats cannabis without combustion, and dabbing involves inhaling vaporized concentrates with high THC levels—the primary compound responsible for intoxication.
The study analyzed data from 17,732 adults who reported using cannabis in the month prior, sourced from the 2022–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health—an extensive survey tracking substance use nationwide.
Instead of isolating each consumption method, researchers examined how different methods co-occurred, identifying common usage patterns among users.
Approximately 48% of participants primarily smoked cannabis. An additional 21% commonly combined smoking and vaping, while 17% mainly consumed edible cannabis products.
The remaining 14% formed what the researchers labeled a polymodal group—individuals who used nearly all available forms rather than sticking to just one.
This smaller group stood out in terms of usage frequency. Nearly half of those employing multiple methods reported daily use.
In contrast, daily use was less prevalent in other groups—about 28% among mostly smokers, 31% among those who smoked and vaped, and only 13% among primarily edible consumers.
When it came to cannabis use disorder, the differences were even more striking. About 67% of the multiple-method users met criteria for the disorder, compared to 36% of primary smokers, 47% of those who combined smoking and vaping, and 15% of edible users.
This suggests that using cannabis through various methods may be a key indicator of heavier, potentially problematic use.
Lead researcher Dr. Omar El-Shahawy recommends that healthcare providers consider asking patients about how they consume cannabis, not just whether they use it. Patients who frequently switch between methods might require closer evaluation of their use patterns.
The study also found demographic differences. Young adults aged 18 to 25 were more common among those who smoked and vaped or used multiple forms. Meanwhile, women and college graduates were more often among those who primarily used edibles.
Additionally, cannabis users who smoked also tended to smoke cigarettes more often than those who mainly vaped or ate cannabis. Senior author Joseph Palamar expressed concern about this overlap, as combining smoking tobacco and cannabis can increase exposure to harmful chemicals and lung irritants.
The research was published online on August 8, 2026, in the journal Addictive Behaviors. The authors plan to explore why individuals prefer certain forms—such as whether sleep or pain management motives influence their choices.
These findings go beyond simply asking if someone uses cannabis; they highlight that the pattern and variety of consumption may better identify those at higher risk of frequent use and addiction.
However, the study cannot establish causation—it’s unclear whether using multiple forms leads to addiction or if heavier users are simply more likely to try various methods. Since data relied on self-reporting, some participants might not have fully disclosed their use, but the large, nationally representative sample underscores the importance of further investigation, especially as product options expand and become more accessible.
Source: NYU Langone Health
