In the evolving cannabis marketplace, consumer preferences have continued to diversify. While flower has long been a foundational category at dispensaries, today’s most popular cannabis products span pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates, edibles (including next-gen formats), and even functional beverages. Below is a snapshot of what’s trending now—and what’s driving that demand.
Flower & Pre-rolls: Still the Core, But with a Twist
Cannabis flower remains a foundational pillar of sales, typically making up 40–50 % of unit volume in many U.S. markets. Consumers appreciate flower for its directness, versatility (joints, pipes, vaporizers, etc.), and the ability to experience terpene and cultivar variety.
That said, pre-rolls—ready-to-smoke joints or cones—are increasingly popular, especially “micro joints” or smaller-dose formats. In California, ultra-compact joints (roughly 0.35 g) have exploded in popularity as a lower-waste, lower-dose option. Many brands are responding by packaging “baby joints” or multipacks of small cones to appeal to both casual users and those seeking more precise dosing.
Some dispensaries also feature infused pre-rolls—flower coated or wrapped with concentrate—offering a boost in potency without requiring consumers to manage separate hardware.
Vapes & Disposables: Simplicity and Discretion
Vapor cartridges and disposable vape pens continue to dominate sales in many mature markets. These products appeal to consumers seeking discreet use, convenience, and fast onset.
For example, Select, a prominent multi-state brand, consistently sees its Essentials Fruit Stiq disposable as a top seller—Sweet Strawberry 1 g was the top performer in August 2025. Likewise, STIIIZY’s Blue Dream distillate pod remains one of the most purchased cartridges on dispensary shelves.
Vape products also lend themselves well to reliable dosing and portability. Some manufacturers are pushing solventless vapor formats, such as live resin or rosin-based products, to tap into the premium, clean-label consumer segment.
Concentrates & Dabbable Products
For consumers who like to dial in potency and flavor, concentrates are a staple. This category includes waxes, shatter, live resin, rosin, and other solventless extracts. Many enthusiasts prefer concentrates for their potency, flavor purity, and versatility—whether for dabbing, vape cartridges, or infusing edibles.
A notable trend is the growth of solventless concentrates, which are made without chemical solvents and often emphasize full terpene profiles. Industry analysts have described them as the “new king” of premium concentrates.
In many dispensaries, high-end concentrates are premium products—frequently priced above standard flower but appealing to consumers who want potency and purity.
Edibles & Next-Gen Formats
Edibles remain one of the fastest-growing cannabis categories. Gummies, chocolates, lozenges, and mints are beloved for their convenience, discretion, and non-smoke appeal.
Within edibles, the push now is toward fast-acting formulations—absorbed more quickly through the digestive tract or via sublingual absorption—and functional edibles that combine cannabinoids with botanicals, adaptogens, or other minor cannabinoids.
Brands like Wyld have made their mark with gourmet, fruit-forward cannabis gummies that avoid strong cannabis flavor. The focus is on making the experience enjoyable, reliable, and dose-accurate.
There’s also growing interest in functional tinctures, which appeal to wellness-minded consumers seeking precise, sublingual dosing for focus, sleep, or stress.
Cannabis Beverages: The Rising Frontier
Beverages are still an emerging but increasingly visible category. THC-infused sodas, seltzers, teas, and non-alcoholic mocktails are capturing attention—especially among consumers who don’t like inhalation or edibles.
In early 2025, about 117 brands were offering cannabis beverages, though the category is consolidating: the top ten beverage brands now account for roughly two-thirds of total sales in tracked markets. Legacy cannabis companies like Curaleaf, Trulieve, and Green Thumb are launching THC beverage lines to position for future demand.
Beverages offer a pleasant, familiar experience, with mild onset and lower stigma compared to smoking. As formulation and regulation improve, they may become staple offerings in dispensary catalogs.
Why These Products Lead the Pack
- Ease & convenience – Disposables, pre-rolls, beverages, and edibles reduce complexity for users.
- Discreet use – Inhaling less or not at all (vapes, edibles, beverages) appeals to those who prefer low-visibility consumption.
- Precise dosing – Devices and formulations now allow users to reliably control their dose, which is key for new or cautious consumers.
- Flavor, purity, and “clean” appeal – As the industry matures, consumers care more about terpene preservation, natural ingredients, and solventless options.
- Product differentiation and innovation – Strong branding, consistent quality, and novel delivery methods—like fast-onset edibles or functional drinks—help products stand out in crowded markets.
In short, dispensaries today sell what aligns with current consumer values: convenience, reliability, subtlety, and creative formats. For cannabis brands and retailers, success in 2025 means balancing core products like flower, vapes, and concentrates with smart, next-gen offerings such as functional edibles and beverages—while emphasizing cleanliness, consistency, and strong branding.