The increasing availability of non-combustible forms of cannabis products, such as vapes and edibles, has reshaped usage patterns. Various modes used to consume cannabis carry unique public health implications, including an elevated risk of overdose with the consumption of edibles, and the presence of higher-potency delta-9 THC in vapes and dabs. This study investigates the prevalence of modes of cannabis consumption and the population patterns associated with the frequency of cannabis use. Authors analyzed responses of 21,462 adults from the 2022 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Modes of cannabis consumption were queried among participants who reported using cannabis in the past 30 days, defined as current users.  

Findings: Overall, 15.2% of California adults were current users of cannabis. Among the current users, 56.3% reported using 2 or more modes to consume cannabis in the past 30 days. Smoking cannabis in a joint, bong, or pipe (9.4%) was the most prevalent mode of consumption, followed by eating (8.4%), vaping (6.0%), blunt (2.6%), dabbing (2.2%) and drinking (1.7%). Exclusive use of a single mode was rare, with eating at 2.9%, joint/bong/pipe at 2.5%, and the remaining modes all below 1%. The likelihood of using 2 or more modes was positively correlated with participants’ self-reported number of days using cannabis in the past 30 days. Fast-changing cannabis products and consumption patterns highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring.