Cannabis Consumers Self-Titrate When Switching Between Flower and Concentrate Product Types

Strategic Insights -

Research results from Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine suggest that cannabis consumers adjust their consumption amounts in response to potency when using cannabis flower and concentrates. The study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, analyzed data from four online surveys of U.S. cannabis consumers, which found that participants used larger amounts of flower than concentrates. Additionally, consumers who used higher-THC versions of a product predicted larger amounts, more frequent use, and earlier initiation of cannabis consumption.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 8158 U.S. cannabis consumers who reported past-month flower and/or dab concentrate use.
  • In within-subject/between-product analyses, 59%-92% of participants used larger amounts of flower than concentrates.
  • Between-subject/between-product analyses found that flower-only consumers reported greater amounts than concentrate-only consumers (Median Hits: 8-14 vs. 5-8; Median Grams: 1-1.5 vs. 0.18-0.5).
  • Using higher-THC versions of a product predicted larger amounts, more frequent use, and earlier initiation of cannabis consumption (Flower/Hits: r = 0.12-0.19; Flower/Grams: r = 0.07-0.29; Concentrate/Hits: r = 0.09-0.14; Concentrate/Grams: r = 0.19-0.25).
  • The study found that cannabis consumers self-titrate when switching between flower and concentrate product types, but more frequent consumers prefer higher-potency versions of a given product type and consume them in larger amounts.

Statistics:

  • 8158 U.S. cannabis consumers participated in the study.
  • 59%-92% of participants used larger amounts of flower than concentrates.
  • Median doses of flower used were 8-14 hits (compared to 5-8 hits for concentrates).
  • Median doses of flower used were 1-1.5 grams (compared to 0.18-0.5 grams for concentrates).
  • Participants reported a significant positive correlation between using higher-THC versions of a product and larger amounts consumed (r = 0.12-0.19 for flower and r = 0.09-0.14 for concentrates).
  • Participants reported a significant positive correlation between using higher-THC versions of a product and more frequent use (r = -0.01-0.39).
  • Participants reported a significant positive correlation between using higher-THC versions of a product and earlier initiation of cannabis consumption (r = -0.06 to -0.33).

Sources:

  • Self-titration of cannabis consumption: An epidemiological perspective. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2025;191:527-534.
  • Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.
  • Journal of Psychiatric Research - www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-psychiatric-research/
  • Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 46 Centerra Pkwy, Lebanon, NH, 03766, United States.