Statistics about cannabis should be treated with caution, but nonetheless there are discernable trends emerging in South Africa’s nascent cannabis market. 

The most noticeable is the rise in popularity of cannabis-infused edibles, which according to Statistica SA are now outselling THC cannabis flower, while vaping is also finding increased favour among users

According to Statista SA’s online survey of 1 079 respondents, published on 4 August 2024, the following are the most popular cannabis products. Note that 53% of respondents did not consume cannabis. 

Preferences for the rest were as follows:

THC Edibles……………..12%

CBD Edibles …………….11%

THC Flower………………10%

CBD Vapes……………….8%

THC Vapes………………. 8%

CBD Flower………………7%

THC Pre-rolls…………….7%

CBD Pre-Rolls……………6%

CBD Topicals…………….4%

THC Topicals …………….4%

THC Extracts …………….3%

CBD Extracts……………..2%

Other CBD products……4%

Other THC products…….2%

Don’t Know……………….2%

It is worth pointing out that this online survey does not reflect actual sales at ‘grey zone’ retailers, where anecdotal evidence suggests that the majority of sales are for THC flower.  Shop managers say there has been a marked rise in edibles sales over the past 12 months, particularly THC gummies. This has been attributed in part to the growing professionalism of local cannabis edibles manufacturers who are replacing the old-school ‘cannabis-from-our-kitchen’ pioneering amateurs. The range of edibles on offer has grown considerably in both the THC and CBD categories.

THC is clearly in demand amongst consumers, with Statista’s THC-related products being popular amongst 46% of the respondents.

The survey was conducted by Statista’s research manager into consumer insights, Umair Bashir. For more into on Statista’s premium service, click here.

Internationally, the cannabis edibles market is on the rise with a Global Market Statistics 2024 Report saying the value of this sector in 2022 was US$8,01 billion and is projected to grow at 16,5% CAGR beyond the end of the decade.

The report says “The growing preference among consumers for convenient, discrete, and smoke-free consumption techniques is the main factor driving the rise in demand for cannabis edibles. Cannabis edibles appeal to a wider range of consumers because they provide a good alternative to conventional smoking or vaping. Additionally, edibles' precise dosing and longer-lasting effects, as well as the opportunity for a wide range of flavors and formulas, add to their increasing appeal, making them a crucial factor in the market for cannabis' expansion.

GMS says “The cannabis edibles industry is expanding rapidly as people become more aware of the several health advantages of cannabis usage. As the stigma associated with cannabis fades and its potential medicinal and therapeutic benefits become more widely recognized, consumers are increasingly turning to cannabis-infused edibles as a discreet and simple way to utilize the plant's qualities. This market is thriving as it grows into an important option for people looking for alternatives to conventional cannabis consumption methods, all while capitalizing on the health-promoting properties of this adaptable plant, owing to the expanding variety of edible products catering to diverse preferences and dietary needs.

It says that based on cannabinoid content, the THC)-dominant segment accounted for 50.5% of the cannabis edibles market share in 2022. THC-dominant edibles with high strength are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. This is due to the fact that some customers choose a stronger psychedelic experience, whilst others seek edibles that can give relief from medical issues like as chronic pain and anxiety.”

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