The choices when buying vapes vs. gummies have emerged as two distinct paths for consumers in the cannabinoid industry. The divergence in preferences is stark: while some seek the discreet convenience of a vape, others savor the delectable experience of gummies.
In a study conducted in 2020, it was projected that the worldwide vape market will expand to $61 billion by 2025, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14%.
In this guide, we delve deep into the motives guiding customers’ decisions when buying vapes vs. gummies, shedding light on the distinct inclinations that steer their personal preferences.
What Are Vape Buyers Looking For?
Blends
Vape buyers often exhibit distinct preferences in blends, seeking specific cannabinoid formulations like Delta-8 (D8) or hexa hydrocannabinol (HHC). According to an online survey, the predominant method of administration includes edibles (64%) and vaping (48%).
Approximately half of the participants (51%) reported that they used Delta-8 vapes for addressing various health issues, notably anxiety and panic attacks (69%), stress (52%), depression or bipolar disorder (46%), and chronic pain (41%). The FDA has not approved these products for any such use, but consumers seek them out for these purposes regardless.
Quality
For vape buyers, product quality is non-negotiable. Pursuing purity and potency remains paramount, underscoring the importance of transparent sourcing, third-party testing, and high-grade components. Consumers will scrutinize lab reports and seek assurances on product purity and potency, making quality a decisive factor in their purchase decisions.
Vapes are also considered fast-acting when compared to gummies, making them more popular. A study found that men aged 13-39 and women aged 18-34 were the consumers most interested.
Devices
Vape buyers gravitate towards versatility and functionality. The market is witnessing an increased demand for user-friendly, technologically advanced devices that offer customizable experiences. This trend highlights the inclination towards sleek, portable designs with adjustable settings that cater to individual preferences.
With a vape pen, consumption takes mere seconds, eliminating the need to wait for an entire joint to burn for hours.
Prioritizing safety stands as a critical consideration when selecting a vaping device. A well-crafted device integrates multiple safety elements designed to safeguard the user throughout their vaping experience. For instance, overcharge protection is a crucial feature, preventing battery damage during prolonged charging periods.
Discretion
Vape buyers want discretion. Vaping can be discreet, depending on the chosen product. Not all vaporizers produce prominent plumes of vapor. Some options emit significantly less vapor, ensuring a lower profile.
Additionally, certain vapes and blends are designed to minimize the distinct smell associated with cannabinoids. This feature ensures that the act of vaping remains inconspicuous, as the content being vaped remains undisclosed.
Understanding the consumer’s desire for discretion can assist in tailoring your product offerings to meet these preferences.
What Do Gummy Buyers Want?
Blends
Gummy buyers often want a variety of blends tailored to their specific needs. Data Bridge Market Research conducted an analysis indicating that the cannabinoid gummies market, valued at USD 13.3 billion in 2021, is projected to achieve a value of USD 108.49 billion by 2029.
The market caters to diverse preferences, including formulations featuring different cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and Delta-8. Notably, interest in Delta-8 edibles has risen owing to their perceived milder psychoactive effects, attracting consumers looking for a balanced experience.
Dosage
Consumers seek reliability in dosing, favoring hemp-derived products that offer precise and consistent cannabinoid content. Gummy buyers prioritize products with clearly labeled dosages, enabling them to manage consumption effectively and tailor their experience to individual needs.
New users tend to favor gummies with low concentrations, typically between 1 mg and 20 mg per gummy.
Discretion
Consumers are looking for something discreet, and gummies, in particular, offer heightened discretion. Their consumption can occur privately, and the effects may remain unnoticed by others for hours.
Even if someone witnesses the consumption of an edible, it resembles consuming any regular food. In fact, this study highlights edibles as the preferred form of consumption of Delta 8.
Quality
This serves as a primary criterion among gummy buyers. They prioritize products sourced from reputable manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of third-party testing, consistent dosages, and adherence to strict quality standards.
Transparency
Like vape buyers, gummy consumers emphasize transparency in manufacturing processes and lab testing. The demand for lab-tested, verified products has risen.
In the US, the market is significantly influenced by the legalization of hemp-based products by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical and recreational purposes and the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the growing of hemp plants. Europe is anticipated to record the fastest CAGR of 31% between 2021 and 2028.
So, as a retailer, embedding QR codes and NFC tags into packaging enables consumers to effortlessly use their smartphone cameras to scan the code or tag. This will provide access to details such as potency, side effects, dosage, additives, user feedback, and direct lab test results.
In fact, according to a study by Stifel and Morning Consult, over 50% of respondents reported purchasing from a new brand primarily due to its transparent approach.
Flavor
The market caters to a broad range of flavors. Customers are increasingly drawn to fruity flavors like raspberry, strawberry, and orange due to their comforting familiarity without being overpowering.
Sour flavors such as lime and grapefruit are also gaining popularity as individuals seek to enhance their experience with a tangy kick.
Another sought-after flavor category consists of chocolate variations like milk chocolate and dark chocolate, offering a sumptuous and indulgent taste.
Nutty flavors like almond and peanut butter offer a distinctive spin on the traditional chocolate taste, ideal for those with nut allergies.
These insights highlight the evolving dynamics driving consumer behavior in the gummy market, empowering retailers to cater to these nuanced preferences effectively.
Perception of Side Effects
The growth of the gummies market is propelled by significant factors such as the rising tendency of buyers to prefer Delta-8 gummies for treating neurological disorders, cancer, stress, chronic pain, and anxiety, among others (even without FDA approval or research into these substances as treatments).
The effects of edibles usually take longer, about 30 minutes to an hour, because they pass through the digestive system. However, their benefits last longer compared to topicals and e-cigarettes.
Need To Supply Your Customers with Vapes and Gummies?
It could be the allure of premium vapes or the appeal of flavorful gummies, yet fulfilling your customers’ desires necessitates access to a reliable and varied inventory.
At THD Wholesale, we understand the dynamic market demands. We’re committed to delivering top-notch products that align with consumer tastes and preferences.
Ready to enrich your inventory with high-quality vapes and gummies that captivate your customers’ interests? Reach out to us today and complete our wholesale application to get started.
