Brands of Intoxicating Cannabis Products in Vape Shops: United States, 2023

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Journal

Substance use & misuse

DOI

10.1080/10826084.2025.2592227

Keywords

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) marketing; derived psychoactive cannabis products; marijuana industry surveillance; public health policy and regulations; semi-synthetic cannabinoid retail environment

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Since the 2018 Farm Bill, many new types of intoxicating cannabis products (ICPs) are widely sold throughout the United States. However, there is little information on popular brands, which is essential for understanding associated risks, marketing strategies, and major industry players who may oppose effective public health legislation. The current study identified popular ICP brands in vape shops across the U.S. METHODS: In November-December 2023, telephone surveys were conducted for 520 vape shops across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Google Maps was used to locate 10 vape shops per state/territory. Shops were asked about the availability of THC products and popular brands. Responses were dual-coded, and descriptive statistics were used to describe popular ICP brands. RESULTS: Vape shops in 48 states/territories reported selling ICPs. Overall, 74% of shops surveyed sold ICPs. Among these, 62% (N = 273) provided information about brands (N = 188 unique brands; average 2.4 per shop). The top ten brands identified were Torch (12.7%), Mellow Fellow (9.7%), Cake (8.4%), Modus (8.0%), Delta Extrax (7.6%), Hidden Hills (7.6%), Looper (7.2%), Urb (7.2%), Ghost (6.3%), and Space Gods (6.3%). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to systematically document popular brands of ICPs sold in vape shops nationwide. Findings suggest substantial competition in the market including many popular brands. These brands provide a foundation for future research assessing the characteristics of products from these brands and use prevalence, the nature of the industries producing these products, and industry dynamics over time, all of which can help inform regulatory efforts.

Department

Prevention and Community Health

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