Cannabis flower, concentrates, and edibles: a narrative review comparing prevalence of use, methods of consumption, and cannabis use disorder outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Cannabis use has increased in prevalence over the past several decades, and novel forms of cannabis (e.g., concentrates and edibles) have become readily available.

Objective: The purpose of this narrative review was to compare the prevalence of use, methods of consumption, and risk for cannabis use disorder outcomes across cannabis forms to better understand the diversifying landscape of cannabis products and practices.

Methods: The electronic database PubMed was used to find relevant articles with keyword searches related to the prevalence of use, methods of consumption, and risk for cannabis use disorder for three major forms of cannabis (flower, concentrates, and edibles).

Results: Use of all three major forms is prevalent among many cannabis users, but there are differences in user demographics and methods of consumption. Use of cannabis concentrates may be associated with a greater risk for cannabis use disorder. Given the historical predominance of cannabis flower use, many outcomes have not been compared with concentrates or edibles. Furthermore, form-specific longitudinal data is lacking.

Conclusions: Given the more recent emergence of novel cannabis products, comparisons of the long-term outcomes of use for each form are needed to advance the development of more informed harm reduction practices that are common to and specific to each form of cannabis.