The world of cannabis marketing is dynamic. Just as we strive for efficiency in design, so too must we in this burgeoning field. New trends, tools, and techniques emerge at a rapid pace. To remain competitive, a streamlined approach is essential. Let’s explore how to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your brand thrives in this ever-changing environment.
Staying informed about the latest industry developments is vital to keeping your cannabis marketing strategies practical and contemporary. One powerful way to do this is by leveraging the available marketing statistics.
Ditch the tactics buffet. Focus on the remarkable that ignites a tribe, not just clicks. Statistics are the sprinkles, not the cake. Build a movement, not a campaign.
Let’s ditch the jargon and dive into the wild world of weed marketing. We’ll break down some numbers and hacks to help you stand out in this fast-growing market.
Cannabis Consumer Behavior Statistics
The landscape of cannabis is undergoing a period of thoughtful reevaluation. In the United States, particularly, medical marijuana programs and legalization for adult use in certain states represent a progressive approach to this plant. This measured evolution presents new considerations for the modern consumer.
Consumer preferences and buying patterns have shifted accordingly. Here’s a snapshot of today’s cannabis consumers:
- 21% of people participating in Dry January—a trend where individuals abstain from alcohol for a month—are replacing alcohol with cannabis and CBD.
- In a survey of over 1,000 cannabis consumers from states where recreational use is legal, 35% spend $50 to $100 a month on cannabis, 23% spend $100 to $150, over 14% spend $150 to $200, and 12% spend more than $200.
- Sales of cannabis beverages (+10%), edibles (+10%), vapes (+5%), and pre-rolls (+12%) have all increased, likely due to consumers’ growing preference for portable, shareable recreational products or medicinal-use products.
- Green Wednesday 2023 saw an 18.12% increase in sales compared to 2022.
Cannabis Branding Statistics
Branding is crucial for setting the proper foundation in the competitive cannabis market. Here are some key statistics:
- 58% of consumers are frustrated with generic and inconsistent messaging brands.
- Understanding brand health, or the attributes that keep customers coming back, is crucial for market survival.
- Color is a critical element of the design process, increasing brand recognition by 87% and influencing up to 85% of product purchases.
- Two-thirds of businesses report that brand consistency has contributed to at least 10% revenue growth.
Print & Packaging Design Statistics
The box isn’t a box. It’s a handshake. It’s your first impression, a silent promise. Forget the shelf appeal for a second. This is about something other than blending in with the crowd. This is about sparking a connection, a “holy moly” moment that cuts through the noise.
Investing in professional cannabis print and packaging can elevate your business:
- 66% of U.S. consumers and 80% of young U.S. adults (ages 18-34) are willing to pay more for sustainable products than less sustainable alternatives.
- 28% of consumers choose cannabis products based on their packaging.
- E-commerce platforms that adopt eco-friendly packaging practices see a 15% rise in average conversion rates.
Website Design & Development Statistics
Creating an engaging, user-friendly, mobile-ready, and SEO-optimized website is essential for making a positive impression on customers and search engines:
- 41% of consumers purchase CB products online.
- It takes about 50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds) for people to form an opinion about your website.
- At the start of 2023, there were 79 cannabis industry point-of-sale software providers in the U.S.
Digital Advertising Statistics
Advertising in the cannabis industry can be challenging due to complex regulations that vary by state. However, with proper research and understanding of local laws, paid advertising can yield significant results:
- Cannabis advertising in North America is expected to reach $2.5 million next year, up from $2 million this year.
- More than 80% of marketing companies surveyed said they need help reaching the right audience with the right message.
- Digital advertising is the main marketing strategy for cannabis brands, with 83% using it, followed by events, 28% public relations, and (34%) partnerships.
Cannabis SEO Statistics
Search engines are echo chambers, amplifying the voices that resonate. Instead of SEO tactics, focus on creating content so damn good, so helpful, so different that people can’t help but talk about you. It’s not about tricking robots. It’s about inspiring humans.
These statistics can guide your SEO efforts:
- Websites are the #2 marketing channel behind social media.
- 56% of marketers who use blogging say it’s effective, and 10% say it generates the highest return on investment.
- 54% of decision-makers read and review thought-leadership content weekly.
Cannabis Social Media Statistics
Social media has transformed how consumers interact with brands, offering a platform to build community, boost brand loyalty, and receive real-time feedback:
- Marketers’ most common social media posting frequency is three to four times per week.
- In 2023, there were over 20 million tweets about cannabis, surpassing conversations about coffee, golf, the NHL, and other mainstream topics.
- 41% of Gen Z and Millennials make impulse purchases online every 2-3 weeks, compared to only 10% of Baby Boomers.
Email & SMS Statistics
Email and SMS marketing can elevate your cannabis business, generating substantial revenue through automation and sequences:
- Global email users are projected to reach 4.73 billion by 2026.
- In a study of 1,000 small business owners, email marketing ranked the second most effective medium for building brand awareness.
- Over 20% of marketers say that improved email design enhances engagement.
Stay Updated with Cannabis Marketing Statistics
The cannabis industry presents a unique challenge for brand development. Restrictive regulations, while necessary, can create a sense of clutter. At Spokes Digital, we believe in a streamlined approach. Our data-driven marketing strategies are specifically designed to help cannabis and CBD businesses flourish within this evolving landscape.
Explore the Spokes Digital difference. Let’s cultivate success together.
