A new survey finds cannabis consumers are prioritizing purity and transparency, while younger adults increasingly turn away from alcohol in favor of a more controlled experience.
Photo courtesy of Royal Crown Seeds
A new survey from Royal Queen Seeds shows that consumers are paying closer attention to product safety and purity, with a strong majority expressing concern about pesticides and contaminants. The findings also point to shifting attitudes among younger adults, who are increasingly turning to cannabis as they reconsider their relationship with alcohol.
The survey, conducted in March among more than 1,000 adults aged 21 and older, found that 74% of consumers are very concerned about pesticides in cannabis. That level of concern spans age, region and experience level, suggesting that clean cannabis has become an expectation for consumers.
Shai Ramsahai, president of Royal Queen Seeds, says the desire for purity is now a defining feature of the regulated cannabis market.
“Wanting clean cannabis is not tied to any one demographic. It is a universal expectation across age groups, regions and consumption habits to have transparency in the products they use,” Ramsahai says in a written interview. “Today’s consumers are not just chasing potency. They are prioritizing purity. As awareness grows around pesticides and their potential risks, people are seeking cannabis they can truly trust, and that is fueling a meaningful shift toward home cultivation.”
Support for home cannabis cultivation remained strong in the survey, with many respondents say they view it as the most reliable way to ensure weed is free of contaminants. Interest in home cultivation has expanded as more states adopt legalization frameworks that permit home cultivation. For many consumers, growing cannabis offers both a hobby and a safeguard.
The concern is warranted. While regulated markets require lab testing for pesticides, heavy metals and microbial contaminants, enforcement varies by state. Several legal markets have seen product recalls tied to pesticide contamination. Unlicensed products remain a persistent risk, particularly in states where access is limited or expensive.
The survey also revealed shifting attitudes toward alcohol among younger adults, including a finding that 68% of Gen Z respondents say that cannabis plays a positive role in their overall well-being. The data suggests that younger consumers are not only using cannabis more frequently, but are also integrating it into their lifestyle in ways that differ from previous generations.
Ramsahai says the trend reflects a broader change in how young adults want to feel and how they choose to socialize.
“Younger consumers, especially Gen Z, are clearly rethinking their relationship with alcohol,” he said. “They are gravitating toward cannabis as a more intentional, controlled experience, but what is interesting is they are not just exploring cannabis for health-conscious reasons. Consumers actually prefer the sensation of being high over the buzz of alcohol, and perhaps that is because the experience aligns better with how they socialize, unwind and prioritize overall well-being.”
For brands, the survey results illustrate the importance of trust and transparency. Younger adults are the fastest growing segment of the cannabis market, and they are also the most likely to research brands, compare lab results and seek out products that align with their values. Clean formulations, pesticide-free cannabis flower, solventless extracts and clear sourcing information are becoming baseline expectations rather than premium features.
The survey also suggests that trust may define the next phase of cannabis market evolution. As more consumers demand verifiable purity and transparent production practices, companies that can meet those expectations will be best positioned to earn long-term loyalty.
此内容由惯性聚合(RSS阅读器)自动聚合整理，仅供阅读参考。 原文来自 — 版权归原作者所有。