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  • Writer's pictureErin & Jake

Who Is The Target Market For Cannabis?

Updated: May 18


Trichome macro cannabis photography

The legal cannabis market has experienced explosive growth over the past decade, presenting numerous opportunities for business owners. However, the key to capitalizing on this burgeoning cannabis industry lies in understanding the diverse target market of cannabis. This post will explore the various demographic groups that make up the cannabis market, their unique preferences, and strategies for effectively targeting them.



Recreational cannabis users make up a significant portion of the market. These consumers use cannabis for enjoyment rather than for medical purposes. This group is diverse, spanning various ages, professions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. To effectively target recreational users, businesses should focus on:

  • Product Variety and Quality: Offering a wide range of products, including flowers, edibles, concentrates, and topicals that cater to different tastes and consumption preferences.

  • Branding and Marketing: Creating appealing, modern brands that resonate with lifestyle choices. Marketing should emphasize enjoyment, relaxation, and social experiences.


Medical cannabis patients use cannabis to alleviate symptoms of various health conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. This medical cannabis market segment requires a more tailored approach:

  • Educational Content and Support: Providing detailed product information, usage guides, and customer support to help medical cannabis patients understand how cannabis can aid their conditions.

  • Quality and Consistency: Ensuring products are consistently high-quality and backed by lab results to guarantee safety and efficacy.


The wellness cannabis community has embraced cannabis for its potential health benefits, such as stress reduction and improved sleep quality. These consumers often prefer products like CBD oils, capsules, and edibles that don't produce psychoactive effects.

  • Health-Oriented Products: Developing products that are integrated into daily wellness routines, such as CBD-infused supplements, yoga, and meditation.

  • Educational Initiatives: Hosting workshops and seminars that educate on the benefits of cannabis as part of a holistic wellness lifestyle.


A growing segment of the market consists of new or returning users who are curious about cannabis but may have reservations due to past social stigmas or lack of information.

  • Guided Experiences and Education: Providing beginner-friendly products with lower THC content and educational resources that guide new users.

  • Community Building: Creating safe spaces and community events that allow new users to explore cannabis in a supportive environment. 5. The Elderly Cannabis Consumer The elderly are a growing segment in the cannabis market, primarily using products to manage pain and enhance sleep. This demographic values easy-to-use products, such as low-dose edibles and topicals, and prefers more traditional forms of customer service. - Strategies for Engagement: Create products that are easy to use and dose, such as pre-measured edibles and user-friendly topicals. Provide clear, accessible customer service, possibly through more traditional channels like phone support. - Educate on the benefits of cannabis in managing conditions common among older adults.


Cannabis Market Segmentation Strategies

1. Demographic Segmentation of Cannabis

Understanding the age, gender, income, and education level of potential customers can help tailor marketing messages. For instance, younger adults may be more responsive to social media campaigns, while older adults may appreciate more information-oriented advertising.

2. Behavioral Segmentation of Cannabis

Identifying patterns in consumer behavior, such as preferred product types, purchasing occasions, and loyalty to brands, can provide insights into how to position products.

3. Geographic Segmentation of Cannabis

Location can significantly influence cannabis consumption patterns due to varying state laws and cultural attitudes. Tailoring products and marketing strategies to fit local regulations and preferences is crucial.

Marketing Tactics for Targeting Cannabis Consumers

1. Digital Cannabis Marketing

Leverage social media, hire professional cannabis marketing content creators (photography and videography) SEO, and cannabis content marketing to reach a broad audience. Informative blog posts, engaging cannabis social media content, and targeted ads can effectively attract various consumer segments.

2. Cannabis Collaborations and Partnerships

Partnering with influencers, wellness centers, and other businesses can help reach new audiences and build credibility.

3. Customer Experience Optimization

Providing an excellent customer experience, from user-friendly websites to knowledgeable staff in dispensaries, can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Detailed Case Studies

1. Case Study: Launch of a CBD Wellness Brand

A CBD company successfully launched a wellness line targeting health-conscious consumers. The brand differentiated itself with organic, non-GMO products and clear labeling of CBD content. Marketing efforts included partnerships with yoga studios and wellness influencers, workshops on the benefits of CBD, and a strong online presence emphasizing customer education and transparency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Partner with businesses and influencers in the wellness space to gain credibility.

  • Focus on transparency and education to build trust with new users.

  • Utilize content marketing to highlight the holistic benefits of CBD.

2. Case Study: Revamping a Recreational Cannabis Dispensary

A cannabis dispensary in a competitive market revamped its strategy to attract more recreational cannabis users by enhancing the in-store experience and increasing cannabis related social media engagement. They introduced themed shopping nights, live music events, and customer loyalty programs. Social media campaigns highlighted customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes looks at cannabis production, and interactive content.

Key Takeaways:

  • Create an engaging in-store experience to build a loyal customer base.

  • Leverage social media to create a community around your brand.

  • Use cannabis events and loyalty programs to encourage repeat visits and word-of-mouth marketing.

Conclusion

Successfully targeting the cannabis market requires understanding the diverse needs and preferences of its consumers. By segmenting the market and tailoring strategies to meet the specific needs of each group, cannabis business owners can attract more customers, foster loyalty, and drive growth.

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