Last week I was talking to a captain friend about random drug testing on superyachts and the difference between random drug screening and drug testing to confirm Fitness for duty. Also the impact to yachting because of the decriminalization, legalization and availability of recreational of cannabis in many US states and some other countries.
“No problem on my boat, I would know if anyone were using it, you can smell it a mile off” they said.
I showed him some pages from stores where cannabis is legal and showed that just like everything else the market was adapting to demand. That sneaky spliff on the rubbish run is a thing of the past, (the spray deodorant in the tender console wasn’t just to mask the smell of the two day old bags of rinsed recyclables). The online pages for the legal suppliers are quite open when promoting their products, like this advert.
“Discretion and Convenience for Users Weed vapes are celebrated for their portability and discreet usage. Unlike traditional smoking, which can produce strong odours and require specific environments, vaping allows for a more subtle experience. Many modern vapes come equipped with odour-reducing technologies, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption or use in settings where discretion is crucial.”
As yacht crews are predominantly Gen Z and Millennials when implementing your onboard drug and alcohol policy its worth bearing all this in mind . As legalization continues to expand and product innovation accelerates, these trends are likely to keep evolving, especially as newer generations reshape how cannabis fits into everyday life. Edibles and vaping are the fastest-growing methods, especially among younger users. As Use evolves, so must the testing onboard, random screening a couple of times a year won’t be sufficient .
The Most Popular Forms of Legal Cannabis Use in the U.S. — By Generation
As cannabis legalization expands across the United States, the ways people consume it have diversified significantly. While traditional methods still dominate, newer formats like edibles and vaping are gaining traction—especially among younger users. Here’s a clear, blog-ready breakdown of the most popular consumption methods and how preferences vary by generation.
The Most Common Cannabis Consumption Methods
Smoking (Flower: joints, pipes, bongs)
Smoking remains the most popular method of cannabis consumption in the U.S. by a wide margin. Estimates suggest that roughly three-quarters of cannabis users have smoked it in some form.
Why it’s so popular:
• Fast-acting effects
• Lower cost compared to other formats
• Long-standing cultural familiarity
Despite the growth of alternatives, smoking continues to dominate across all age groups.
Edibles (Gummies, baked goods, drinks)
Edibles are the second most popular method and have grown rapidly in legal markets.
Why people choose edibles:
• No smoke or odour
• Longer-lasting effects
• Easy and discreet consumption
However, edibles can be harder to dose accurately, especially for new users, since effects take longer to kick in.
Vaping (THC cartridges and pens)
Vaping has become a major category, particularly among younger consumers.
Key advantages:
• Discreet and portable
• Less smell than smoking
• Perceived as a “cleaner” alternative
Its popularity has surged in recent years, especially with the rise of sleek, easy-to-use vape devices.
Concentrates and Other Methods (Dabbing, oils, tinctures)
These methods make up a smaller share of overall use but are growing steadily.
Typical users:
• More experienced consumers
• Those seeking higher potency
These formats often require specialized equipment or knowledge, which limits their mainstream adoption.
How Cannabis Use Varies by Generation
Gen Z (Under ~25)
Younger users are the most likely to experiment with newer consumption methods. While smoking is still common, Gen Z shows a strong preference for vaping and edibles.
Key trend: A shift toward discreet, convenient, and smoke-free options.
Millennials (Approx. 25–40)
Millennials represent the largest group of cannabis users overall. They tend to use a mix of methods rather than sticking to just one.
Typical pattern:
• Smoking remains common
• Edibles are widely used
• Vaping is moderately popular
Key trend: Versatility—many millennials are “multi-method” users.
Gen X (Approx. 40–60)
Gen X consumers still lean toward smoking but are increasingly adopting non-smoking formats.
Common uses:
• Stress relief
• Sleep support
• General wellness
Key trend: Gradual shift toward edibles, tinctures, and oils.
Baby Boomers (60+)
Among older adults, smoking remains common, but edibles and other non-inhaled methods are growing quickly.
Primary motivations:
• Pain management
• Sleep improvement
• Medical needs
Key trend: Movement toward gentler, longer-lasting, and smoke-free consumption methods.