Why Women Are Turning to Cannabis

Women in the U.S. are turning to cannabis for health and wellness, with a new YouGov poll shedding light on what motivates them to try—or use more—marijuana products. Spoiler: It’s not just about fun. It’s about sleep, pain relief, and relaxation.

Why Women Are Choosing Cannabis

The top reasons women explore cannabis are therapeutic. Among the 2,000 surveyed, most pointed to health benefits:

Improved sleep quality (16%).
Pain management (14%).
Relaxation (12%).
Alternatives to traditional meds, focus improvement, and relief from depression and anxiety were also key motivators.

Let’s not forget: cannabis is proving to be an ally in women’s health. Studies show cannabis helps with menstrual pain, endometriosis symptoms, and even mood regulation. For many, it’s becoming a safer, natural substitute for prescription drugs.

The Buying Decisions: It’s About Value

When it comes to choosing between cannabis products, price is queen. A whopping 70% of women say price influences their buying decisions, with sales and promotions coming in second (36%). Other factors include:

Effects described (49%).
Premium ingredients (36%).
Recommendations from budtenders (26%).
Organic certification (17%).

Affordability and transparency are key. Brands, take note! Women want value AND quality.

How Women Use Cannabis

Women use cannabis to unwind, but they also lean into its health benefits. Here’s what the data says:

Relaxation and better sleep are top reasons for 70% and 69% of users.
Pain relief is key for over half (53%).
Mental health support (51%).
Replaces OTC and prescription meds for 41%.
And yes, fun and social vibes (29%) still make the list!

When it comes to consumption methods, flower (80%) and edibles (74%) lead the way. But there’s room for topicals, beverages, and homegrown options too.

Women Want Options—And Advocacy

From managing period pain to addressing endometriosis or even improving sexual health, cannabis offers women unique benefits. But there’s a darker side: legal challenges persist.

In some states, women face criminal charges for using medical marijuana during pregnancy. These prosecutions, tied to outdated laws, highlight how far we still have to go in making cannabis use safe and stigma-free for everyone.

What This Means for Cannabis Brands

If you’re in the industry, this data is gold:

Focus your messaging on health and wellness benefits.
Highlight affordability without sacrificing transparency or quality.
Cater to busy women seeking relief from life’s stressors.
Advocate for better laws and protections—show women you’re in their corner.

The Takeaway

Cannabis isn’t just a trend for women—it’s a lifestyle shift. They want products that make them feel better, help them sleep, and fit their budget. Brands that prioritize wellness, education, and accessibility are poised to thrive.

Looking for ways to align your brand with what women want? Join the Weedery World community to connect, learn, and grow in the cannabis space