The Rise of Non-Inhalable Cannabis Products

The cannabis industry is booming, and non-inhalable products are a not-so-new but increasingly popular category. Learn how flavor and aroma solutions give brands a competitive edge. 

The cannabis industry has a lot to celebrate. A report from wholesale marketplace LeafLink noted that “U.S. cannabis retail sales hit unprecedented levels in October 2024, reaching an annual run rate of over $33 billion, up 7% year-over-year.”¹ They even predict it could transform into a $55 billion market in the next five years.

Additionally, they explained that while flower made up roughly 39% of sales, edibles comprised 14% beating out pre-rolls and concentrates. Considering how the edible category has evolved over the last few years, this isn’t all that surprising. Today, there’s a wide variety of sweet and savory foods, diverse beverage offerings, etc. 

Consumers' access to new products like those mentioned above allows the industry to learn more about their preferences. What’s one trend we’ve been hearing about more and more? Demand for non-inhalable cannabis products. We’ve witnessed an increased need for non-inhalable cannabis solutions, and major brands have noticed as well. 

While seeing brands like Pabst enter the infused beverage space is a sign of growing cannabis acceptance, it also means more competition. Fortunately, with new consumers entering the market with a preference for products that don’t require smoking, brands can stay competitive by diversifying their portfolios. 

At Abstrax, we help brands deliver the same great flavors that customers know and love in multiple applications, whether edibles, THC drinks, or personal care products. The market will continue to grow, and it’s more important than ever to stay flexible and grow with it. Learn how flavor and aroma solutions can keep brands competitive in an evolving market. 

Non-Inhalable Cannabis Products Pivotal to Industry Growth

Flower, pre-rolls, vapes, and other inhalable products are vital to the cannabis market. However, it’s important to remember that these products don’t meet the needs of a growing number of consumers. 

Some consumers avoid inhalables because they can’t, or aren’t able to, smoke. In this instance, a variety of non-inhalables allows them to find products that best suit their preferences. It also facilitates experimentation for those who traditionally select inhalable products, and it lowers the barrier of entry for first-time consumers who might not want to use inhalables. 

It’s also worth mentioning that many consumers are entering the cannabis space for perceived wellness purposes. A 2024 report about the growth of the cannabis edible market explained that “the market is expected to be driven by factors such as the growing acceptance of cannabis for medicinal purposes, the increasing popularity of edibles, and the rising demand for cannabis-infused beverages.”² For example, many consumers have begun viewing cannabis beverages as a better-for-you alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.

Plus, let’s not forget that cannabis-infused food and beverage products can be just plain FUN. Brands can experiment with flavors and textures that make them appealing to all cannabis consumers.

For example, infused cannabis beverage sales almost always spike during the holidays when there is an abundance of social gatherings. Headset Data Analyst Mitchell Laferla explained to MJBizDaily, "In 2024, the Beverage category saw the largest spike in total sales across all categories on 4/20, 4th of July, and Labor Day.”³

From infused cooking products like oils and sugar to on-the-go snacks or even drinkables like shots, non-inhalable cannabis products are in demand. BDSA even noted that “The growth of Shots has been especially strong, with dollar sales of Shots almost doubling between Q2 2023 and Q2 2024, totaling $6.7 million in Q2 2024.”⁴

Brands Can Expand Product Portfolios with Turnkey Flavors & Aromas

Established brands who want to expand offerings with non-inhalable products can take the flavors and aromas of their current products and use them in multiple applications. For example, the flavor of a top-selling vape can be used in gummies, beverages, or even personal care products like bath bombs.

This strategy is valuable for several reasons. Not only can this appeal to new customers, but the continuity of flavors and aromas across product types can solidify brand recognition and encourage interest from consumers who already enjoy these flavors and aromas in other products. 

Additionally, turnkey flavors and aromas allow manufacturers to quickly infuse products without the endless back-and-forth that sometimes comes with formulating flavors for new products. This type of efficiency is cost-effective and allows brands to quickly get products on the shelf. 

Custom Flavors Give Non-Inhalable Cannabis Products Competitive Edge

The speed with which cannabis trends come and go can give product developers a severe case of whiplash. Part of this is due to the innate volatility of the industry (legalization, unexpected regulatory changes, etc.), but it’s also because the legal industry is still young. There’s so much room for innovation and experimentation, and that goes for consumers and manufacturers.

Cannabis consumers are already incredibly diverse. Between longtime connoisseurs and brand-new consumers, demand exists for many product types and a wide variety of flavors and aromas. From gas-forward savory edibles that authentically recreate the aromatic profiles of specific cultivars to fruity and floral gummies that might not taste like cannabis whatsoever.

Recent breakthroughs in cannabis aroma science have led to product innovations that allow consumers to experience cannabis in entirely new ways. While this is an exciting time for the industry, designing products that help brands stand out from increasing competition is vital. 

This is where custom flavor formulations come into play. Custom flavor formulations immediately differentiate brands from their competition. It’s an opportunity to create perfectly tailored, exclusive flavors that customers will remember and return for. 

Plus, when brands have custom flavors designed by Abstrax Tech, they’ll have it exclusively for life. That means they can stake their claim and feel comfortable knowing their business is the only one in the world with that custom formulation.

Ready to create your custom terpene formulation? Click here to get started!

Abstrax Tech | Flavor and Aroma Solutions for Non-Inhalable Cannabis Products

At Abstrax Tech, we know how quickly cannabis trends can reshape the market. Whether non-inhalable cannabis products or specific flavors and aromas, we conduct industry-leading, peer-reviewed research to facilitate a stronger industry that gives manufacturers access to the necessary ingredients. 

Have questions about applying your signature vape aromas to other product types? Want to develop a custom flavor formulation? Contact us today, and let’s get started.

1. Insights Into the State of the U.S. Cannabis Industry Fall 2024. LeafLink. (2024, November 7). https://www.leaflink.com/ll-resources/insights-into-the-state-of-the-u-s-cannabis-industry-fall-2024 
2. Cannabis-Infused Edible Products Market Analysis - US, Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Croatia - Size and Forecast 2024-2028. TechNavio. (2024, July). https://www.technavio.com/report/cannabis-infused-edible-products-market-industry-analysis
3. Casacchia, C. (2024, November 8). Infused Beverages Lead Election Day Marijuana Product Sales Spike. MJBizDaily. https://mjbizdaily.com/infused-beverages-lead-marijuana-product-sales-spike-on-election-day/
4. 2024 Cannabis Beverage Market: BDSA Insights of Emerging Trends & Top Brands. BDSA. (2024, August 7). https://bdsa.com/cannabis-beverages-insights-trends/

Formulate Non-Inhalable Cannabis Products with Trending Flavors and Aromas

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Revel in the next evolution of botanical aromatics with bright petroleum-fueled Orange Apricot. Tropicannasulfurs create an exhilarating medley of Tangie-forward citrus with deafeningly loud notes of sweet gas. Welcome to the future.

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Out of the tens of thousands of cultivars we’ve analyzed, Bacio Gelato reigns supreme as the gassiest strain ever measured. Created in partnership with Mario Guzman of Sherbinskis, this is the world’s only authentic and official Gelato terpene profile.

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Frosted Sugar Plum has a candy-coated quality that feels like it came straight from Santa’s sweet shop. One taste of this tangy, juicy stone fruit will have you dreaming of Nutcracker princes and dancing sugary confections.