The cannabis vape market continues to be one of the most dynamic segments of the legal cannabis industry, consistently representing the second-largest product category by sales across the United States. As we move through 2025, regional preferences and market dynamics are shaping which products dominate in each state, revealing fascinating insights about consumer behavior, pricing strategies, and brand loyalty.
Vape pen sales in the United States reached $4.3 billion in 2023, and industry analysts project that 2024 sales likely surpassed the $5 billion mark. According to market analysts at Headset, vape pen sales represent about 19–27 percent of total sales in legal markets across the country. While flower remains the dominant category, vapes have carved out a substantial and growing market share that shows no signs of slowing.
The appeal is clear: vapes offer convenience, discretion, and immediate effects without the combustion associated with traditional smoking. For consumers ranging from medical patients seeking precise dosing to recreational users wanting portability, cannabis vapes have become an essential product category.
California, the nation's largest cannabis market, presents a fascinating case study in brand dominance. In California, Stiiizy's $20-per-gram pods dominate the market with nine of the ten top-selling products. This near-monopoly on the top-ten list demonstrates the power of brand recognition, competitive pricing, and consistent quality in the world's most competitive cannabis market.
Beyond Stiiizy, California's vape scene features several other notable performers. According to Headset.io, by 2025, Jetty Extracts had annual sales of its products in calendar year 2025 in California of approximately $38.8 million, making them a strong number-five player in the market. Other significant brands include Gramlin, which generated approximately $52.5 million in sales, and newer entrants like Turn and ColdFire Extracts, each bringing in close to $29 million annually.
The California market is characterized by hybrid strains and prices typically ranging from $17-45 per gram, offering options for both budget-conscious consumers and premium product seekers. Hybrid strains are usually used in best-sellers to have balanced highs, and the prices are usually between $17-45 per gram to attract both low-income and high-end buyers.
While California showcases one brand's dominance, Colorado tells a similar story with a different protagonist. In Colorado, Spherex's $15-per-gram pods likewise hold all but one of the top ten spots. This pricing strategy positions Spherex as a value leader in the Colorado market, offering quality products at accessible price points that resonate with local consumers.
The Colorado market has long been known for its mature consumer base and competitive landscape, making Spherex's achievement all the more impressive. Their success demonstrates that in established markets, consumers often prioritize reliability and value over constant experimentation with new brands.
Unlike the brand-dominated landscapes of California and Colorado, Illinois presents a more fragmented and competitive market. In Illinois, multiple brands including Good News, Redbud Roots, &Shine, Simply Herb AiroPro, and Savvy are jockeying for the top of the state's top-ten list. This diversity reflects Illinois's relatively newer adult-use market, where brand loyalty hasn't yet solidified to the degree seen in more mature markets.
Illinois's competitive landscape creates opportunities for both multi-state operators and local brands to capture market share. The ongoing battle for dominance means consumers benefit from innovation, competitive pricing, and a wider variety of product options as brands work to differentiate themselves.
Michigan, the second-largest market by sales, reported $2.4 billion through September, showing robust growth in the vape category. Vape pens at $48 million for December alone demonstrate the category's strength in this market.
While multi-state operator Stiiizy is also a leader in Michigan, leading vapes and pre-rolls are produced by Stiiizy, Jeeter, Ozone (Ascend), and High Supply (Cresco). The Michigan market showcases how established brands from other states can successfully expand their footprint while competing with strong regional players.
New York's cannabis market is still in its early stages, but it's already showing distinctive characteristics. In New York, consumers spend more than $60 per gram for premium cannabis vape products, reflecting both the newness of the market and the higher operating costs in the state.
The New York market features a mix of established national brands and local producers. Brands like Ayrloom, which has roots in local agriculture, and multi-state operators like Rove are competing for market share in this emerging but rapidly growing market.
Massachusetts represents a mature East Coast market with steady performance. Simply Herb and Crude Boys sold leading vapes in the state, demonstrating the success of brands that focus on quality and consistency.
The Massachusetts market benefits from a well-established regulatory framework and a consumer base that's increasingly sophisticated in their preferences. This maturity allows both local brands and multi-state operators to thrive when they deliver quality products.
While cartridge-based systems dominate the top-selling cannabis vapes by state, there's growing interest in more advanced vaping technology, particularly box vape systems. These devices offer several advantages for serious cannabis consumers who want maximum control over their vaping experience.
Box vape systems, also known as vape mods, provide users with customizable settings including adjustable wattage, voltage control, and temperature precision. Unlike standard pen-style vaporizers, box vapes typically feature larger battery capacities, digital displays, and compatibility with multiple cartridge types and concentrates.
For cannabis enthusiasts, box vape systems offer the ability to fine-tune their experience. Generally speaking, the higher the wattage, the higher the vapor production. To create dense clouds of vapor with cannabis concentrates, a box mod should at least put out about 150 watts. This level of control appeals to connoisseurs who want to optimize flavor profiles and vapor production based on specific strains or concentrate types.
Popular box vape options for cannabis consumers include devices with universal 510-thread compatibility, allowing users to swap between different cartridge brands and styles. The Yocan UNI series, for example, has become popular among cannabis users for its adjustable cartridge sizing, voltage control, and compact design that bridges the gap between portability and performance.
However, box vape systems do come with a steeper learning curve than standard vape pens. Understanding the relationship between wattage, ohms, and voltage requires more knowledge than simply charging and using a pre-filled cartridge. If you're looking for a "set it and forget it" experience, vape mods might be too advanced for you. If you prefer to be in control of all aspects of your session, though, they could be the perfect device.
Several key trends are influencing which cannabis vapes are succeeding across different states:
Live Resin and Rosin Products: Consumers are increasingly seeking products that preserve the full terpene profile of the cannabis plant. Live resin and rosin vapes command premium prices but are seeing strong growth among experienced consumers who prioritize flavor and effect profiles.
Technology Innovation: The CCELL 3.0 MixJoy, which will debut in April, is an all-in-one vape with two oil reservoirs, allowing for two strains or unique mixtures of cannabinoids and terpenes in one disposable product. Such innovations are pushing the category forward by offering new consumption experiences.
Cooler Vapor Technology: Manufacturers are focusing on delivering smoother hits. According to the manufacturer, the new heating technology provides a "true-to-plant" flavor without any hint of burning or leaking, addressing one of consumers' primary concerns about vape quality.
Safety and Testing: In response to concerns about vape safety, top-selling brands across all states emphasize third-party lab testing, quality control, and transparency about ingredients. Consumers are increasingly savvy about seeking out products with verified testing results.
Price points vary dramatically across states, influenced by taxation, competition, and market maturity:
These pricing variations demonstrate how local market conditions, regulatory environments, and consumer demographics shape product positioning and success.
Analyzing the top-selling cannabis vapes by state reveals several factors that drive brand success:
Consistency: Brands that deliver reliable experiences across batches build loyal customer bases. Whether it's Stiiizy in California or Spherex in Colorado, consistency in quality, potency, and flavor drives repeat purchases.
Price-to-Value Ratio: Success isn't just about being the cheapest or the most premium. Brands that nail the right price point for their target market while delivering quality see the strongest performance.
Distribution Network: Multi-state operators like Stiiizy and Jeeter benefit from established distribution channels and brand recognition, allowing them to capture significant market share in new states quickly.
Innovation: While consistency matters, brands that push innovation in extraction methods, hardware technology, or strain selection capture attention and trial among curious consumers.
Local Relevance: In emerging markets like Illinois and New York, brands that connect with local culture and values can compete effectively against established national players.
As we look ahead, several developments will likely shape the future of cannabis vape markets:
Market Consolidation: While Illinois currently shows a fragmented market, we may see consolidation as stronger brands establish dominance, similar to patterns in California and Colorado.
East Coast Expansion: As markets like New York, New Jersey, and Maryland mature, we'll likely see pricing come down and competition increase, creating opportunities for both national brands and regional players.
Hardware Evolution: Continued innovation in vaping technology, from anti-clog features to improved battery life, will differentiate premium products from budget options.
Regulatory Harmonization: As more states legalize and federal policy potentially evolves, we may see more consistency in testing standards, packaging requirements, and taxation, which could benefit multi-state operators.
Consumer Education: As consumers become more sophisticated, demand will likely increase for strain-specific products, full-spectrum extracts, and transparent testing information.
For consumers navigating the diverse landscape of cannabis vapes, several factors should guide purchasing decisions:
Start with Reputable Brands: In any state, beginning with brands that dominate the top-ten lists offers a safer entry point, as these products have proven their quality and consistency.
Consider Your Usage Pattern: Casual users may prefer the simplicity of standard vape pens, while heavy users or connoisseurs might benefit from investing in box vape systems that offer more control and potentially better value over time.
Verify Testing: Regardless of price point or brand popularity, always look for products with complete lab testing results showing cannabinoid profiles, terpene content, and verification that the product is free from contaminants.
Match Device to Product: Ensure your battery or box vape system is compatible with your chosen cartridges. Most products use 510-thread connections, but cartridge dimensions and resistance levels can vary.
Factor in Total Cost: While per-gram pricing matters, also consider hardware costs (for systems requiring separate batteries), replacement part needs, and how long products last with your usage patterns.
The landscape of top-selling cannabis vapes by state reveals a dynamic, evolving market shaped by regional preferences, pricing strategies, and technological innovation. From Stiiizy's dominance in California to the competitive battleground of Illinois, each market tells a unique story about consumer behavior and brand positioning.
Whether consumers choose standard cartridge systems from established brands or invest in box vape setups for maximum customization, the cannabis vape market offers something for every preference and budget. As markets mature and technology advances, we can expect continued innovation, competitive pricing, and increasingly sophisticated products that deliver the quality and experience today's cannabis consumers demand.
The key for consumers is to stay informed, start with reputable brands, and don't hesitate to explore new products as the market evolves. For industry watchers, tracking these state-by-state trends provides valuable insights into where the cannabis industry is heading and which strategies drive success in this rapidly growing sector.