With the summer temperature rising, so does consumer interest in fresh, clean, and vibrant vaping experiences. Cannabis consumers are gravitating toward brands and flavor profiles that evoke sun, transportive vibes, and smooth draws. From disposables to cartridge systems, certain names and flavor families have become favorites—and their appeal reveals deeper patterns in consumer behavior.
Brand Momentum: Who’s Getting Pulled Off the Shelf
Several vape brands stand out in 2024, either because of their legacy, extraction purity, or ability to ride the disposable trend wave:
- Select continues to be a top-performing brand in key legal markets.
- Mfused is frequently spotlighted for its tropical, live-resin disposables like “Maui Pineapple.”
- Koi is carving out space among premium disposables with heavy THCA content and flavor-forward design.
- Dime Industries is another disposable-focused name rising in local markets, often on lists of best-selling devices.
- On the cartridge side, Raw Garden retains strong brand equity in markets like California thanks to its emphasis on purity, plant-forward extraction, and consistent performance.
Consumers are favoring brands that offer a balance: potency without harshness, flavor without masking the cannabis character, and convenience (especially in warmer weather). The disposable format remains strong—especially for flavored or fruit-forward profiles—because the minimal maintenance and portability match seasonal usage patterns. In early 2024, among the top 20 best-selling disposable products, nearly half were marketed as fruit- or blend-flavored.
Flavor Trends: Which Profiles Are Leading
It isn’t just the brand that matters—flavor (and strain identity) is fueling much of the conversational buzz and sales lift. Several strains and terpene-forward names dominate consumer wishlists:
- Pineapple Express is still a go-to, thanks to its bright, tropical character.
- Gelato (Gelato 33, etc.) and Wedding Cake show that dessert-adjacent strains remain beloved.
- Blue Dream and Zkittlez round out the cluster of fruity-berry and crossbreeds that offer a familiar sweetness layered with cannabis nuance.
- On the lighter, summery end, many disposable and blend products lean into citrus, tropical, or “sunshine fruit blend” style names—Maui Pineapple being a standout.
- There’s a balancing act: pure botanical/terpene-forward flavors that don’t obscure cannabinoids, rather than overwhelming candy or synthetic overlays.
These flavor preferences align with what consumers tend to want in hotter months: refreshing, uplifting, fast-acting—but still true to the cannabis experience.
Why These Picks Resonate in Summer
- Low maintenance + portability
When temps climb, fewer consumers want to fuss with coils, refills, or cleaning. Disposables and sealed cartridges dominate summer racks because of their ease of use. - Sensory appeal & “refreshing” profiles
A tropical pineapple or citrus-leaning blend “feels lighter” on days when heavier smoke or dense extracts feel oppressive. Flavors that evoke summer vibes create an emotional connection. - Brand trust matters more than ever
In a market still contending with inconsistent supply and extraction quality, brands that establish reliability, lab transparency, and consistency get repeat purchases. The fact that many consumers name their favorite cart brands (e.g. “Mkx, Mitten Extracts, Errl King, Hype, Platinum Vapes”) in forums shows word-of-mouth still holds real weight. - Regulatory awareness & safer formulations
Savvy consumers are paying attention to purity, residuals, and extraction technique more than ever. That makes brands with a reputation for clean distillates, live resin or terpene-rich formulation, and third-party testing more attractive—even if they carry premium pricing. - Strain identity still sells
Unlike many nicotine vape markets (where generic fruit/candy names dominate), cannabis consumers often want a recognizable strain—in part for effect expectations, and in part for brand storytelling. So when a flavor is “Pineapple Express” or “Wedding Cake,” it’s not just a taste claim—it’s a promise of a particular experience.
What to Watch
- As some states adopt stricter flavor bans (especially on kid-friendly or non-menthol flavors), the disposable fruit-blend space could face regulatory pushback.
- Innovation in terpene-forward, “gourmet” carts may deepen, with consumers demanding more nuanced flavor layering.
- Seasonal fashions often shift: autumn may bring deeper, dessert or spice-based flavors. But for summer 2024, the trend was clear—light, tropical, recognizable, and backed by trustworthy brands.
In short, summers top vape brands and flavors reflect how consumers want their cannabis experience—effortless, flavorful, and aligned with the mood of the season.