Nearly Three in Four Consumers Are Very Concerned About Pesticides in Cannabis as Home Grow Support Remains Strong, New Survey Data Reveals

Poll Findings Include Preference for Cannabis Over Alcohol, Especially Among Younger Consumers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Royal Queen Seeds (RQS) has just released its third annual homegrown survey, and the data overwhelmingly shows that while consumers differ in how and why they use cannabis, concerns about pesticides and product transparency are consistent across all demographics. As cannabis consumption steadily rises, nearly three in four cannabis consumers (72%) say they are very concerned about pesticides in their cannabis products.

This survey was conducted online, among U.S. adults ages 21+, by The Harris Poll on behalf of RQS, one of the world's largest cannabis seed banks, and additionally found that two-thirds of cannabis consumers (67%) say they would choose cannabis grown without pesticides even if it has lower THC — showing a preference for quality and safety over potency.

This prioritization may be unsurprising, given a recent slew of pesticide scandals in the regulated cannabis market. In the survey, 65% of cannabis consumers say recent press coverage of cannabis topics has made them more likely to want to grow cannabis at home versus buy it.

“Consumers today are more informed and more intentional about what they put into their bodies,” said Shai Ramsahai, President of Royal Queen Seeds. “Blindly buying products just because of a high THC percentage is a fading trend. People want cannabis they can trust, and many are turning to home cultivation to take control over quality and safety.”

For many, growing at home offers a direct way to control quality and ensure a clean product and interest in home cultivation is rising alongside these concerns, with 3 out of 5 Americans aged 21+ (61%) supporting the legal right to grow the plant at home. The survey also found there is a preference for cannabis over alcohol among cannabis users, along with some insights for why Americans use cannabis.

Other Impactful Insights Include:

• More Americans aged 21+ are consuming cannabis now than were doing so two years ago (43% up from 39% in 2024).
• More than 3 in 4 cannabis consumers (76%) agree they prefer the “high” of cannabis over the “buzz” of alcohol.
  • For Gen-Z consumers (those aged 21-34), 81% agree with this.
• Only 23% of consumers say they use cannabis for enjoyment only, the remainder cite at least some health/wellness benefits.
• 39% of Americans aged 21+ (68% of cannabis users) say they would be more impressed if someone brought home-grown weed to a dinner party than a bottle of expensive wine.
• Men are more likely to consume cannabis than women (47% vs. 38%).

More details can be found on the Royal Queens Seeds website here.

Survey Method

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Royal Queen Seeds from March 17-19, 2026, among 2,017 adults ages 21 and older, among whom 851 are cannabis consumers (i.e., ever consume cannabis). The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [e-mail].

About Royal Queen Seeds

Established in 2007 in Amsterdam, Royal Queen Seeds (RQS) is the market leader at the forefront of the global cannabis genetics industry, recently recognized as “Best Seedbank of the Year” at The International Cannabis Awards. Driven by an inherent passion for the plant, RQS meticulously tests each seed for germination, vigor, yield and both recreational and medical efficacy. This dedication, combined with relentless research and development, allows RQS to pioneer and anticipate market trends while delivering top-tier genetics curated by its team of biologists.

The company is also a respected cannabis educator that offers comprehensive grow guides, resources and instruction for cultivators. It has developed an extensive range of modern genetics — including autoflowering and proprietary F1 hybrids — that cater to the varied needs of contemporary growers at every skill level, from hobbyists to professionals.

Multiple Cannabis Cup victories and prestigious "Best Seed Bank'' awards speak to the company’s outstanding breeding and innovation. RQS operates online in Germany, the United Kingdom, U.S., and over 20 countries across Europe. Headquartered in Barcelona, brick and mortar locations can be found in Amsterdam and Durban (South Africa). Learn more at www.royalqueenseeds.com.