Key Points
- Effective keyword research for cannabis content involves using tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, and SEMrush to find high-value, low-competition terms.
- Focus on local, long-tail keywords (e.g., “Denver CBD shop”) and understanding search intent are critical for ranking in the cannabis industry.
- Combine free and paid tools with manual analysis to uncover unique opportunities in a regulated, competitive market.
If you’re trying to rank your cannabis website on Google, there’s one skill you can’t afford to ignore: keyword research.
Whether you’re writing blogs, updating product pages, or optimizing dispensary landing pages, everything starts with understanding what your customers are actually searching for.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to do keyword research for the cannabis industry in 2025, which tools to use, what mistakes to avoid, and how to turn your research into traffic-driving content.
We’ll also give you a step-by-step checklist you can follow today—even if you’re starting from scratch.
TL;DR: Keyword research for cannabis SEO isn’t just about volume. It’s about finding relevant, intent-driven, and compliant keywords that bring in the right kind of traffic—and convert.
Why Keyword Research Matters in the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry is heavily regulated, which means you can’t always rely on paid ads.
Your content and organic traffic become your most powerful (and safest) marketing asset.
But here’s the catch: If you don’t use the right keywords, your content won’t be found—no matter how good it is.
Cannabis consumers are searching for:
- “Best edibles for anxiety”
- “CBD vs THC for pain”
- “Sativa strains that give energy”
- “Dispensary near me open now”
- “How to use a cannabis tincture”
If your blog or product page doesn’t include those terms and related phrases, you’re invisible to your audience.
Keyword research bridges the gap between what your audience wants and what you publish.
What Makes Cannabis Keyword Research Different?
Keyword research in the cannabis space requires a bit more care than in other industries.
- Regulatory Restrictions: Some platforms (like Google Ads) restrict cannabis terms—so finding organic opportunities is even more important.
- Changing Language: People use slang, medical terms, and regional phrases (weed, marijuana, flower, THC, etc.)—all of which affect how they search.
- Stigma & Privacy: Many users search with vague or discreet terms due to legal or social concerns. You need to anticipate this in your keyword targeting.
- Intent Sensitivity: “How to make edibles” has very different intent than “best edible brands California.” You must align your content accordingly.
Tools for Cannabis Keyword Research
Here are the best tools to uncover profitable cannabis-related keywords.
1. Google Search (Free)
- Use autocomplete to see what users are actually typing.
- Scroll down to “People Also Ask” and “Related Searches” for inspiration.
2. Google Trends (Free)
- Spot rising topics in cannabis (like “rosin” vs. “live resin”).
- Compare search terms over time and by location.
3. Ubersuggest (Free & Paid)
- Enter seed keywords and get search volume, SEO difficulty, and keyword ideas.
- Great for beginner-friendly cannabis keyword discovery.
4. Ahrefs / SEMrush / Moz (Paid)
- Premium tools for deep SEO research.
- Find competitor keywords, SERP analysis, and long-tail keyword suggestions.
5. Answer The Public (Free & Paid)
- Discover keyword questions people ask around a topic (like “Can CBD help with arthritis?”).
- Amazing for blog topic inspiration.
6. Reddit & Quora (Free)
- Real people asking real cannabis questions.
- Great for identifying “voice of the customer” and natural language queries.
7. Google Search Console (Free)
- See which keywords already bring traffic to your site.
- Uncover low-hanging fruit and improve what’s working.
Types Of Cannabis Keywords To Target
You’ll want to create a mix of keyword types in your content strategy.
| Type | Examples | Use In |
|---|---|---|
| Short-tail | cannabis, CBD oil, dispensary | Homepage, Category Pages |
| Long-tail | best CBD oil for sleep, how to make cannabis butter | Blog posts, Guides |
| Transactional | buy THC gummies, order weed online | Product Pages |
| Informational | what is CBN, benefits of indica vs sativa | Educational Blogs |
| Local | dispensary near me, weed store in Denver | Location Pages |
Keyword Intent: The Secret To SEO That Works
Don’t just chase high-volume terms. Instead, match keyword intent to your content type.
- Informational: “How to roll a joint” → Blog post
- Transactional: “Order CBD gummies online” → Product page
- Navigational: “Leafly reviews” → Comparison or review post
- Commercial Investigation: “Best dispensary in Los Angeles” → Location guide or review content
If you’re not aligning your content with why someone is searching, it won’t rank—or convert.
Keyword Research Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing keywords only based on volume
- Ignoring search intent
- Using terms your audience doesn’t actually use
- Stuffing keywords instead of writing naturally
- Targeting the same keyword across multiple pages
- Forgetting to localize (e.g., “CBD oil in Oregon”)
Step-by-Step Checklist: How to Do Keyword Research for Cannabis Content
Here’s a simple, repeatable process you can use today.
Keyword Research Checklist For Cannabis Content
- Define Your Goal
- Are you writing a blog post, optimizing a product page, or targeting local traffic?
- Start With a Seed Keyword
- Think like your customer (e.g., “CBD gummies” or “smell-proof stash box”).
- Use Tools to Expand
- Plug your seed into Ubersuggest, Google Autocomplete, and AnswerThePublic.
- Note keywords by search volume, difficulty, and intent.
- Analyze the SERP
- Google your keyword. See what content ranks—blog? product page? video?
- Check for Long-Tail Variants
- These are easier to rank and often indicate buyer or learning intent.
- Group by Topic Cluster
- Cluster keywords into themes (e.g., CBD, edibles, laws, health benefits).
- Pick Primary + Secondary Keywords
- Choose 1 main keyword per post + 3–5 supporting terms.
- Align With Content Format
- Blog for informational, product page for transactional, etc.
- Track Results
- Use Google Search Console or Ahrefs to monitor traffic and rankings.
- Update Quarterly
- Search behavior evolves—refresh your research and content every 3–6 months.
See also: Content-Length Vs. Quality: What Works For Cannabis SEO?
Real-Life Example: Let’s Do A Quick Walkthrough
Let’s say you want to write about cannabis edibles for anxiety.
- Seed keyword: cannabis edibles anxiety
- Long-tail variations: best edibles for anxiety, how much THC for anxiety, indica edibles sleep
- Intent: Informational and commercial
- Content format: Blog guide + internal links to product pages
- SERP check: Top results are blogs from brands + health sources
- Final focus keyword: “Best cannabis edibles for anxiety”
- Supporting terms: THC for anxiety, CBD gummies for stress, edible dosage for sleep
This is a perfect blog post opportunity to capture organic traffic and gently link to your product line.
See also: How To Write Cannabis Blog Posts That Rank In 2025
Final Thoughts: Keywords = Cannabis Content Fuel
In the cannabis space, keyword research isn’t just an SEO task—it’s a content strategy foundation.
When done right, it tells you.
- What your customers are searching for
- How to serve their needs
- Where your brand can show up and shine
Need help creating content built around the right keywords?
Check out our content SEO service to get expert keyword research, blog strategy, and SEO-optimized content tailored for the cannabis industry.