Cannabis — the unique and controversial plant of our time. Over the last few years, there has been a sudden boom in the cannabis industry. Hence, more research efforts are being made to understand the full benefits of cannabis.
Since 2019, there have been several factors and occurrences that paved the way for breaking the taboo surrounding cannabis.
Gray Area of Legalization
The legalization of medicinal cannabis was a big step for the cannabis industry as it continues to support multipurpose consumption without restrictions. According to the 2018 midterm elections in the US, cannabis has been legalized for medical purposes in 33 states, while 11 of them and the District of Columbia have legalized it for recreational use.
However, the line between recreational and medicinal cannabis use is still a gray area, and this line is continuously thinning. For this, we can give thanks to cannabis trends evolving with the release of edibles, beverages, topicals, etc.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the non-psychoactive relative of THC and the main reason cannabis is penetrating the commercial market. Up until recently, the difference between the two had been insufficiently explored, and even today, the exact mechanisms of why they work the way they do are not fully understood.
Historically, both used to be associated with the negative effects of cannabis, but as the plant becomes increasingly popular, more people realize the incredible benefits of ingestible CBD oil.
Drinkable Cannabis
Cannabis edibles are a common alternative for smoking, but have you heard of its drinkable form? Hemp beverages are sprouting up in the market, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. That might be the change we need for the cannabis industry to flourish within the next few years.
The Internet
The internet has always been a way to bring people closer together. That is also the case with cannabis as it breaks the boundaries of location. With the rise of online shopping, it is possible for consumers to obtain high-quality cannabis products from any location.
Online shopping is even considered a preferred option as it is easier to browse, and you can have your items delivered to you wherever you are. Cannabis enthusiasts can even go the extra mile in ordering cannabis seeds and grow their very own plant at home.
Breaking the Taboo
Cannabis has a bad reputation because it has been considered as a harmful and addictive drug for a long time. However, this is slowly changing due to more research on the benefits and effects of the plant. We are slowly breaking this taboo by incorporating cannabis into mainstream social gatherings.
By this, we mean cannabis-themed establishments like cafes, restaurants, and cannabis-friendly gatherings in general. That has a direct impact on people and their understanding of cannabis.
It is also believed that the expansion of cannabis will reduce tobacco consumption eventually.
Multi-State Operators
The next step for cannabis would be to emerge in the global distribution channel. With the increasing number of companies that choose to be multi-states operators, this is becoming more than just a possibility. For example, Halo Labs Inc. is successfully operating several product brands of extract-based products in several markets, including Oregon, Nevada, and California.
Conclusion
Cannabis still remains illegal under US federal law, but the situation is quickly changing. In 2018 and 2019, the cannabis industry witnessed massive improvements in cultivation techniques, distribution channels, better market access, and shiny opportunities in various new sectors.
The evolution of the cannabis industry looks very promising, and it seems that 2020 will be a big year for its legalization.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.