Worldwide sales of legal cannabis re-accelerated in 2019, growing nearly 46% to almost $15 billion. The increase represents the largest yearly sales gain since Colorado launched adult-use sales in January, 2014. The growth is further magnified when compared to 2018, which only saw 17% growth.
Like many exhibitors and presenters at MJBizCon, we came away from the event invigorated by the hundreds of conversations we had with current & prospective clients. The exhibition floor was bustling, and the questions posed to us throughout the 3-day event certainly reaffirms what we already know: the industry is GROWING – but the where, who & how is still very much TBD.
The latest Cannabis Intelligence Briefing from Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics: CBD: Cannabidiol Escapes the Dispensary details CBD’s move from legal cannabis dispensaries to the general retail market. At present, the bulk (65%) of the $1.9 billion in annual spending on CBD products in the U.S. takes place through licensed dispensaries in legal cannabis states.
Inspired by the Cannabis Intelligence Briefing Series Report:
How many products contain cannabis? Hundreds. Flower – of course – and pre-rolls. Vape pens and concentrates like shatter and Live Resin. Creams and massage oils. Chocolate chip cookies, coffee sodas, pills, strawberry taffy, powders for adding to hot tea or cold juice. Companies are rolling out myriad new products in pot-friendly states every week — it’s remarkable.
As more U.S. states move towards legalization, cannabis consumers are taking advantage of the unique opportunity to address medical needs through the available products at their local dispensaries. Though medical cannabis is generally not covered by most U.S. insurance plans, trends indicate increased use of cannabis as an alternative to more traditional forms of medication. Here are BDS Analytics' Top 5 Insights into the impact of legal cannabis sales on the over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drug channels:
