The Future of Cannabis: 7 Trends to Watch in the Coming Years

I think most industry professionals would probably agree that the future of cannabis is bright. For the past few years, our industry has been advancing at a rate that would have been unheard of before the turn of the century. With a multitude of new products, changes in regulations, and mounting cannabis trends around every corner, our tumultuous industry is undoubtedly heading in the right direction. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting marijuana trends to keep an eye on in the coming years.

1. Expanded Legalization

As more countries and regions explore cannabis legalization, the industry is continuing to grow beyond North America. In Europe, countries like Germany, the UK, and Australia are continuing to expand their cannabis markets. In the United States, cannabis remains federally illegal, but there is a growing movement toward federal legalization. As public opinion shifts and states expand medical and recreational legalization, federal policy changes may happen sooner rather than later.

2. More Mainstream Acceptance

Cannabis has demonstrated that it will continue to shed its stigma and become more accepted as part of everyday life. In US legal states, we’re seeing an increase in mainstream retailers, food and beverage companies, and even luxury brands incorporating cannabis into their offerings. Remember back in the early 2000s, when there were no cannabis dispensaries in Illinois? Well now, 20+ years later, I drive past multiple dispensaries in Illinois on my way to work every single day!

3. Innovation in Consumption Methods

Not so long ago, we cannabis connoisseurs didn’t have too many options when it came to weed. But now, in the modern age of cannabis, vaping, edibles, tinctures, and topicals are gaining popularity. Plus, it seems like new consumption methods are always popping up. Volcano vaporizers and cannabis-infused beverages, for example, are both relatively young products. It seems that as consumers become more health-conscious, products that avoid the harms of smoking are growing in demand. Expect to see more and more cannabis-infused beverages, chocolates, skincare products, and a variety of unique edibles that are going to appeal to a new category of consumers.

4. Scientific Advancements

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, there will be a major increase in scientific studies aimed at understanding the plant's full potential. Newer cannabinoids like CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) are attracting attention for their potential health benefits. As more research is conducted, we may see a greater focus on these lesser-known compounds.

5. Sustainability and Green Practices

As environmental concerns continue to rise, cannabis producers will increasingly focus on sustainable practices. This may include organic farming, water conservation, and reducing carbon footprints. The use of artificial intelligence and automation in cannabis cultivation is also increasing. These technologies can help optimize plant growth, reduce labor costs, and improve yield quality. On another note, there’s a push towards eco-friendly packaging in the cannabis industry, as consumers become more conscious about the environmental impact of single-use plastics. Brands that adopt sustainable packaging solutions will be favored.

6. Health and Wellness Focus

With more research on the medicinal properties of cannabis, the pharmaceutical industry could see a shift toward cannabinoid-based medications to treat certain medical conditions. For conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and arthritis, cannabis is a popular topic of conversation to treat the symptoms and help victims on the path toward recovery. Many consumers are also using CBD and other cannabinoids for their potential therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and better sleep. 

7. Cannabis Tourism

In regions where cannabis is legal, cannabis tourism is on the rise. This refers to the practice of traveling to locations where cannabis is legal, with the intent of enjoying local cannabis-related activities. These cannabis-related experiences can be anything from tours of cultivation facilities to wellness retreats and cannabis festivals. As more countries, states, and regions legalize cannabis, especially for recreational use, more people have the opportunity to experience cannabis in a legal and safe environment. This has opened up new markets for cannabis tourism in Illinois and other legal states.

As you can see, the future of cannabis is exciting! With several key trends emerging in our evolving industry, it’s hard to predict what the next big cannabis trend is going to be. With growing acceptance around the world and increased innovations in markets we never would have anticipated, I think it’s safe to say that now is a great time to be a stoner!

What are your thoughts on the future of cannabis? Hit me up on social media, and let’s spark up a conversation about it.