Top 5 Fastest-Growing Trends in the Cannabis Industry
As more states legalize cannabis and more dispensaries open, it’s clear that the cannabis industry is booming. With this growth come new trends, some of which you might not even be aware of, as reported by Salar Media Group and Civilized. Here are the top five fastest-growing trends in the cannabis industry:
1. It’s All About Science
In 2015 alone, around 22,000 studies on cannabis were published, showing that cannabis is pushing the boundaries of science. The first research institution in the U.S. dedicated to cannabis studies opened last year. The trend is that cannabis is increasingly being viewed as a medicine with specific benefits and applications for certain illnesses. Research in this area is expected to continue in the coming years.
2. Green Practices
There are ongoing debates about how cultivation methods and the environment affect the effects of cannabis. California passed the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, which includes requirements for water usage and bans the use of volatile and toxic solvents in cannabis product preparation. The report praised Humboldt’s Finest—a growers’ alliance in Humboldt County, California—for using “rainwater and sunlight cultivation techniques.”
3. Intellectual Property
Advances in cannabis genetics and intellectual property are being capitalized on by companies to produce more consistent products. The main focus is on combining functional research and molecular modeling to improve scientists’ understanding of the molecular basis of CBD’s physiological functions.
4. Craft Cannabis
Just like craft brewers, cannabis growers are releasing special strains in limited quantities for the most discerning customers. Humboldt County in California is becoming a unique region, much like the Champagne region in France, which gave its name to the famous sparkling wine. Premium cannabis brands have a bright future—just look at the success of Leaf’s by Snoop, Willie’s Reserve, and Chong’s Choice.
5. High-End Experiences
There’s always a market for those seeking the very best. In the cannabis industry, this means gold rolling papers, high-tech dispensaries, and top-quality flower. The report notes that cannabis brands are “following the path of alcohol brands, creating more expensive tequilas, dark liquors, vodkas, and sakes.”
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