Global Cannabis Food and Beverage Market Projected to Hit $2.82 Billion by 2026

According to a recent report by the Chinese market analytics firm Facts & Factors, the global market for food and beverages containing cannabinoid extracts or hemp plant fragments is expected to generate an annual net profit of $2.82 billion by early 2026. Experts believe that the market will continue to grow in the foreseeable future, driven by sustained public demand for such products.

It is important to note that the report focused exclusively on the non-psychoactive segment of cannabis products—specifically, foods and drinks containing less than 0.3% THC, in line with international standards.

North America Leads Market Growth

The report highlights North America, particularly Canada and the United States, as the primary growth center for this industry segment. In these countries, hemp-derived products can be distributed freely with minimal regulations and restrictions. Other promising markets, according to Chinese experts, include European countries and nations in East and Southeast Asia, where recent reforms have aimed to legalize and normalize the use of such products.

Impressive Growth Rate Outpaces Other Industries

Overall, the report states that the average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for cannabis-infused foods and beverages is 26.6%, making this segment potentially the most profitable in terms of global growth within the industry. This growth rate is particularly impressive when compared to projections for other markets: for example, the video game industry has a CAGR of 12.9%, while smartphones, the next highest global product, have a CAGR of just 5%.

In other words, all indicators suggest that the cannabis food and beverage market is highly attractive for investment, both in the short and long term.