These Are the Top Five Emerging Trends in the Cannabis Industry

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A new report on the cannabis industry has identified several emerging trends as more states boldly ignore the federal government and push forward with legalization.

The report from Salar Media Group and Civilized Media Group identified five key trends that have evolved from the industry and what they mean for future markets. The first and most important is that cannabis legalization has pushed the frontiers of science.

A new report on the cannabis industry has identified several emerging trends as more states boldly ignore the federal government and push forward with legalization. Massachusetts is the most recent state to begin establishing a legal market for adult use marijuana. Governor Charlie Baker, who was not on board with legalization, finally capitulated to the will of the voters and has agreed to sign on the new regulations.

The report from Salar Media Group and Civilized Media Group identified five key trends that have evolved from the industry and what they mean for future markets. The first and most important is that cannabis legalization has pushed the frontiers of science. The report noted that as of 2015, there are roughly 22,000 published studies on cannabis. Last year, the first U.S. research institution was created to specifically focus on cannabis research. “The trend here is that cannabis is now being treated as a medicine with specific benefits and applications to specific diseases. This research will only continue to expand in the years ahead.”

Secondly, the cultivation of cannabis is leading to a greater stress on water and sustainability practices in agriculture. California passed the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act last year that contained requirements for water usage and prohibits the use of volatile or poisonous solvents in cannabis preparations. The report specifically calls out Humboldt’s Finest, an alliance of cannabis growers based in Humboldt County in California for following “a rain grown, sun grown cultivation technique that collects rainwater and storm runoff” to be used for watering the plants versus relying mostly on ground water.

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