It wasn't all that long when the options available to cannabis users were slim to none. You were probably just smoking joints of whatever the local guy had at the time.
North Americans spent $9.2 billion on cannabis products in 2017. They are projected to spend roughly five times that in 2025.
Since the legalization boom, there has been an exponential growth in the industry. Here is our list of the top 10 trends in the cannabis world you should be following.
The Changing World of Weed: The Top 10 Trends to Follow
Although the local guy might still be around, it is certainly getting hard to keep up with all the products available at the dispensary. Did you know there is cannabis-infused kombucha? How does ordering pre-rolled joints from your phone sound?
1. The March Towards Legalization
Several countries are beginning to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. It is kind of amazing to think about how far we have come in such a short time.
At first, just the idea of medicinal marijuana was pretty groundbreaking. Now, the health benefits of cannabis are undisputed. In 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize cannabis.
2. The Blurred Line Between Medicinal and Recreational
For a long time, most cannabis users could either be defined as medicinal or recreational. There was always an ambiguous gray line between them.
Nowadays, however, the line is even more blurred and is almost nonexistent. Studies have shown that medicinal users also like to use recreationally. On the other hand, many people who have tried it for fun end up discovering its health benefits.
The way physicians use medical cannabis continues to evolve.
3. Cannabis Cola?
Every day, there are more and more cannabis products from which to choose. One of the latest and fastest-growing markets is that of cannabis-infused beverages.
From CBD-seltzers to teas, get your daily dose and stay hydrated at the same time.
Unfortunately, Canadian law prohibits alcoholic cannabis-infused beverages at the moment.
4. Dialing In on The Doses
Gone are the days when you would just eat a brownie and hope for the best, likely to end up asleep for two days straight. Now, we have the technology to dose cannabis just like any other medication.
An elderly Canadian man once suffered a heart attack after ingesting an unknown amount of edibles.
Many people like to know exactly how much of substance they are ingesting and now they can.
5. Get It Delivered
Who has time to go drive to a dispensary, wait in line, and then have to have social interactions with a stranger?
Forget waiting in lines! Now you can easily order cannabis products from the comfort of your home right to your front door.
Many Canadian companies have hopped on the trend already. You can get your cannabis delivered throughout most of the country.
6. CBDs For Days
Unless you live under a rock, you've probably noticed the CBD craze sweeping Canada. If you're interested in more information, there are plenty of investigations being done about this 'wonder drug'.
Also, there has been a recent boom in the production of hemp in Canada. This will lead to a nationwide increase in CBD oils. That means cheaper prices across the country.
7. Lower Prices
Although the prices of cannabis, like all products, tend to ebb and flow, experts believe mass cultivation is overall leading to lower prices. This is promising for people who use it daily.
The prices vary throughout the provinces but they should begin to decline.
8. Started from the Basement Now We Here
Any stigma about cannabis use that may have remained from the decades of smear campaigns is all but gone today. Social clubs, cafes, and other venues for public consumption are in the works in many major cities across Canada.
9. Cannabis Skin Care
The benefits of CBDs are not limited to mental health and appetite. Their anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat arthritis for general health and beauty.
How do you think Drake gets his signature glow?
10. Gummies Galore
Gummies containing CBD and/or THC are among the best-sold products in Canada and their popularity is only projected to grow.
Top flavors include watermelon, lemon, blackberry, and sour apple.
Eyes to the Future
The world of cannabis is rapidly changing and evolving, and Canada is leading the charge. From vapes to edibles and legal movements, it can be hard to keep up with everything.
We've got you covered for all the latest news and discoveries. Check out our articles on cannabis products as well as legal and financial solutions for small businesses in the industry.