Governments soften regulations on cannabis

NEW YORK, April 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — As the cannabis industry has expanded, the methods of ingestion have also changed. Traditionally, most consumers smoked cannabis in the form of what is called “flower.” Now, cannabis can be obtained in various forms as extraction methods have evolved from a simple drying and curing process to using chemistry to produce cannabis concentrates and oils. Recently, cannabis is commonly being used for medicinal purposes; to treat applications such as cancer, migraines, and arthritis.

The medical benefits of cannabis have allowed the industry to grow rapidly over the past several years with Canada even legalizing cannabis entirely for both medical and recreational use just last year. Then, one month later, U.S. states Michigan, Missouri, and Utah legalized cannabis on some form, bringing the number of states with cannabis legislation to a total of 33, as well as the District of Columbia. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the U.S. Farm Bill into effect, allowing cultivators to grow hemp for commercial uses after decades of legal difficulty restricting the plant. Moreover, the continued research efforts conducted by major government organizations, such as the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Medicinal Cannabis, Health Canada, and the National Cannabis Industry Association, are providing positive data, linking cannabis to the successful treatment of certain medical applications.

Despite the positive data, however, countries abroad are still sluggish in their approach of legalization. On the other hand, Canada and the U.S. are already well-established markets, but they are still rapidly growing as the global market continues to mature. According to data compiled by IMARC Group, the legal North American legal cannabis market reached US 8 Billion in 2017. By 2023, the market is projected to reach USD 35 Billion, registering a CAGR of 28% from 2018 to 2023. AREV Brands International Ltd. (CSE: AREV), iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. (OTC: ITHUF) (CSE: IAN), The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (TSX-V: WTER), Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC: EMHTF) (TSX-V: EMH), The Supreme Cannabis Company (OTC: SPRWF) (TSX: FIRE)

The cannabis marketplace is hindered by a lack of research and development, which remains the biggest concern for both consumers and federal governments. Both parties want clean and safe products to prevent illness or even deaths that may result from tampered-with goods. According to the 2018 National Cannabis Survey, which documented the fourth quarter of cannabis use following Canada’s legalization, 76% of Canadians who purchased cannabis said that quality and safety was the number one concern. In total, approximately 15% of Canadians reportedly used cannabis in the fourth quarter, and nearly half of that group used cannabis for non-medical reasons exclusively. Canada has only legalized cannabis for several months now, but the survey noted that the 15% of Canadians who use cannabis will grow to 19% whether it is for medical or recreational purposes.

The propagation of cannabis legalization in recent years has now positioned the industry to become a major global marketplace. In particular, as the North American market continues to develop, the recreational market is expected to become the main global growth driver in the near future.

“Over the next 15 years, the cannabis industry will split between medical and recreational. There will be a small number of cannabis-derived medicines that have passed FDA drug trials by large pharmaceutical companies. There will also be a large number of recreational companies selling cannabis and cannabis derivatives in a highly regulated environment (similar to alcohol distribution),” said Jake Heimarket, Chief Executive Officer at Plus.

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Andrea Brown

As the Founder and Editor in Chief of Next News, Andrea Brown is focused on telling stories that are often overlooked. When she's not breaking the latest news, find her listening to the latest music, watching the latest film, or enjoying time with family and friends.