According to a study performed by Gallup in 2019, more than 12% of Americans are active marijuana users. As legalization continues to spread throughout North America and the rest of the world, these numbers are fit only to rise in the coming years.
The legalization of cannabis throughout the United States has led to major changes within the medical and recreational cannabis industry. Now a billion-dollar industry, legalization has driven the cannabis industry to entirely new heights as the market continues to solidify itself.
Let’s take a moment to briefly review the year that cannabis had in 2020 before exploring some cutting-edge trends and important pieces of news to focus on in 2021.
Quick Hitting Facts About Cannabis in 2020
While 2020 saw the COVID-19 pandemic rage throughout the world, causing a serious beating to the world’s economy, there was a silver lining to the cannabis industry. In the United States alone, recreational sales were on pace to eclipse the $15 billion mark, a 40% jump from the prior year.
Why did cannabis sales surge during COVID-19?
- Marijuana Businesses Were Deemed Essential by the Government
- 15 States Have Now Legalized Recreational Cannabis
- Including the District of Columbia
- Introduction Of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act
- Act Would Seek to Federally Legalize Cannabis
- 20+ States Have Legalized Medical Marijuana
As the world adjusts to life after COVID-19, due in large part to the proliferation of viable vaccines, the cannabis industry will seek to continue its rapid ascension. A poll introduced by Gallup would showcase approval for marijuana legalization at 68%, an all-time high.
With a solid 2020 in the rearview mirror, the cannabis industry is primed for a huge 2021.
Cannabis Trends to Watch in 2021
After earning an essential designation during the COVID-19 pandemic, cannabis has enjoyed a surge into new all-time high levels of popularity. Approved legalization in both red and blue markets showed the bipartisan approach that cannabis support has yielded. With federal legalization potentially on the horizon behind an MJ-friendly Biden Administration, there are potentially major improvements looking to come to the industry.
Cannabis Banking Reform Remains a Priority
Legalization at a federal level can turn the cannabis industry on its head in the best way possible by targeting cannabis banking reform. The Trump Administration led what could be considered one of the most anti-cannabis administrations in recent memory, running anti-cannabis leaders like Jeff Sessions and William Bar as the U.S. Attorney General.
A Democrat-led House of Representatives will look to tackle cannabis banking reform to better allow financial unions, banks, and credit unions to service marijuana companies in legalized regions.
United Nations Softens Approach to Cannabis
In addition to major steps forward in the United States, cannabis has enjoyed a boost in reputation abroad. The United Nations has since reclassified cannabis, dropping the drug into an entirely different tier. Support from the United Nations showcases a rapidly improved global outlook for the cannabis industry not just in Western countries, but also abroad.
States Continue to Fight for Legalization
While the United States saw a major improvement in the fight for cannabis legalization throughout 2020, the battle will continue into 2021. Despite not being an election year, there are more than a couple of states looking to push into the legalized cannabis sector. States like Virginia, under the leadership of Governor Ralph Northam (D), and New York are areas where cannabis has the potential to grow substantially with legalization around the corner.
Book a Medical Cannabis Consultation at All Greens Clinic
While the push for cannabis legalization at the federal level continues, many states are trying to get medicine to individuals through the use of their medical cannabis programs. Residents in the Sun City can head to All Greens Clinic to schedule a medical marijuana consultation with a friendly and educated staff member.
The certification process for a cannabis card is simple, requiring simple residency in the state of Arizona as well as a qualifying medical condition.
