Cannabis Market Flourishes Amid Global Legalization, Driving Concerns About Road Safety

FinancialBuzz.com News Commentary

Over the past decade, the cannabis market has undergone significant expansion, driven largely by a wave of legalization efforts across the United States and other parts of the world. As state and national governments reassess their legal stance on cannabis, both for medical and recreational use, the industry has seen a surge in legitimacy and economic interest. In the United States, a majority of states have legalized cannabis in some form, reflecting a shift in public opinion and an acknowledgement of the potential medical benefits and revenue generation opportunities. Globally, countries like Canada, Uruguay, and several European nations have moved towards more liberal cannabis policies, further propelling the market's growth. The financial implications of these legalization efforts are substantial and continue to evolve. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global legal cannabis market size was valued at USD 13.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.5% from 2022 to 2030. Cannabix Technologies Inc. (OTC: BLOZF) (CSE: BLO), Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON), Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC), Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB), Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (OTC: CURLF)

While the cannabis market demonstrates significant economic promise and potential for growth, concerns persist regarding its broader societal impacts, particularly in relation to public safety and health. One of the primary concerns is the correlation between cannabis use and impaired driving. Studies have shown that cannabis can significantly impair motor coordination, reaction times, and decision making, which are critical skills for safe driving. With the increase in cannabis accessibility and consumption following legalization, there is an urgent need for effective measures to mitigate these risks. This includes developing reliable roadside testing for cannabis impairment, public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, and clear legal frameworks to handle such offenses effectively.

Cannabix Technologies Inc. (OTC: BLOZF) (CSE: BLO), a developer of marijuana breathalyzer devices for law enforcement and the workplace just announced that, "it will be presenting at the International Association for Chemical Testing (IACT) conference in April. Cannabix's Dr. Bruce Goldberger Ph.D., will be presenting on Science & Technology Behind Cannabis Breath Testing and the Company's marijuana breathalyzer system at the conference workshop session. IACT is composed of governmental agency personnel involved in chemical testing related to traffic safety. IACT members are scientific and criminal justice professionals, including forensic scientists, regulatory inspectors, and law enforcement personnel with representatives from a majority of states and international members. IACT has standing committees to address various areas including legislation, training, new equipment and procedures and manufacturers of breath testing equipment.

The Cannabis Breath Testing workshop at IACT 2024 is designed to provide background information regarding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids in breath, present the current technology for collection devices from commercial vendors, and discuss the necessary laboratory workflows and analytical considerations when testing these samples.

Dr. Bruce Goldberger is a professor and the former Chief of the Forensic Medicine Division in the Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Florida. Dr. Goldberger served as Director of the University of Florida forensic toxicology laboratory for 30 years. Dr. Goldberger is the Principal Investigator of the Florida Drug-Related Outcomes Surveillance and Tracking System and Co-investigator of the National Drug Early Warning System. Dr. Goldberger is a consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Overdose Mortality Team, and the National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Vital Statistics. Dr. Goldberger is a consultant and senior advisor to Cannabix Technologies Inc."

Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) reported recently its first entry into the chocolate edibles category. Cronos' newest edible innovation was developed and designed by an expert team of culinary chefs, food scientists, and leaders in cannabis product development. The bite-sized Chocolate Fusions™ feature a dynamic, multi-texture experience, combining a soft and chewy center, crunch inclusions, and an outer layer of rich creamy chocolate that delivers a decadent sweet treat for adult cannabis consumers. "We are thrilled to bolster the recent successful launch of the Lord Jones® brand in Canada with our first chocolate edibles," said Jeff Jacobson, Chief Growth Officer, Cronos. "These hand-crafted and artfully created chocolates demonstrate our passion for delivering a differentiated experience through an innovative cannabis product that our consumers will love. This breakthrough innovation is the result of our continuous commitment to and investment in R&D and product development, and we're excited to add Chocolate Fusions™ to our growing family of premium and THC-focused Lord Jones® products in Canada, which are designed to take adult consumers above and beyond."

Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC) announced earlier in February the introduction of five new pre-roll products across the Company's adult-use cannabis portfolio from brands 7ACRES and Hiway. "Forging ahead with our commitment to innovation, we're excited to offer new pre-roll offerings that meet consumers across a range of occasions and price points," said Dave Paterson, President, Canada, Canopy Growth. "With convenience and enjoyment in mind, our new 7ACRES Smooth Burners offer a high-quality pre-roll with a unique filter design enabling a smooth and slow session, while our new Hiway Water Hash Infused pre-rolls provide consumers a premium experience in a value package."

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) together with subsidiary company, MedReleaf Australia, have announced last month the availability of medical cannabis pastilles for doctors to prescribe to patients in Australia. The novel product is produced by Aurora and distributed by MedReleaf Australia, a leading distributor of medical cannabis products with the number two position in the Australian market. "Australia is the largest nationally legal medical market globally, and as a long-standing supplier to MedReleaf Australia and recently announced parent company, we're eager to support the continued growth and development of the market," said Andre Jerome, Executive Vice President of Global Business Development, Aurora. "The introduction of innovative and differentiated products, such as pastilles, and planned upcoming innovation, will provide Australian doctors expanded options for patient care and enhance patient access to the premium medical cannabis they seek," continued Jerome.

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: CURLF) announced last month it has signed a deal to acquire Northern Green Canada ("NGC"), a vertically integrated Canadian licensed cannabis producer focused primarily on expanding in the international market through its EU-GMP certification. NGC also partners with Canadian GACP cultivators to produce and distribute finished cannabis products to both the domestic and global markets. NGC is one of the few Canadian cultivators with EU-GMP certification. As such, NGC has consistently supplied high THC, non-irradiated flower to the German market, which is expected to see exponential growth following the recent removal of cannabis from the narcotics list. NGC is also increasingly supplying Australia and New Zealand, the world's fastest-growing cannabis markets.

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Cannabis leaf on road marked with "2025," with sunlight in the background.

New Cannabis Consumption Trends, Regulatory Shifts Seen Driving Market in 2025

Understanding trends in the cannabis industry is paramount for investors eyeing a market with steady growth potential, but the landscape is complex as products and regulations continue to evolve.

Consumption habits are changing as edibles, vaping and THC beverages gain traction, especially among younger users, and cannabis companies are adapting their offerings to meet shifting demand.

Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty, particularly surrounding the future of the US Farm Bill and state-level restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, continues to challenge the market.

Despite these headwinds, production data and long-term growth forecasts suggest the cannabis industry remains on a promising — albeit turbulent — path. Read on for more on key trends to watch in 2025.

Consumption methods evolving post-legalization

Shifts in consumer behavior are reshaping markets across the board, and the cannabis industry is no exception.

While smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis consumption, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the growing popularity of edibles, vaping and dabbing.

The report notes that vaping and dabbing are particularly pronounced among younger adults.

A separate study published by the American Medical Association and funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research also points to how product preferences have changed among Canadian users since legalization in 2018.

The study indicates that while the use of flower, cannabis concentrates, oil, tinctures and topicals has decreased during that time, the use of vape cartridges, edibles and beverages has increased.

Edibles and beverages were legalized in Canada in late 2019, and Truss Beverage was one of the first players to introduce cannabis-infused drinks. Truss was a joint venture formed by Molson Coors Canada (TSX:TPX.A,TSX:TPX.B) and HEXO, a cannabis company that has since been acquired by Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY).

In early 2020, Tilray launched a lineup of confectionery, wellness products and beverages through its subsidiary, High Park; Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NASDAQ:CGC) made a similar move. These companies gradually brought their products to the US as more states legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use.

Today, established cannabis brands typically offer edibles and beverages alongside their other products. Organigram Global (TSX:OGI,NASDAQ:OGI) is one of the newest US entrants, with its April acquisition of Collective Project providing immediate access to the US hemp-derived THC beverage market.

Growing awareness of health and wellness, potentially amplified by the pandemic-led adoption of health trackers, appears to be making an impact on the alcoholic beverage market.

A 2023 Gallup poll reveals a two decade decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger adults, suggesting a shift towards more health-conscious lifestyles within this demographic.

Craft beer production declined by 4 percent year-on-year in 2024, according to data collected by the Brewers Association. This marked the largest drop in the industry's history, excluding the pandemic. For small, independent craft breweries, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of declining production. A drop in the number of operating small breweries last year provides further evidence of this trend, with 501 closures in 2024 versus 434 openings.

Challenges in the alcohol market extend beyond the brewing industry, with the New York Times recently reporting the closure of a handful of nightclubs facing decreased alcohol sales alongside rising insurance and rent costs.

Meanwhile, cannabis lounges have been popping up across the US for the last several years. As of early 2025, several states had legalized or were in the process of implementing regulations for cannabis consumption lounges.

Hemp market growth despite regulatory uncertainty

The burgeoning hemp industry is another segment of the expanding cannabis market.

The legalization of industrial hemp — defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less — through the 2018 Farm Bill led to initial investment and optimistic projections for CBD wellness products and various industrial applications. The sector’s rapid evolution also brought the rise of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, creating a market that presented both opportunities and complexities for participants.

However, after an initial boom, a lack of infrastructure and clearly defined regulations for CBD, as well as state-level variations and market oversupply, ultimately contributed to a quick retraction.

2024 was a pivotal year for the US hemp industry, as the hemp-related provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill — originally set to expire in September 2023, but extended to December 31, 2024 — created an urgent need to address critical issues like THC limits and the regulation of novel hemp-derived cannabinoids. A major point of contention was the proposed shift from defining hemp based on Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3 percent or less) to “total THC,” which includes THCA.

This change had the potential to significantly impact farmers and processors, as many hemp varieties that are compliant under the Delta-9 THC rule could exceed the 0.3 percent limit when THCA is included.

Various bills and amendments were proposed in 2024 as part of the Farm Bill discussions, each with different approaches to regulating hemp. Separate regulatory frameworks for industrial hemp and hemp grown for cannabinoids were suggested, and many states took their own action, leading to a patchwork of regulations and even outright bans.

Despite challenges, data from the US Department of Agriculture suggests signs of recovery.

The department's annual National Hemp Report from 2024 points to an 18 percent increase in industrial hemp production value between 2022 and 2023, with output growth seen in specific sectors like floral (18 percent), fiber (133 percent) and seed hemp (414 percent). The 2025 report from the Department of Agriculture indicates further expansion, with notable increases observed in both acreage (up 64 percent from 2023) and value (46 percent).

The 2024 Farm Bill ultimately did not pass, and right now the hemp industry is operating under a temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill under the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law on December 21, 2024.

The 2018 Farm Bill is now set to expire on September 30, 2025.

While analysts for Markets and Markets project that the North American hemp industry will grow at a CAGR of 22.4 percent and ultimately reach a valuation of US$30.24 billion by 2029, the future of the industry will be heavily influenced by the outcome of the ongoing Farm Bill discussions.

US cannabis legalization remains stalled

Although there is clear demand for cannabis products, the now-defunct rescheduling process in the US is likely to continue casting a shadow of uncertainty over the industry's long-term trajectory.

Legal and procedural delays, including allegations of improper conduct and bias within the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led to hearing cancellations, and the new administration of US President Donald Trump has brought leadership changes to key agencies like the DEA and the Department of Justice.

Terry Cole, who Trump nominated to be DEA administrator on February 11, has a history of opposing cannabis legalization in the country. Similarly, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick to lead the justice department, staunchly opposed a movement to legalize medical cannabis during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general.

While there have been bipartisan efforts in Congress to end federal cannabis prohibition and establish regulations for eventual legalization, the DEA’s actions and statements indicate a potential stall or reversal of progress.

In addition to that, new research is adding complexity to the debate.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this past March highlights an association between the use of high-potency cannabis strains and increased risks of psychosis, a factor that may not have been fully considered by the Department of Health and Human Services. As stronger cannabis strains become more widely available, a reassessment of their potential health risks may be required.

Investor takeaway

While the cannabis industry holds promise for growth and innovation, investors must remain acutely aware of the regulatory uncertainties and market volatility that will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the years to come.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Cannabis for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Cronos Group Inc. to Hold 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Earnings Conference Call on February 27, 2025

Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) ("Cronos" or the "Company") will hold its 2024 fourth-quarter and full-year earnings conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Cronos' senior management team will discuss the Company's financial results and will be available for questions from the investment community after prepared remarks.

To attend the conference call or webcast, participants should register online at https://ir.thecronosgroup.com/events-presentations . To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. The webcast of the call will be archived for replay on the Company's website.

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Cannabis Market Flourishes Amid Global Legalization, Driving Concerns About Road Safety

In this article

Guide to cannabis in Australia: New South Wales

Guide to cannabis in Australia: Victoria

Guide to cannabis in Australia: Queensland

Guide to cannabis in Australia: South Australia

Guide to cannabis in Australia: Western Australia

Guide to cannabis in Australia: Tasmania

Guide to cannabis in Australia: Northern Territory

Guide to cannabis in Australia: Australian Capital Territory

Consumption methods evolving post-legalization

Hemp market growth despite regulatory uncertainty

US cannabis legalization remains stalled

Investor takeaway

1. Botanix Pharmaceuticals (ASX:BOT)

2. Vitura Health (ASX:VIT)

3. IDT Australia (ASX:IDT)

4. Little Green Pharma (ASX:LGP)

5. Neurotech (ASX:NTI)

6. ECS Botanics (ASX:ECS)

7. Cann Group (ASX:CAN)

8. Althea (ASX:AGH)

9. Ecofibre (ASX:EOF)

10. Argent Biopharma (ASX:RGT)

Road to cannabis rescheduling hits another speed bump

Pennsylvania governor proposes legal cannabis market in state budget

Senate committee re-examines the SAFER Banking Act

Aurora, Canopy Growth report earnings

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