Trulieve Reports Fourth Quarter and Record Full Year 2022 Results Exceeding $1.2 Billion in Revenue

  • Record revenue of $1.24 billion in 2022, up 32% year over year, and quarterly revenue of $302 million , with 2% retail revenue growth sequentially
  • Industry leading U.S. retail network of 181 dispensaries, up 14% from 2021, supported by over 4 million square feet of cultivation and processing capacity as of December 31, 2022
  • Achieved fourth quarter operating cash flow of $55 million and free cash flow of $21 million

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022 . Results are reported in U.S. dollars and in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles unless otherwise indicated. Numbers may not sum perfectly due to rounding.

Trulieve logo (PRNewsfoto/Trulieve Cannabis Corp.)

Q4 2022 Financial and Operational Highlights*

  • Revenue of $302 million , with 2% retail revenue growth and 96% of revenue from retail sales.
  • Achieved GAAP gross margin of 50%, with gross profit of $150 million .
  • Reported net loss of $77 million . Adjusted net loss of $35 million * excludes non-recurring charges, asset impairments, disposals and discontinued operations.
  • Generated adjusted EBITDA of $85 million *, or 28% of revenue. Adjusted EBITDA reflects one time charges, idle capacity, and inventory reduction tied to cash generation efforts.
  • Reduced inventory by $4 million versus $32 million build in the third quarter.
  • Achieved operating cash flow of $55 million and free cash flow of $21 million .
  • Closed $90 million in commercial loans with average interest rate of 7.5% interest.
  • Opened five new dispensaries in Sierra Vista, Arizona ; Hobe Sound , Lake Worth , and Land O' Lakes, Florida ; and Huntington, West Virginia and rebranded Trulieve dispensary in Glendale, Arizona .

*See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information and a reconciliation to GAAP for all Non-GAAP metrics.

2022 Full Year Financial and Operational Highlights*

  • Revenue of $1.2 billion increased 32% year-over-year.
  • Gross profit of $682 million and gross margin of 55% in 2022.
  • GAAP net loss of $246 million and adjusted net loss of $30 million *, which excludes non-recurring charges, asset impairments, disposals and discontinued operations, associated with the Harvest acquisition and strategic repositioning of assets to improve cash flow.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $400 million , or 32% of revenue.*
  • Cash at year end of $219 million .
  • Closed $75 million in senior secured notes at 8% interest due October 2026 .
  • Commenced cultivation operations in Georgia to support retail launch in 2023.
  • Opened 25 dispensaries in 2022, increasing retail footprint by 14% to 181 retail locations nationwide at year end.
  • Exited 2022 with operations in 11 states, with 32% of our retail locations outside of the state of Florida

*See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information and a reconciliation to GAAP for all Non-GAAP metrics.

Recent Developments

  • Opened three new dispensaries in Palatka and Winter Haven, Florida and Beckley, West Virginia .
  • Launched adult-use sales in Bristol, Connecticut .
  • First U.S. cannabis company to launch advertising campaigns on Twitter.
  • Launched proprietary brands Roll One and Modern Flower in West Virginia and Massachusetts .
  • Currently operate 184 retail dispensaries and over 4 million square feet of cultivation and processing capacity in the United States .

Management Commentary

"Trulieve has grown to surpass $1.2 billion in revenue in less than seven years, a notable milestone and a testament to the agility of our team," said Kim Rivers , Trulieve CEO. "Our success is the culmination of thoughtful intention, superb execution, and best in class capabilities for rapid growth."

Rivers continued, "With increasing mainstream support and meaningful regulatory reform on the horizon, tremendous growth opportunities lie ahead for U.S. legal cannabis. In 2023, we are laser focused on cash generation while investing to build a sustainable company designed to thrive in an integrated commerce environment."

Financial Highlights*

Results of Operations

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended



(Figures in millions and % change
based on these figures)

December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021

change

September
30, 2022

change

December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021

change



Revenue

$

302

$

305

-1 %

$

301

0 %

$

1,240

$

938

32 %


Gross Profit

$

150

$

134

12 %

$

168

-11 %

$

682

$

568

20 %


Gross Margin %


50 %


44 %



56 %



55 %


61 %



Adjusted Gross Profit

$

162

$

181

-10 %

$

172

-6 %

$

703

$

621

13 %


Adjusted Gross Margin %


54 %


59 %



57 %



57 %


66 %



Operating Expenses

$

156

$

150

4 %

$

198

-21 %

$

650

$

368

77 %


Operating Expenses %


52 %


49 %



65 %



52 %


39 %



Net Income (Loss)**

$

(77)

$

(72)

---

$

(115)

---

$

(246)

$

18

---


Net Income (Loss) Continuing Ops

$

(76)

$

(70)

---

$

(77)

---

$

(205)

$

19

---


Adjusted Net Income (Loss)

$

(35)

$

2

---

$

4

---

$

(30)

$

123

---


Diluted Shares Outstanding


189


145



189



188


147



EPS Continuing Ops

$

(0.40)

$

(0.48)

---

$

(0.41)

---

$

(1.06)

$

0.14

---


Adjusted EPS

$

(0.18)

$

0.01

---

$

0.02

---

$

(0.16)

$

0.84

---


Adjusted EBITDA

$

85

$

101

-16 %

$

99

-14 %

$

400

$

385

4 %


Adjusted EBITDA Margin %


28 %


33 %



33 %



32 %


41 %




*See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information and a reconciliation to GAAP for all Non-GAAP metrics.

**Includes discontinued operations.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast on March 8 , 2023, at 8:30 A.M. Eastern time , to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results. Interested parties can join the conference call by dialing in as directed below. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the call.

North American toll free: 1-888-317-6003

Passcode: 0344386

International: 1-412-317-6061

Passcode: 0344386

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available at:
https://app.webinar.net/ablVoLE61N3

A powerpoint presentation and archived replay of the webcast will be available at:
https://investors.trulieve.com/events

The Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 , will be available on the SEC's website or at https://investors.trulieve.com/annual-reports-and-proxy . The Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the period and the accompanying financial statements and notes will be available under the Company's profile on SEDAR and on its website at https://investors.trulieve.com/quarterly-results . This news release is not in any way a substitute for reading those financial statements, including the notes to the financial statements.

Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
  Consolidated Balance Sheets
  (in millions)




2022



2021

ASSETS






Current Assets:






Cash and cash equivalents


$

212.3



$

230.1

Restricted cash



6.6




3.0

Accounts receivable, net



9.4




8.6

Inventories, net



297.8




209.9

Prepaid expenses and other current assets



63.6




68.1

Notes receivable - current portion



0.7




1.5

Assets associated with discontinued operations



2.5




3.6

Total current assets



593.0




524.9

Property and equipment, net



796.9




779.4

Right of use assets - operating, net



101.4




111.7

Right of use assets - finance, net



76.2




66.8

Intangible assets, net



1,012.6




1,081.2

Goodwill



791.5




765.4

Notes receivable, net



12.0




12.1

Other assets



14.7




17.6

Long-term assets associated with discontinued operations



0.7




52.2

TOTAL ASSETS


$

3,399.0



$

3,411.4

LIABILITIES






Current Liabilities:






Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


$

83.2



$

93.8

Income tax payable



49.0




28.1

Deferred revenue



9.5




7.2

Notes payable - current portion, net



12.5




10.1

Operating lease liabilities - current portion



10.4




10.0

Finance lease liabilities - current portion



8.7




6.2

Construction finance liabilities - current portion



1.2




0.9

Contingencies



34.7




13.0

Liabilities associated with discontinued operations



0.5




0.1

Total current liabilities



209.7




169.4

Long-Term Liabilities:






Notes payable, net



94.2




6.5

Private placement notes, net



541.7




462.9

Warrant liabilities



0.3




2.9

Operating lease liabilities



102.4




107.6

Finance lease liabilities



75.8




65.2

Construction finance liabilities



182.4




175.2

Deferred tax liabilities



224.1




241.9

Other long-term liabilities



26.2




8.4

Long-term liabilities associated with discontinued operations



14.6




24.0

TOTAL LIABILITIES



1,471.3




1,264.0

Commitments and contingencies






SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY






Common Stock, no par value; unlimited shares authorized. 185,987,512 and 180,504,172 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.






Additional paid-in-capital



2,045.0




2,008.1

Accumulated (deficit) earnings



(113.8)




137.7

Non-controlling interest



(3.5)




1.6

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



1,927.7




2,147.4

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY


$

3,399.0



$

3,411.4

Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
  Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
  (in millions, except per share data)




Three Months Ended



Full Year Ended




December 31,
2022



December 31,
2021



December 31,
2022



December 31,
2021


Revenues, net of discounts


$

302.2



$

304.9



$

1,239.8



$

938.0


Cost of goods sold



152.5




170.8




557.8




370.2


Gross profit



149.7




134.1




682.0




567.8


Expenses:













Sales and marketing



60.9




72.3




284.9




215.1


General and administrative



64.9




44.6




169.7




100.5


Depreciation and amortization



30.7




27.4




119.4




47.2


Impairment and disposal of long-lived assets, net



(0.6)




5.4




75.5




5.4


Total expenses



155.9




149.7




649.6




368.3


(Loss) Income from operations



(6.3)




(15.6)




32.4




199.6


Other income (expense):













Interest expense



(23.0)




(14.1)




(79.8)




(34.8)


Change in fair value of derivative liabilities - warrants



0.0




0.2




2.6




0.2


Other income (expense), net



(1.6)




0.7




1.4




1.1


Total other expense, net



(24.6)




(13.2)




(75.8)




(33.5)


(Loss) Income before provision for income taxes



(30.8)




(28.7)




(43.3)




166.1


Provision for income taxes



45.1




41.4




161.8




146.7


Net (loss) income from continuing operations and comprehensive (loss) income



(75.9)




(70.2)




(205.2)




19.4


Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of ($3,776), $642, $10,663, and $642, respectively



(5.2)




(1.9)




(47.6)




(1.9)


Net (loss) income



(81.2)




(72.1)




(252.7)




17.4


Less: Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest from continuing operations



(4.1)




(0.6)




(6.7)




(0.6)


Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders


$

(77.0)



$

(71.5)



$

(246.1)



$

18.0















Net (loss) income per share - Continuing operations:













Basic and diluted


$

(0.40)



$

(0.48)



$

(1.06)



$

0.14


Net loss per share - Discontinued operations:













Basic and diluted


$

(0.03)



$

(0.01)



$

(0.25)



$

(0.01)


Weighted average number of common shares used in computing net (loss) income per share:













Basic



188.8




145.1




188.0




139.4


Diluted



188.8




145.1




188.0




146.8


Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to our results determined in accordance with GAAP, we supplement our results with non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted gross profit, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with GAAP financial measures to evaluate our operating results and financial performance. We believe these measures are useful to investors as they are widely used measures of performance and can facilitate comparison to other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures are not, and should not be considered as, measures of liquidity. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with our results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered along with GAAP financial performance measures. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to such GAAP measures can be found below. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, our reported financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States
dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021

September
30, 2022

December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021





Net Income (Loss) GAAP

$

(77.0)

$

(71.5)

$

(114.6)

$

(246.1)

$

18.0



Add (Deduct) Impact of:













Interest Expense, net

$

23.0

$

14.1

$

19.3

$

79.8

$

34.8



Provision For Income Taxes

$

45.1

$

41.4

$

28.2

$

161.8

$

146.7



Depreciation and Amortization

$

30.7

$

27.4

$

30.2

$

119.4

$

47.2



Depreciation in COGS

$

13.4

$

9.7

$

14.6

$

52.5

$

24.1



EBITDA

$

35.2

$

21.1

$

(22.3)

$

167.4

$

270.8
















Impairment and Disposal of Long-lived Assets, net

$

(0.6)

$

5.4

$

54.6

$

75.5

$

5.4



Results of Discontinued Operations

$

5.2

$

1.9

$

38.1

$

47.6

$

1.9



Acquisition and Transaction Costs

$

7.5

$

1.5

$

7.0

$

24.8

$

15.8



Integration and Transition Costs

$

4.0

$

22.9

$

6.7

$

21.1

$

25.6



Other Non-Recurring Costs

$

16.3

$

3.4

$

1.9

$

27.8

$

5.1



Share-Based Compensation and Related Premiums

$

3.6

$

7.0

$

4.3

$

18.1

$

13.4



Legislative Campaign Contributions

$

10.0

$

0.0

$

10.0

$

20.0

$

0.0



Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

0.0

$

38.0

$

0.0

$

1.0

$

41.2



Covid Related Expenses

$

0.0

$

0.2

$

0.2

$

0.8

$

6.2



Other Expense (Income), net

$

1.6

$

(0.7)

$

(0.4)

$

(1.4)

$

(1.1)



Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities - Warrants

$

(0.0)

$

(0.2)

$

(0.4)

$

(2.6)

$

(0.2)



Results of Entities Not Legally Controlled

$

1.9

$

0.5

$

(0.9)

$

(0.0)

$

0.5



Adjusted EBITDA Non-GAAP

$

84.7

$

100.9

$

98.8

$

400.1

$

384.6



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Gross Profit
The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP gross profit to non-GAAP adjusted gross profit, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States
dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021

September
30, 2022

December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021





Gross Profit GAAP

$

149.7

$

134.1

$

168.0

$

682.0

$

567.8



Gross Margin % GAAP


50 %


44 %


56 %


55 %


61 %



Add (Deduct) Impact of:



Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

0.0

$

38.0

$

0.0

$

1.0

$

41.2



Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Costs

$

12.4

$

8.5

$

3.8

$

19.8

$

12.4



Adjusted Gross Profit Non-GAAP

$

162.1

$

180.6

$

171.9

$

702.9

$

621.4



Adjusted Gross Margin % Non-GAAP


54 %


59 %


57 %


57 %


66 %



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income
The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to non-GAAP adjusted net income, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States
dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December

31, 2022

December
31, 2021

September
30, 2022

December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021





Net Income (Loss) GAAP

$

(77.0)

$

(71.5)

$

(114.6)

$

(246.1)

$

18.0



Add (Deduct) Impact of:













Share-Based Compensation Related Premiums

$

0.0

$

0.0

$

0.0

$

0.0

$

4.2



Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities - Warrants

$

(0.0)

$

(0.2)

$

(0.4)

$

(2.6)

$

(0.2)



Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

0.0

$

38.0

$

0.0

$

1.0

$

41.2



Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Costs

$

37.8

$

27.9

$

25.5

$

93.7

$

46.5



Covid Related Expenses

$

0.0

$

0.2

$

0.2

$

0.8

$

6.2



Impairment and Disposal of Long-lived Assets, Net

$

(0.6)

$

5.4

$

54.6

$

75.5

$

5.4



Results of Discontinued Operations


5.2

$

1.9

$

38.1

$

47.6

$

1.9



Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Non-GAAP

$

(34.7)

$

1.5

$

3.5

$

(30.1)

$

123.2



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings Per Share
The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP earnings (loss) per share to non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share, for each of the periods presented:

(Amounts expressed in millions of United States
dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Full Year Ended





December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021

September
30, 2022

December
31, 2022

December
31, 2021





Earnings (Loss) Per Share GAAP

$

(0.41)

$

(0.49)

$

(0.61)

$

(1.31)

$

0.12



Add (Deduct) Impact of:













Share-Based Compensation Related Premiums

$

0.00

$

0.00

$

0.00

$

0.00

$

0.03



Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities - Warrants

$

(0.00)

$

(0.00)

$

(0.00)

$

(0.01)

$

(0.00)



Inventory Step Up Fair Value

$

0.00

$

0.26

$

0.00

$

0.01

$

0.28



Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Costs

$

0.20

$

0.19

$

0.14

$

0.50

$

0.32



Covid Related Expenses

$

0.00

$

0.00

$

0.00

$

0.00

$

0.04



Impairment and Disposal of Long-lived Assets, Net

$

(0.00)

$

0.04

$

0.29

$

0.40

$

0.04



Results of Discontinued Operations

$

0.03

$

0.01

$

0.20

$

0.25

$

0.01



Adjusted Earnings Per Share Non-GAAP

$

(0.18)

$

0.01

$

0.02

$

(0.16)

$

0.84



Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to the Company's expectations or forecasts of business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs and include statements regarding cannabis regulatory reform, the Company's growth opportunities and the Company's investment plans for sustainable growth. Words such as "expects", "continue", "will", "anticipates" and "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current projections and expectations about future events and financial trends that management believes might affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, and on certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors management believes are appropriate. Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein, including, without limitation, the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and in our periodic reports subsequently filed with the United Sates Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Company's filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise.

About Trulieve
Trulieve is an industry leading, vertically integrated cannabis company and multi-state operator in the U.S., with established hubs in the Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest, anchored by leading market positions in Arizona, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Trulieve is poised for accelerated growth and expansion, building scale in retail and distribution in new and existing markets through its hub strategy. By providing innovative, high-quality products across its brand portfolio, Trulieve delivers optimal customer experiences and increases access to cannabis, helping patients and customers to live without limits. Trulieve is listed on the CSE under the symbol TRUL and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol TCNNF. For more information, please visit Trulieve.com .

Facebook: @Trulieve
Instagram: @Trulieve _
Twitter: @Trulieve

Investor Contact  
Christine Hersey , Vice President of Investor Relations
+1 (424) 202-0210
Christine.Hersey@Trulieve.com

Media Contact  
Rob Kremer , Executive Director of Corporate Communications
+1 (404) 218-3077
Robert.Kremer@Trulieve.com

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SOURCE Trulieve Cannabis Corp.

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A State-by-State Guide to Cannabis in Australia

Australia federally legalised medicinal cannabis in 2016, and Australia's cannabis market has seen major growth since then.

Medical cannabis approvals were up by 120 percent in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Statista forecasts that Australian cannabis revenue will reach AU$3.73 billion in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 3.22 percent, culminating in market volume worth AU$4.53 billion by 2029.

However, Australia’s cannabis industry is still young. Despite there being a strong case for a regulated market, which was outlined in a July 2024 report by the Penington Institute, recreational use is not legal and medical access remains limited and regulated.

Medical cannabis patients have access to various forms of the drug, including flower, oils and tinctures. However, only two medicinal cannabis products, Sativex and Epidyolex, are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and none are subsidised through the country’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Patients who want access to medicinal cannabis must go through special pathways, and doctors who want to prescribe medicinal cannabis have to apply to do so.

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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.

Person touching a cannabis plant; Australia map in flag colours.

ASX Cannabis Stocks: 10 Biggest Companies

While Australia has yet to legalise all forms of cannabis, the country is a growing medical cannabis and hemp market, with many companies manufacturing, researching and exporting the plant-based product.

Medical cannabis was federally legalised in 2016, and the export of cannabis from Australia was legalised in 2018. As for recreational use, the only state to legalise recreational use and possession so far is the Australian Capital Territory, which did so in 2020, but it did not establish a regulated recreational cannabis market.

The country's medical cannabis market has been steadily expanding in size and scope. A Penington Institute report shows that Australians spent approximately AU$400 million on medicinal cannabis in the first half of 2024, 72 percent higher than the AU$234 million they spent over the entirety of 2022.

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Cannabis leaves, gavel.

Cannabis Round-Up: Rescheduling Faces New Roadblocks, SAFER Banking Act Gets Another Look

February 2025 was characterized by an evolving legislative landscape and important financial updates from major players.

These developments underscore the complex and dynamic nature of the sector as it continues to navigate legal, financial, and regulatory challenges while experiencing ongoing growth and evolution.

Discussions around cannabis rescheduling, changes in federal agency leadership, state-level legalization efforts, and financial reports from key companies all contributed to a month of notable activity in the cannabis space.

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Trulieve Announces Launch of Onward: A Premium THC Beverage

Available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations in Florida

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the launch of Onward, a premium, non-alcoholic THC beverage offering a modern alternative for social occasions. These Farm Bill compliant beverages are available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations in Florida .

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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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.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

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