U.S. Cannabis Market Soars Amid Legal Reforms, But Safety Concerns Persist

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FinancialBuzz.com News Commentary

The cannabis market in the United States has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven largely by an increasingly favorable legal environment. Since Colorado and Washington first legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, numerous states have followed suit, with 23 states and the District of Columbia now allowing adult-use cannabis as of 2023. This trend has fueled a burgeoning industry, with legal cannabis sales reaching $24 billion in 2021, a sharp increase from the $8.5 billion reported in 2017. Analysts project that the U.S. cannabis market could surpass $45 billion by 2025, supported by ongoing state-level legalizations and potential federal reforms. This rapid growth highlights the expanding acceptance of cannabis and its economic potential, with more states considering legalization to boost tax revenues and create jobs. Cannabix Technologies Inc. (OTC: BLOZF) (CSE: BLO), Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT), Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY), Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC), Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON)

Despite the market's promising outlook, concerns about cannabis use, particularly regarding public safety, persist. One significant issue is the impact of cannabis on driving abilities. Research indicates that marijuana can impair motor skills, reaction times, and judgment, raising the risk of traffic accidents. This concern underscores the importance of developing and deploying marijuana breathalyzers. These devices, similar to alcohol breathalyzers, detect the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis, by measuring the amount of THC in a user's breath. By providing law enforcement and employers with a tool to assess recent cannabis use accurately, these breathalyzers can help prevent accidents and encourage more responsible consumption. Ensuring that drivers are not under the influence of cannabis is critical for maintaining road safety and reducing the potential negative impacts associated with increased cannabis availability.

Cannabix Technologies Inc. (OTC: BLOZF) (CSE: BLO) just announced breaking news reports that, "early testing by Omega Laboratories Inc ("Omega Laboratories" or "Omega") with the Company's marijuana breathalyzer technology have garnered positive results. Omega has commenced pre-validation scoping work to establish limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) as well as the cutoff level for the detection of delta-9 THC (primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) in breath. Recently, Cannabix entered into a strategic partnership and development agreement with Omega Laboratories to advance the development and commercialization of the Cannabix marijuana breathalyzer technology. Omega Laboratories is an international industry leader in forensic drugs of abuse testing with multiple international certifications and accreditations.

Highlights:

Omega scientists have established a delta-9 THC calibration curve with samples obtained from the Cannabix Breath Collection Unit (BCU) for the purposes of quantification using Omega's preexisting and well-established extraction and detection processes.
Thus far, Omega scientists have been able to detect and quantify delta-9 THC in the low picogram range – a level of detection low enough for detecting drug compounds in breath.
Omega scientists have consistently detected and quantified delta-9 THC from breath samples collected from subjects utilizing the Cannabix BCU.
Omega scientists have developed a test method for a breath sample that successfully detects and differentiates between delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, CBN and CBD. Cannabix and Omega have begun working together on multiple fronts including hardware refinement, marketing and preparing numerous validation studies.

Omega Laboratories is headquartered in Ohio, USA in a state-of-the-art facility providing drugs of abuse testing to over 6,000 clients worldwide, including several Fortune 500 companies, police, highway patrol, court systems, military organizations, and school systems. Omega also has one of the largest Third-Party Administrator (TPA) client lists in America.

Rav Mlait, CEO of Cannabix stated, "We are off to a terrific start alongside Omega Laboratories. We are working together to help provide a comprehensive marijuana breath testing solution for employers, law enforcement and others. Public policy in the United States towards cannabis is garnering additional attention as we move closer to the U.S. presidential election later this year where cannabis legalization could become a hot topic. Recently the DEA proposed rules to reclassify cannabis from a schedule I to a schedule III substance, further bolstering our expectation that the demand for marijuana drug testing will continue to increase."

About Omega Laboratories, Inc.

Omega Laboratories, headquartered in Mogadore, Ohio with additional state-of-the-art facilities in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada provides laboratory-based advanced testing solutions to over 6,000 clients worldwide. Omega Laboratories has over 24 years of experience in pioneering innovative drug testing methodologies, specializing in the detection of drugs of abuse utilizing Hair, Oral Fluid and Urine. Omega continues to innovate with the launch of their Technical Solutions portfolio that incorporates a paperless online Custody & Control Form system (oCCF) in eight languages, licensure of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) designed specifically for Toxicology and powers new laboratories in countries that have demand for local service providers."

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) unveiled its roadside drug-screening device, SoToxa™ Mobile Test System, back in 2019. SoToxa is a handheld device for law enforcement that uses an oral fluid swab – inserted into the handheld analyzer – that alerts police within five minutes whether a driver has recently used marijuana or other drugs. Because it collects only a small amount of oral fluid, the device is easier to administer than blood or urine tests, making it significantly easier for law enforcement to conduct the tests at the roadside, or in a police cruiser. SoToxa is able to test for the presence of THC (the psychoactive component in marijuana), cocaine, opioids, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines.

Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) announced this week that its Good Supply cannabis brand has released its updated lineup of flavourful 1G 510 vapes with phenomenal potency featuring a wide selection of the best flavours to choose from for 710 and beyond. Good Supply is committed to promoting sustainability and an eco-conscious approach with its latest vape and product offerings. Emphasizing its "Green You Can Feel Good About" mantra, Good Supply's biodegradable vape mouthpieces and hemp tube containers not only provide reliable and potent products, but also have a positive impact on the planet. By mindfully composting them in organic processing or landfill facilities, you can confidently contribute to a greener planet.

Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC) announced earlier this year 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."

Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) reported last month that its Spinach® brand is expanding its portfolio of award-winning and best-selling cannabis products just in time for the summer months. Summer innovations feature new flavors and formats from Cronos' SOURZ by Spinach® edibles and a premier milled flower product. The new SOURZ by Spinach® Fully Blasted gummies offer the same great-tasting SOURZ by Spinach® flavors, now with 10 mg of THC per piece. The SOURZ by Spinach® Tropical Party Pack introduces new gummies with bolder tropical flavors, in the distinctive Spinach® "S" shape. These gummies have a perfect blend of sour and sweet and utilize Cronos' proprietary flavor-masking technology. Additionally, the Spinach® brand will introduce Spinach Grindz™, milled flower options designed to be ready to use for joints or vaporizers. Ready-to-use milled flower offerings have grown in popularity in the Canadian cannabis market, appealing to value-conscious consumers seeking convenience. Spinach Grindz™ caters to this growing demand by providing high-quality, milled cannabis that saves time and effort, allowing consumers to enjoy a consistent and hassle-free cannabis experience.

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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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U.S. Cannabis Market Soars Amid Legal Reforms, But Safety Concerns Persist

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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