The cannabis industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with new trends emerging every year.
As cannabis continues to become popular, the emerging market opens the door for new products and innovations. Developments in cannabis are influencing new consumer preferences and a means for enjoying cannabis in many different ways. Whether you’re an investor, customer or an industry professional, it’s important to stay informed about trends that can help you stay on top of the cannabis industry. Here are some of the top cannabis trends to look for in 2025.
1. Legalization
In 2024 we began to see the expansion of cannabis legalization across the country. Many states where cannabis is illegal are slowly starting to reconsider legalizing it. As we study the impact of cannabis legalization from states who have legalized cannabis years ago, we find that the economic impact is huge. Public support has boosted because of economic growth associated with legalization. We are even seeing proposals from states like Pennsylvania that want to use the millions of dollars that cannabis can bring to the economy to fund schools that are struggling to support its students and teachers. Legalization is expected to grow businesses, help the economy and get rid of the stigma associated with cannabis. We expect to see more legalization in states by the end of 2025.
Impact:
- Increased business and customers
- New opportunities for investors
- More normalization of cannabis
2. Rise of Cannabis Tourism
As more states legalize cannabis, cannabis tourism has become popular among travel lovers. Destinations known for their cannabis-friendly environments are attracting people looking for new experiences. Things like cannabis tours, cannabis lounges/cafes and events like cannabis festivals attract tourists from all over. If you look at the growth in Atlantic City (AC), New Jersey they are a prime example of the expansion of cannabis tourism. AC has opened a brand new state of the art cannabis lounge in the heart of the casino district called High Rollers Dispensary. At the lounge you can sit down and enjoy high quality flower whether you prefer pre-rolls, bong rips, edibles or drinks. They have a team of experts promoting safe consumption and a good time. Tourism will not only boost the economy but also promote education and cultural exchange through cannabis.
Impact:
- Increase in state revenue
- Culture exchange and education
- Opportunity for unique business and unique experiences
3. Rise of New Cannabis Products
The widespread cannabis products available now to consumers are beyond what it once was of just flower and edibles. Innovations of newer products are leading to possibilities not just for consumption but also for cosmetics. New things such as beverages, topicals, transdermal patches, inhalers and lotions. Products like these offer customers more ways to enjoy cannabis whether they like it to be discreet, convenient or comfortable.
Impact:
- New products
- Increased consumer choice and customization
- New and enhanced user experience
4. Health and Wellness
Recently, cannabis has been recognized for its benefits in health and wellness throughout the last couple of years. In 2025, we will see more emphasis on products designed to promote good health. There will be an increase in not only cannabis products but also CBD products that can help improve sleep, relieve stress and manage pain without the high associated with THC. The health and wellness community has seen an increase in cannabis products that are for customers who are both health-conscious and looking for natural alternatives and also cannabis enthusiasts.
Impact:
- Health and Wellness community market increase
- More research and product development
- More customer acceptance
5. Advancements in CannaTech
Technology is important in the evolution of cannabis. New inventions like blockchain for supply chain clarity, AI for personalized recommendation and new, more efficient cultivation practices are revolutionizing the way cannabis is grown, processed, consumed and transported. Technological advancements in the cannabis industry will improve efficiency, customer satisfaction and quality.
Impact:
- Better product quality and consistency
- Enhanced customer experience
- More operational efficiency
6. Personal Cannabis Experience
Cannabis is just one of several businesses where personalization is becoming more popular. In the new year, expect to see more businesses provide products and services that are custom to individual preferences and needs of their customers. For example, strain recommendations based on genetics or preferences, customized THC percentages and products for people to follow a wellness plan. Personalization improves the customer’s experience and helps them reach their desired outcome.
Impact:
- Customer satisfaction
- Better effectiveness
- New health and wellness plans
7. Cannabis Delivery Services
Cannabis delivery services have seen an increased popularity in 2024, especially in urban areas. As the industry continues to grow, so does the demand for quick, easy and discreet cannabis delivery. To keep up with demand companies are investing in technology and logistics to improve their services by allowing customers to order delivery. Offering customers the ease of having cannabis delivered to their homes is a trend to look out for in 2025.
Impact:
- Customer convenience
- Growth in delivery service and revenue
- More opportunities for businesses
8. Education
Education about cannabis is becoming widely recognized. Customers, users, worried mothers, healthcare professionals and policymakers are looking for accurate information about cannabis. With the growth of the internet, it is easily available for people to find information on cannabis. This year look out for more educational programs/classes, articles/blogs and information resources allowing people to find reliable information about cannabis use, benefits, and risks. One of the best ways to learn about cannabis is to take a tour at your local cultivation site if they offer tours of course.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of cannabis
- Better choices
- More knowledge
9. Medical Cannabis Research
Cannabis research is becoming a trend because of its possible medicinal benefits. Happening now, there are ongoing studies aimed at providing more insights into the therapeutic uses of cannabis for conditions such as pain, epilepsy, anxiety and other medical conditions. Increased research funding and collaboration between institutions will better our understanding of cannabis as a medical treatment.
Impact:
- Increased use in medicine
- Acceptance of medical cannabis
- Possibly new therapeutic products
Conclusion
The cannabis industry will experience a lot of changes going into 2026, changes will be driven by trends that adjust to the needs and preferences of customers, users and cannabis professionals. From the acceptance and legalization of cannabis products, we will see a rise in tourism to innovations for new products and personalized experiences. These trends are shaping the future of cannabis. By staying informed and adapting to these trends, stakeholders in the cannabis industry can seize opportunities and navigate the dynamic market landscape effectively. Whether you’re a consumer looking for the latest products or a business aiming to stay ahead, understanding these trends will be crucial in 2025 and beyond.