Cannabis use in the North American continent, Canada and USA, has increased significantly in the past few years. Although the number of teenagers using cannabis has reduced, the number of adult users is gradually and steadily rising. Forbes had projected the global cannabis industry to rise to $31.4 billion in 2021, which didn’t fall too far from the actual sales, $25 billion.
According to a study by MJBiz, legal marijuana sales in America are expected to hit $33 billion by the close of 2022. Cannabis has been decriminalized or legalized in several countries, including the Netherlands, Canada, Uruguay, Jamaica, Belize, and South Africa. In America, medical cannabis has been legalized in 39 states, while recreational marijuana is legal in the District of Columbia and 18 states.
Cannabis has different effects on the body and mind. Most research in the past has focused on adverse effects rather than positive ones. Today, a considerable portion of the medical world is working towards rediscovering the plant’s medicinal properties. Industry players are channeling resources into rigorous research. Patients suffering from various ailments now have access to an effective non-pharmaceutical solution for their conditions.
Investment opportunities in the cannabis industry
As much as marijuana is a recreational substance or cure, it is also a booming business. Today, entrepreneurs are rushing toward this ever-growing industry to get a piece of the pie. Legal cannabis provides an opportunity for local and national governments to benefit tremendously. They can use the industry to secure investments for their jurisdictions from big and small investors. While medical marijuana is legal in 39 out of the 50 states, it is still illegal at the federal level.
That presents several challenges for many investors because it’s harder to capitalize on the industry’s growth. There are very few cannabis-related companies on the public stock exchanges. While investors can still take advantage of over-the-counter exchanges, most have set camp in Canada, where marijuana is legal at the national level.
When it becomes lawful at the federal level, investors will have the freedom to list their stocks on any U.S. exchange, increasing access for many more companies and enhancing liquidity. If the weed industry continues to grow at the current rate, more major investors are likely to invest in the industry.
Common marijuana strains in the market
If you have previously used marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, you know that not all weed is made equal. Some of the more popular strains include:
1. Purple Kush
Purple Kush is famous for inducing a blissful state. When you use it, your body will relax, and you’ll also experience mood elevation. You might also feel sleepy. Purple Kush is liked by users dealing with muscle spasms and pain because it reduces both dramatically. Its sedative effects make it suitable for treating insomnia.
2. Acapulco Gold
This name is coined from its origin in Acapulco, Mexico. It is another popular strain among cannabis users, thanks to its energizing and euphoria-inducing properties. Acapulco gold reduces nausea, stress, pain, and fatigue.
3. White Widow
White Widow is a super strain currently existing in the market. It improves moods, offers relaxation, and energizes all at the same time. It is said that White Widow reduces pain, stress, and feelings of depression. If you feel fatigued after a tedious day, it could help you to stay alert and energized.
4. Blue Dream
Blue dream has soothing and relaxing properties but is not a complete sedative. This makes it excellent for easing cramps, pain, and inflammation when struggling with insomnia. It will also uplift your mood and make you euphoric.
The role of medical cannabis in the healthcare sector
Medical marijuana is a major contributor to the growth of the marijuana industry. Patients take them for various health issues, including chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. The following are the uses of marijuana in the medical industry.
1. Controlling epileptic seizures
Epileptic seizures are very threatening for anyone with the condition. Patients can use THC, a chemical present in cannabis, to control and stop their seizures. THC binds the brain cells responsible for relaxation regulation and excitability control.
2. Relieves arthritis
Cannabis offers relief to those who have rheumatoid arthritis. It does this by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints and promoting sleep. The common arthritis medicine Sativex is a cannabidiol-based pain reliever. After short-term use, you should experience a significant improvement in your sleep and pain symptoms.
3. Reducing chemotherapy side effects and boosting appetite
One of the most typical uses of cannabis in medicine is among those undergoing chemotherapy. When receiving chemo, patients will likely experience a loss of appetite, vomiting, severe pains, and painful nausea. All these side effects could potentially further deteriorate their condition. Cannabis helps alleviate these symptoms by reducing pain and nausea and stimulating appetite.
Take away
The legal cannabis industry is huge and has experienced substantial growth over the last decade. Now more than before, industry players are interested and invested in exploring how to use cannabis in other areas. Hopefully, this article has provided some insight for those of you that don’t know much about the industry.
