101 Facts About Cannabis in 2023
Have you ever wondered about the history of cannabis and how it has changed throughout the years? Or perhaps you've heard of some strange facts about cannabis but didn't think they were true? From marijuana's long-standing place in American culture and its many medical benefits to an exploration of its various forms, the world of cannabis is one filled with a fascinating history and tons of surprising information. Here are 101 facts about cannabis that will answer your questions and more!
We know finding facts and figures about cannabis can be time-consuming and frustrating, so we put together this list of the top 101 facts, notes, and statistics so you can easily reference them and refer back to them any time in the future. This space is constantly changing, so if you see a fact that is not up-to-date, feel free to let us know. And if you know a stat that we should add, let us know that too!
1. About 50% of cannabis users claimed to have consumed more since the pandemic began.
2. In 2021, the global cannabis industry generated a remarkable $25 billion in sales.
3. The US cannabis industry boasts an impressive 428,059 jobs and is continually growing.
4. There has been a 55% rise in sales to female cannabis customers.
5. The legalization of cannabis is supported by 91% of US adults.
6. An estimated 44% of Americans now have access to recreational cannabis.
7. Cannabis is considered to have one of the lowest rates of dependency among recreational drugs.
Cannabis dependence rates are significantly lower than other substances such as cocaine and heroin. A study found that only 9% of users become dependent on cannabis - however, this is due to its widespread use. Despite the low abuse rate, caution should still be taken when using cannabis as addiction can occur in any form.
Over eight years, cannabis consumption is anticipated to rise by 4% annually and reach 71 million users worldwide in 2030.
8. In the United States, it's estimated that over 52 million adults will partake in cannabis consumption one or more times during 2022. This number takes into account both recreational and unregulated markets.
9. The market share of Generation Z has increased by a factor of two over the past two years (from 8.3% in the first quarter of 2020 to 15% in the last quarter of 2021), making them the group that has experienced the greatest growth.
10. In the US, managing stress (21.9%) and managing mental health (21.5%) are the two most often mentioned reasons for cannabis use.
11. Of the majority of US cannabis consumers, 55% admitted that their usage is both recreational and medicinal.
12. The number of frequent cannabis users has been growing steadily, and now 47% say they use cannabis products daily.
13. An overwhelming majority of 67% have declared that they consume this product regularly, more than once each week.
14. With substantially higher THC levels than ever before, modern cannabis has never been used before and has a greater psychoactive impact.
15. Compared to the 1960s and 1970s, when THC levels in smoked cannabis averaged only 3-7%, these days they are typically anywhere from 20-30%.
16. Some highly concentrated preparations, which are used for "dabbing" or vaping (heated vapor inhalation), can contain 60-85% THC.
17. Consumers can easily gauge a cannabis product's potency by simply reading its label.
Washington State mandates that all products must be clearly labeled with the exact levels of THC and cannabis they contain.
18. December 2022 marked a major milestone for advocates of cannabis legalization
Senator John Hickenlooper has recently taken a monumental stride in progressing the end of cannabis prohibition in America, by introducing an act that would provide federal authorities with financial and educational support to work within this emergent market.
The PREPARE Act will expedite the process of ending cannabis-related charges and promote a much smoother transition for all who may be affected.
19. After a dramatic price drop in 2022, the cannabis industry is bracing itself for a challenging 2023.
20. While the federal government remains hesitant to legalize it, individual states have approved its use which has created an overabundance of supply.
21. Despite historically high levels of consumption, there have been significant declines in some markets due to economic concerns.
22. The federal review that may abolish state-approved supplier tax penalties is not anticipated to be completed before 2024.
23. The staggering $20.47 billion industry for cannabis was predicted to exist in 2020.
24. The cannabis industry was valued at $28.26 billion in 2021, and by 2028, it is expected to reach $197.74 billion.
25. By 2026, the cannabis industry is anticipated to bring an additional $155 billion into the US economy.
Experts anticipate a massive influx of $100 billion in 2022, signifying an exciting financial opportunity for investors.
26. The cannabis market in California is currently bigger than the entire legal cannabis market in Canada.
27. North America dominates the global cannabis landscape, with its market share currently totaling an astonishingly high portion of all legal marijuana sales worldwide.
North America is dominating the global cannabis scene with a booming market - and there's no sign of slowing down! Around the world, demand for legal marijuana continues to skyrocket as people flock to take advantage of available products.
28. The biggest cannabis multi-state operators (MSOs) in North America have raised $2.8 billion as of 2021.
29. The US cannabis retail market is expected to reach an unprecedented $33 billion within the year, with projections estimating a staggering growth of up to $52 billion in 2026.
30. Although women only constitute a third of the US cannabis market, they are driving sales forward with an increased 55% increase in 2021.
31. The US cannabis market experienced an incredible 71% growth in sales during the pandemic year of 2020, reaching a total of $18 billion.
32. The United States cannabis market made history on April 4th when it reported an unprecedented $175 million in sales
A momentous milestone for what is commonly known as the most important day of the year, 420.
33. 46% of US consumers, according to statistics from 2021, purchase their cannabis products directly from a dispensary.
34. Less than half (46%) of adults in the United States say they have ever tried cannabis.
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, fewer individuals have used cannabis than those who report having ever consumed alcohol (80%) or tobacco products (61%).
A survey conducted in 2019 revealed that while many Americans claim they have tried cannabis, there are noticeably fewer current users. Only 18% of U.S adults reported they had used the drug within the last year and just 11% admitted to consuming it over one month.
35. Cannabis operators leveraged technology to boost their profits and gain a competitive edge.
Cannabis has gone a long way from thriving in the dark to having access to cutting-edge technologies made just for it.
Companies are stepping in to fill the hole with creative solutions that support essential operational and financial operations because business technology is frequently off-limits. Some businesses have seized this chance to succeed with their products by seizing the lead.
36. Strengthening dedication to social justice and equity
Important advancements on this front came from various sources in 2022. Maryland and Missouri both legalized adult usage while including clauses to further important social justice objectives for the sector.
President Biden made a progressive statement on marijuana policy reform on October 6 in which he emphasized three very important objectives.
37. In 2023, social justice initiatives are forecasted to remain the main focus of the cannabis industry.
38. By 2023, the Cannabis market is expected to skyrocket with a predicted US$47.20bn in revenue.
39. Projected to display an annual growth rate of 12.69% (CAGR 2023-2027), the revenue generated within this market is expected to reach a total volume of US$76.12bn by 2027.
40. In an international comparison, the United States will be at the forefront of revenue generation; estimated to hit US$32,870.00m in 2023.
41. Starting on July 1st, 2023, any adult of 21 years and over can possess up to the "personal use amount"
In other words, you can have 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis extracts, or a total THC amounting to 750 mg in other forms.
42. As of 2022, the majority of Americans (77%) reside in a state where cannabis is legalized either for medical or recreational use.
With 37 states now allowing for either medical or recreational (or both!) cannabis use, marijuana is becoming more commonplace each day.
43. The state of Texas, making up approximately one-third of the US population, currently has no access to legal cannabis.
44. With 18 US states expected to legalize cannabis by the end of this decade, a remarkable 96% of Americans will have legal access to the plant.
This would make recreational and medical cannabis accessible to an unprecedented amount of citizens across America in such a short period.
45. 77% of cannabis users believe that cannabis use should be legalized in public areas.
46. The US cannabis sector currently employs more people than barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists combined.
47. In 2019, analysts predicted that if cannabis was legalized across the United States, it would create more than 1.6 million jobs by 2025 and generate nearly $60 billion in wages.
This growth could provide a powerful economic boost to our nation and possibly usher in a new era of prosperity for many.
48. Over 280 new jobs are being added by the cannabis business every single day in 2021.
California is leading the way when it comes to cannabis employment, boasting an impressive 83,607 jobs in 2021.
49. Studies have shown that the cannabis market is still growing rapidly and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon.
The pandemic has not hindered the sales or popularity of cannabis products, signaling to ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses alike that entering the flourishing cannabis industry is a worthwhile venture.
50. As more states continue to legalize marijuana use, the staggering $52.5 billion worth of cannabis that was consumed in the United States alone in 2017 is only projected to rise.
51. The cannabis industry is projected to add approximately 250,000 full-time job openings between 2020 and 2024.
This industry is on the rise and its numbers indicate an amazing level of progress.
52. By 2024, the U.S. cannabis industry has the potential to generate a massive economic impact of approximately $130 billion every year.
53. The current total revenue of cannabis sales has exceeded the NBA’s annual U.S. income, and could even exceed Americans' expenditure on craft beer by 2024.
54. Cannabis businesses contribute hundreds of millions in state and local taxes, helping fund various projects like roads, rural hospitals, or educational programs.
This tax revenue has been instrumental to the success of many regions across the country.
55. As more states progress towards legalization, new studies demonstrate that the joint sales of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes are projected to top $35 billion by 2025.
56. The Cannabis industry in the U.S. is projected to become an immense economic powerhouse, with estimates of reaching $100 billion by 2030.
Signifying that this sector is guaranteed to continue its remarkable expansion curve.
57. Capital markets proved resilient for cannabis
A prevalence of news focuses on a downturn in the availability of capital for the cannabis industry. However, down does not mean out. Investors with an affinity for cannabis continue to see opportunities amid the challenges.
58. Cannabis presented different market opportunities for investors
Technology and cannabis were two of the most negatively impacted industries in 2022 due to the stock market. Even though their market caps both saw big drops, the fundamentals of the cannabis industry dictate that it should be viewed differently by the market than other sectors.
59. Substantial market consolidation
After the cannabis industry experienced a huge boom during the lockdown periods of COVID-19, it seems this prosperity has dissipated. States like Colorado and Washington with well-established recreational markets have been struggling to deal with price drops.
With more mature markets already saturated in adult-use sales, companies are feeling the pinch and having to downsize.
Cost-cutting measures may not be enough for some – In a corporate landscape where big businesses are seizing licenses from those in peril, only the most adept and strategic players will survive.
60. After the mixed results of 2022, legalization attempts are intensified.
Although the legalization of cannabis has experienced some resistance in traditionally conservative states across both the South and West, 2022's election marked a huge success in Maryland and Missouri.
In the federal sector, industry enthusiasts were quietly optimistic that banking reform would move forward. Unfortunately, it did not happen, however, a fresh opportunity will present itself in 2023.
61. The increasing fascination with THC potency and the practice of 'lab shopping' has been gaining more recognition.
Industry experts are hopeful that this new development could lead to fewer consumers searching for the best products and more consumer knowledge about all of the other advantages that cannabis has to offer.
This would cause a shift in focus from cannabinoid content by industry professionals, indicating a positive change in how cannabis is viewed and used overall.
62. The volume of calls for moratoria rises.
Farmers are feeling the pressure in saturated markets as prices decrease and more cultivation sites open, prompting them to petition their state governments for aid.