Cannabis Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rising importance of cannabis – Strategies such as health education are being implemented to lessen the stigma attached to medical marijuana, which has increased the usage of cannabis rapidly as stigma has decreased. 
• Growing geriatric population - The use of cannabis-derived products is rising among the elderly since it provides comfort from age-related pains and sleeplessness in particular to treat depression and anxiety.
  
  For instance, more than 770 million individuals worldwide were 65 years of age or older in 2022, making up around 9% of the world's population.
• Increasing burden of stress-related disorders - Many people, particularly those with social anxiety disorder, dysfunctional families, unfavorable life experiences, and traumatic stress use cannabis to decrease anxiety.

Challenges

• Strict rules and regulations - Cannabis usage for adult or medical purposes is permitted by laws and regulations to close current gaps, promote safe cannabis usage, and lessen negative effects.
  
  The legalization of cannabis for purposes other than medical use is subject to stringent rules and regulations, nonetheless, each state has its regulations, which may impede the market demand.
• Adverse effects - Not everyone has a positive experience with marijuana, the body can react to it in a variety of ways.
  
  Short-term effects of cannabis include lightheadedness, altered sensations, and memory impairment, and it can have both immediate and long-term effects, such as changed perception and elevated heart rate.
  
  Marijuana is the illicit substance most commonly linked to impaired driving and has been associated with criminal activity, unemployment, increased need for social assistance, poorer income, and decreased life satisfaction.