Global legal cannabis market was worth USD 12.8 billion in 2020. It is projected to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR 26.3%) between 2021 and 2028. The market is driven by rising legalization and increased awareness about the health benefits of cannabis use. The market is expected to grow due to a positive consumer attitude, growing demand for recreational and medical cannabis, as well as a growing number companies that cater to this rising demand. A report by Congressional Research Service published in June 2018 shows that hemp cultivation has been legalized in approximately 30 countries across Asia, Europe and North America. A cultural shift was observed in the way the product is perceived by consumers after full legalization.
The demand for medical marijuana is expected to rise due to the growing population's need for pain relief. A National Library of Medicine observational study in 2019 included around 1,321 participants. This survey was designed to analyze the transition of chronic pain patients from traditional treatments to cannabis. The survey found that around 80% of respondents used cannabis as a substitute for traditional medicine. Around 53% of the respondents switched from opioids to marijuana for chronic pain. 22% changed from benzodiazepines and 22% from the other. These products are increasingly being used to treat chronic pain. This will lead to an increase in raw material cultivation to meet rising demand.
Positive reforms in CBD have led to an increase in cannabinoid product consumption. Gallup Survey 2019 shows that CBD products and CBD are most popular among Americans aged 18 to 29 years old. Around 20% of those aged 18 to 29 use CBD. 16% of those aged 30 to 49 use CBD. 11% of people between 50 and 64 use CBD. Approximately 8% of the population over 65 uses CBD. There has been a rise in CBD-based edibles and beverages. Another factor driving the increase in these products is their availability.
Pandemic Impact |
Outlook after COVID |
From 2019 to 2020, the legal cannabis market declined by 29.6% |
Market growth is expected to be between 25% and 30% over the next five years. |
Supply chain disruptions in key countries, as well as panic buying by consumers regarding various cannabis products, are two of the main factors behind the drop in revenue. |
Many players have seen a decline in strategic initiatives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some players even filed for bankruptcy. However, as things are improving, players are launching more merger and acquisition efforts. This trend is expected to continue in the near future. |
While there was an increase in pandemic-related users, there has also been a significant price drop, which has resulted in a decline in market revenue. In 2020, prices fell by 60% compared to 2019. |
Due to the pandemic, disruptions were also experienced in R&D activities such as clinical trials. The FDA has recently issued guidelines that allow for virtual research. However, clinical trials for cannabis will continue as per the FDA's recent guidelines. This should provide positive growth prospects for the future. |
Due to the imposition lockdown, which disrupted product manufacturing, the COVID-19 epidemic has negatively impacted market growth. Anchorage Press published an article in August 2020 stating that China was affected by the pandemic in its initial days. This was due to an increase in corona cases, which led to the closure of nearly all their manufacturing plants. This has had a negative impact on market growth. The medical use of the product in treating various diseases has seen a tremendous increase over the years. Israel, for example, has done extensive research into the medical benefits of these drugs.
People in countries that ban marijuana have turned to CBD oil derived from hemp to satisfy their medical needs. The legalization of marijuana for adult use has also driven product demand. The legalization of cannabis is also likely to be supported by the curbing of the illegal drug market. RAND Corp. and Mexico Institute of Competitiveness have previously reported that marijuana accounted for between 20-30% of drug cartels’ revenue. Vox published an article in Vox in 2019. Legalization can result in the loss of revenue for illicit channels as more people shift to legal purchasing options.
The marijuana segment was responsible for 70.8% of the total revenue in 2020 and is expected to grow at a faster rate of 26% between 2021-2028. The segment is expected to grow as more people legalize marijuana and allow adult-use as well as medical marijuana. It is accepted worldwide that marijuana can be used for medical purposes in the United States, Canada, Croatia and Italy. The U.S., Canada, Colombia, Uruguay and other countries have a strong presence in medical marijuana production. Israel, however, is focused on R&D and technology supply to other countries.
The legalization of marijuana-based products is gaining popularity. This has resulted in decriminalization and legalization in some countries. Individual countries can use this opportunity to increase their tax revenue. In 2018, Chicago's total tax collection was USD 52.7million, from medicinal marijuana. Patients have seen a shift in their preferences for marijuana-based products, from recreational to medical use, since legalization.
The CBD segment was the most lucrative in 2020 with a revenue share greater than 67%. It will continue to grow at a steady CAGR of 3% between 2021 and 2028. The growing number of countries that allow CBD use for medical and other purposes can explain this growth. Many ongoing studies have shown the potential health benefits of CBD for certain conditions. In 2018, GW Research Ltd. sponsored a study that examined the effectiveness of CBD on Dravet syndrome-related disorders in children and young adults. The results were encouraging. Mclean Hospital is also conducting a clinical study to examine the effects of CBD-based sublingual medicines on chronic pain.
Due to increasing research that claims the benefits of other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN and CBG, the others segment will experience the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The segment is expected to grow due to an increase in companies entering the market and growing awareness about the health benefits associated with these derivatives (e.g., reduced inflammation, lower serotonin levels and relief of pain). GreenWay Herbal Products LLC, an American-based company, has launched a cannabinoid based product line in 2019. These initiatives will raise awareness about the potential benefits and increase demand for the compound in the future.
The medical-use segment, which accounted for more than 41% of the total revenue in 2020, will grow at the second-fastest annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2021-2028. Segment growth will be driven by rising demand, expanded application in the medical sector and legalization of medical marijuana in many countries. After legalization in Australia, medical cannabis has been used more for medicinal purposes. It is being prescribed by doctors to treat various medical conditions. The segment's growth is also driven by the increased awareness about the product as well as its health benefits.
CAGR for the recreational segment is expected to be the fastest during the forecast period. Canada, Uruguay, Colombia and some U.S. states have legalized marijuana for adult use. The legalization of marijuana for adults is a step towards eradicating the black market and generating substantial tax revenue. The legalization of recreational marijuana is expected to increase job opportunities and provide benefits for the economy. This is a positive contribution to segment growth.
North America had the highest revenue share at 68% or more in 2020. It will continue to grow at a steady CAGR of 3% between 2021 and 2028. The key driver of the North American market is the presence of many global companies, including Aphria and Aurora Cannabis. The region's growing demand for these products and the positive attitude towards them are key factors in the growth of CBD end products as well as raw cannabis. According to Greenhouse Grower's latest list of top 20 North American producers (2020), Copper state Farms is the largest greenhouse producer in the U.S. Copper state Farms has a greenhouse covering almost 2 million square feet.
Asia will experience the fastest CAGR growth over the forecast period. The regional market is experiencing a boom in growth due to the increasing number of users in certain countries. According to the Asian Cannabis Report 2019, Prohibition Partners estimates that there are approximately 5.6 million Chinese cannabis users, 0.2 million Japanese users, and 0.4 million Malaysian users. The export prospects for different countries in the region will be boosted by the growing production of cannabis and hemp.
The market's key players focus on expanding their industry share by diversification, expansion, and other growth strategies. CV Sciences, Inc., which is a major player in the U.S., announced in 2019 a distribution partnership for Harris Teeter. The partnership was intended to expand the reach of the former company at more than 5,400 retail locations across the U.S. These are some of the major players in the global legal marijuana market:
Canopy Growth Corp.
GW Pharmaceuticals, plc
Aphria, Inc.
Cronos Group
Tilray
Sundial Growers, Inc.
Insys Therapeutics, Inc.
The Scotts Company LLC
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.
Up Market Research published a new report titled “Legal Cannabis Market research report which is segmented by End-use (Medical, Recreational), by Sources (Hemp, Marijuana), by Derivatives (CBD, THC), By Players/Companies Inc; Aphria, Inc; Cronos Group; Tilray; Sundial Growers Inc; Insys Therapeutics, Canopy Growth Corporation; GW Pharmaceuticals, plc; Aurora Cannabis, Inc; The Scotts Company LLC; VIVO Cannabis Inc; and Cara Therapeutics Inc”. As per the study the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% in the forecast period.
Report Attributes | Report Details |
Report Title | Legal Cannabis Market Research Report |
By End-use | Medical, Recreational |
By Sources | Hemp, Marijuana |
By Derivatives | CBD, THC |
By Companies | Inc; Aphria, Inc; Cronos Group; Tilray; Sundial Growers Inc; Insys Therapeutics, Canopy Growth Corporation; GW Pharmaceuticals, plc; Aurora Cannabis, Inc; The Scotts Company LLC; VIVO Cannabis Inc; and Cara Therapeutics Inc |
Regions Covered | North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, MEA |
Base Year | 2020 |
Historical Year | 2018 to 2019 (Data from 2010 can be provided as per availability) |
Forecast Year | 2028 |
Number of Pages | 204 |
Number of Tables & Figures | 143 |
Customization Available | Yes, the report can be customized as per your need. |
The report covers comprehensive data on emerging trends, market drivers, growth opportunities, and restraints that can change the market dynamics of the industry. It provides an in-depth analysis of the market segments which include products, applications, and competitor analysis.
The market is segmented by End-use (Medical, Recreational), by Sources (Hemp, Marijuana), by Derivatives (CBD, THC).
Legal Cannabis Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders:
Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America region is further bifurcated into countries such as U.S., and Canada. The Europe region is further categorized into U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe. Asia Pacific is further segmented into China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, South East Asia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Latin America region is further segmented into Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America, and the MEA region is further divided into GCC, Turkey, South Africa, and Rest of MEA.
We have studied the Legal Cannabis Market in 360 degrees via. both primary & secondary research methodologies. This helped us in building an understanding of the current market dynamics, supply-demand gap, pricing trends, product preferences, consumer patterns & so on. The findings were further validated through primary research with industry experts & opinion leaders across countries. The data is further compiled & validated through various market estimation & data validation methodologies. Further, we also have our in-house data forecasting model to predict market growth up to 2028.
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