Cannabis and the US Economy in 2024

The US cannabis industry will make a substantial economic impact. Projections indicate a potential annual contribution of up to $130 billion to the nation’s economy by 2024. Shifting regulations, changing attitudes, and a rapidly growing market define the United States. It’s at the forefront of a green revolution.

To put it into perspective, the anticipated $130 billion figure aligns closely with Nebraska’s 2019 gross domestic product. The industry’s evolution from an illicit market to a mainstream economic force is quite evident here.

At the same time, this forecast represents a notable surge witnessed in 2019. It’s a remarkable 181% growth in the economic influence of legal cannabis sales. Here’s a quick overview:

Ramifications of Business Closures

The year 2023 witnessed a grim period as a substantial number of jobs were lost due to business closures. The repercussions go beyond individual job losses; companies providing services to the cannabis sector are struggling to secure payments. That’s creating a domino effect throughout the supply chain.

Municipalities used to bank on taxes and revenue from cannabis businesses. However, they now grapple with economic setbacks through price crashes and market oversaturation.

Expected Uncertainty

A potential economic juggernaut stands confused in 2024. The challenges faced by the industry have involved businesses as well as governance and external competition.

Crucial Juncture for CCC

The trajectory of the CCC in 2024 is hanging in the balance, demanding swift and effective responses. Shannon O’Brien’s suspension in September raises concerns about the regulatory body’s stability. The subsequent lawsuit and the resignation of Shawn Collins in December add layers of uncertainty to the CCC’s future.

Speculation looms large over potential additional departures within the commission. CCC must either overcome these challenges or face possible intervention by state lawmakers for reforms and heightened oversight.

External Competition

The legalization of cannabis for adult use in neighboring states poses a threat to Minnesota’s market.

It’s quite easy to access cannabis in other states diminishes the necessity for out-of-state consumers to journey to Minnesota. That’s ultimately impacting the state’s revenue stream.

Other than that, alterations in federal laws allowing THC extraction from federally legal hemp plants open the floodgates for the sale of products that cause a ‘high’ across state lines.

It’s something that openly challenges the state’s governance over the cannabis economy and highlights the need for adaptability and innovation amid federal regulations.

Marijuana Use Stats

We find numbers and narratives of people seeking relief, relaxation, and recreation. With 1 in 3 women over 21 consuming cannabis, the reasons extend beyond recreation to include anxiety relief, better sleep, and pain management. The rising popularity of pre-rolls reflects evolving consumption preferences.

Support for legalization has surged to a record 70%, which is quite a seismic shift in societal attitudes. Medical cannabis is also reported to be enhancing the quality of life for veterans. That has added a humanitarian perspective to the acceptance narrative.

Market Opportunity

Economic insights reveal the enormity of the market opportunity. The projected valuation in 2024 and a staggering $115.2 billion contribution to the economy underscore cannabis as a formidable economic force. Notably, cannabis outshining alcohol in tax revenue across nine states challenges conventional economic norms.

Market Trends

It’s quite a dynamic landscape where cashless payments are reshaping dispensary operations. Millennials are wielding significant purchasing power. We see that small and midsize businesses are at the forefront of merger and acquisition activities. The industry continues to mature, and consumers increasingly turn to pre-purchase online research.

Employment Demand

Despite a dip in 2023, employment in the cannabis industry is bouncing back. Emerging markets present double-digit revenue growth and job creation potential. All of that offers a silver lining in challenging economic times. Key states are emerging as hubs for job growth. Such a demand surge is further solidifying cannabis as a source of employment opportunities.

Legal Updates

The legal arena remains ambitiously dynamic – five states are contemplating adult-use legalization and four states considering advancements in medical cannabis regulations. The overall optimism for expanding legal markets reflects a broader societal shift toward acceptance and recognition of the industry’s legitimacy.

Explanation of Economic Multiplier

The economic impact considered in these projections diverges from measuring total revenues in the cannabis supply chain; instead, it employs an economic multiplier of 3.5 to illustrate the industry’s broader contribution to the economy.

This multiplier effect elucidates how revenue generated by cannabis businesses permeates through various levels of communities, cities, states, and the nation as a whole.

The economic multiplier of 3.5 signifies that for every $1 spent by consumers/patients at dispensaries and recreational marijuana stores, an additional $2.50 of economic value is infused into the economy.

Instances of Economic Impact

Showcasing the current and potential significance of the cannabis industry to the larger U.S. economy helps stakeholders comprehend its positive impact on job creation, tourism, real estate, and the distribution of tax revenue. We’ll see a greater impact in terms of:

• Contributions through Taxes: Collectively, cannabis businesses contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local taxes. These funds support diverse projects, including infrastructure development such as roads, rural hospitals, and government programs like education.
• Stimulus for Real Estate and Construction: The establishment of cultivation sites, dispensaries, and infused product companies sparks activity in real estate and construction. Vacant warehouses find purpose as cultivation sites, and retailers frequently undertake the renovation of dilapidated storefronts.
• Boost in Tourism: Cannabis businesses attract tourists to states with legalized recreational marijuana, with visitors making purchases and indulging in cannabis consumption. Additionally, industry professionals contribute tourism dollars during travels for meetings, conferences, and market research.

Bottomline

The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainties, but the enduring strength of the cannabis industry suggests that short-term disruptions are unlikely to hinder its enduring economic impact. The cannabis industry emerges as a market force and a catalyst for change. The economic contributions, changing societal perceptions, and a wave of legal reforms will hopefully trigger a deeper impact on the US economy. The future is green, and the opportunities are as vast as the fields.