How will the cannabis industry evolve in 2016?

The past 12 months have turned the cannabis industry upside down, with new business opportunities appearing regularly in the U.S., and more widely across the globe. countries that have legalized cannabis, in one form or another. New markets have emerged, and existing companies have expanded, in a fast-growing industry.

2016 should see a a number of other countries legalize cannabis, Whether for medical or recreational use, the business opportunities are set to continue growing. The cannabis industry has grown significantly over the past 8 years, and 2016 should be a turning point for it.

The landscape of cannabis growers, sellers and all businesses in the industry will also continue to change, with consequences that could be as positive as they are negative.

Here are our forecasts for’cannabis market trends in 2016.

Cannabis cultivation: overproduction and falling prices

There have already been signs of saturation in some markets, which could lead to a price war. 2016 could be the year when growers reach the tipping point.

Overproduction quantities could be used to supply the cannabis oil market and the extractions, The result has been a drop in the price of weed and cannabis oils.

Some growers have already turned to the purchase of new oil-making machines.

Sales: the influence of medical research

One aspect of cannabis that has yet to be fully utilized is its medical properties, mainly due to blocking scientific research serious.

This is likely to change rapidly, as Andy Williams, owner of the Medicine Man, one of Colorado's largest dispensaries.

«There's so much to study that it's almost mind-boggling to think about. It's hard to imagine the possibilities that will emerge.

Medical research will lead directly to the creation of new products for patients treated with cannabis, seriously affecting products sold today by dispensaries. Andy Williams expects new products for intravenous feeding, suppositories and other types of non-smokable medicines that have yet to be developed.

Space food: new products

Companies that have launched space food (cannabis-infused foods) have so far only scratched the surface of what is feasible. With experience, the creativity of chefs cooking with cannabis should lead to new products. To the delight of gourmets.

We should also see the development of the market for cannabis beauty products, with the boom in research into cannabinoids, and how they can be used and applied.

Investment: existing companies have a major advantage

Companies that have been in the cannabis business for several years should see their efforts and tenacity rewarded. Today, these companies have everything they need to attract investors, who are also ready to invest in cannabis. fueling millions of dollars the cannabis industry. The most visible companies should benefit before all others from this cashflow.

Corporate shareholders will also want to take a greater role in the management of cannabis businesses, which could create some legal battles.

The global industry: the emergence of brands and marketing

Before 2015, few cannabusinesses had really developed their brand. But as the market grows, it's important to stand out from the competition.

Some cans of cannabis-infused products, such as Dixie THC and CBD) have already understood the importance of branding. This is typically the kind of product where packaging matters in the consumer's buying decision.

This applies equally to growers and dispensaries, where brand recognition is a business lever. Snoop Dogg already understood this when he launched Leafs, its brand of cannabis and cannabis products.