U.S. CPG Cannabis Sales To Rise By The Billions

Although a large sector of cannabis products remain illegal under U.S. federal law, state-legalized cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp will translate into billions of dollars in revenue. From marijuana sold via licensed dispensaries where it’s legalized for recreational use to hemp- derived products that are emerging at retail outlets, cannabis could generate new revenue for those that can capitalize on related opportunities. It could also pose signicant risk for suppliers and retailers that choose to turn a blind eye to the current and projected growth of cannabis.

In 2018, we estimate that total sales of all legalized cannabis in the U.S. reached $8 billion. This includes sales of hemp-derived CBD. That’s $8 billion in a country where marijuana is now legal for recreational use in just 11 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. With newer recreational markets such as Michigan and Illinois opening up for business in 2020 and more states likely to follow suit, Nielsen predicts that sales of all legalized cannabis in the U.S. will reach $41 billion by 2025.