The use of medical cannabis is growing as more people realize the benefits of this plant. Its fewer side effects make it ideal for use in conjunction with other treatments and to combat adverse effects of conventional drugs. For instance, it reduces nausea and improves appetite in chemotherapy patients. It is also used to reduce the dosage of traditional opioid painkillers and provide greater pain relief. Another driving force behind the growing use of medical cannabis is the aging population, which is more likely to develop chronic illnesses and require more physician visits.
Demand for cannabis-infused beverages
Cannabis-infused drinks are becoming more popular in the U.S., thanks to recreational marijuana legalization across several states. Many companies have tapped into the market with their products, including Budweiser and Constellation Brands. The cannabis-infused beverage market is expected to reach $1 billion by 2020.
Currently, beverage sales of cannabis-infused products account for less than 1% of total legal cannabis sales in the U.S., but their growth is expected to continue, especially in North America. With cannabis legal in 33 states, and 13 states allowing high CBD/low THC products, the beverage industry has plenty of room to grow. However, regulatory obstacles remain. Safety regulations, testing regulations, and labeling requirements remain the biggest concerns for businesses in the cannabis industry.
As legalized marijuana becomes more widely accepted in society, beverage makers are looking for new ways to make the product more appealing. Hemp-infused seltzers, for instance, are becoming more popular as a sleep aid. In addition to enhancing sleep patterns, hemp-infused beverages can also reduce stress and improve mood. Although the research on the health benefits of these beverages is limited, personal anecdotes have a profound impact on consumer behavior.
According to a study by Global Industry Analysts, the cannabis-infused beverage market will reach USD 2.8 billion by 2025, with a 17.8% CAGR. The industry will grow at the fastest pace in North America, where legalization of cannabis for recreational use has taken hold.
Research and development activities
The growing awareness of the potential of kush weed strains and other marijuana strains has spurred significant research and development activities. These projects aim to discover new properties of cannabis and develop novel cannabis-based treatments. They also focus on the development of equipment for growing, harvesting, and processing marijuana. Cannabis is illegal under federal law, but new technology is paving the way for safer cultivation and processing.
A comprehensive research agenda is needed to address these gaps. It should also maximize the population-health benefits of cannabis research through interdisciplinary coordination of research efforts and the support of key stakeholders. To achieve this goal, it is crucial to develop standardized research tools and methods. This will help ensure uniformity and high quality in the research and development activities involving cannabis. It will also be essential to adopt uniform terminology and data-collection standards for clinical and epidemiological studies.
In addition, researchers can leverage the resources of several stakeholders, including the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). These organizations will help researchers collect data and prioritize the research needs. They will also collaborate with state public health departments, which can provide diagnostic tools and other laboratory resources.
The current state of the medical cannabis industry in the U.S. will affect market growth over the forecast period. However, the presence of key industry players and rising number of medicinal cannabis drug approvals will propel the growth of the market in the coming years. One company that has recently invested in cannabis-based pharmaceuticals, Greenrose Acquisition Corp., has acquired four cannabis companies. The company will also receive a tax credit for expenses incurred in developing a patent.
Legalization of medical cannabis
Legalization of medical cannabis will allow physicians to prescribe marijuana for patients who suffer from a variety of conditions. Recognized patients can also grow the bubba’s gift cannabis seeds available online and other cannabis strains at home. It will be highly regulated, with patients able to get prescriptions only from verified doctors and health care professionals. In addition, prescriptions will be electronic, so they can’t be forged. Pharmacies will also be required to enforce stricter rules regarding sale of drugs and cannabis businesses will need special permits.
A new study has examined the demographics of cannabis patients in the United States. It found that males access medical cannabis at a higher rate than females. The average age of patients was in their forties. The study’s methodology involved interviewing patients face-to-face, and analyzing data about their medical conditions.
Despite its potential benefits, the use of medical cannabis is largely unproven. Physicians must be supported and educated about the risks and benefits. Prescription guidelines must be developed with the patient in mind. In addition, patients should be told what alternatives they have, which might help them. A thorough assessment should be performed for each patient and regular contact between the physician and patient should be maintained.
In the United States, 33 states have medical cannabis programs, while 12 have legalized recreational use. In addition, some states have decriminalized the use of cannabis. Despite this, some remain strict in their policies regarding marijuana.