Global Legal Cannabis Market By Source(Marijuana, Hemp) By Derivative(CBD-dominant, THC-dominant, Balanced) By Region, and Key Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Global Legal Cannabis Market size is expected to be worth around USD 247.4 Billion by 2033 from USD 26.1 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 25.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

The legal cannabis market has experienced rapid growth, driven by the increasing legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use across various regions globally. This market includes a wide array of products such as flowers, concentrates, edibles, and topicals. The medicinal segment, which utilizes cannabis for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and for palliative care, remains a significant driver of demand. On the recreational side, changing consumer attitudes and the destigmatization of cannabis usage have fueled market expansion.

Technological advancements in cultivation, extraction, and distribution are enhancing product quality and safety, attracting new consumers to the legal cannabis market. Governments recognize the economic benefits of cannabis legalization, including tax revenue and job creation, leading to more favorable laws in various regions. Despite challenges such as regulatory complexities and market saturation in mature regions, the market continues to grow. The increasing acceptance of cannabis’ therapeutic benefits and its integration into various lifestyle products drive this upward trajectory. Innovations like precision agriculture and advanced extraction techniques ensure high-quality, safe products, further boosting consumer trust and market expansion

Key Takeaways

• Market Size: Legal Cannabis Market size is expected to be worth around USD 247.4 Billion by 2033 from USD 26.1 Billion in 2023
• Market Growth: The market growing at a CAGR of 25.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
• Source Analysis: In 2023, marijuana has emerged as the dominant segment within the legal cannabis market, capturing a substantial 71% market share.
• Derivative Analysis: CBD-dominant products have captured a significant 46% market share within the legal cannabis market in 2023.
• Regional Analysis: North America region dominate 35% market share in 2023
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in cultivation, extraction, and distribution enhance product quality and safety, attracting new consumers.
• Economic Benefits: Governments recognize the potential for tax revenue and job creation, prompting more regions to adopt favorable cannabis laws.
• Therapeutic Acceptance: Growing recognition of cannabis’ therapeutic benefits boosts its integration into lifestyle and wellness products, indicating sustained market growth.

Source Analysis

In 2023, marijuana has emerged as the dominant segment within the legal cannabis market, capturing a substantial 71% market share. This dominance is largely attributed to the widespread legalization and increasing acceptance of marijuana for both medical and recreational use. The therapeutic benefits of marijuana, such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and appetite stimulation, have significantly contributed to its popularity among consumers.

Hemp, while also part of the legal cannabis market, holds a smaller but notable share. The demand for hemp-derived products, including CBD oils, textiles, and health supplements, continues to grow. However, hemp’s market penetration remains limited compared to marijuana due to regulatory constraints and lower consumer awareness.

The substantial market share of marijuana underscores its critical role in the expanding legal cannabis industry. As more regions move towards legalization and normalization, the marijuana segment is expected to maintain its leading position, driven by ongoing product innovation and increasing consumer demand for cannabis-based therapies and recreational products.

Derivative Analysis

In 2023, CBD-dominant products have captured a significant 46% market share within the legal cannabis market. This dominance is driven by the growing consumer preference for CBD products, which are valued for their non-psychoactive properties and wide range of therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects. CBD’s legal status in many regions, even where THC remains restricted, further bolsters its market presence.

THC-dominant products, while also popular, account for a smaller share of the market. These products are favored for their psychoactive effects, which are sought after for both recreational use and certain medical conditions. However, regulatory restrictions on THC in many regions limit its market growth compared to CBD.

Balanced products, containing both CBD and THC, hold a niche yet growing segment of the market. These products appeal to consumers seeking the combined benefits of both cannabinoids, such as enhanced therapeutic effects with mild psychoactivity.

Key Market Segments

Source

• Marijuana
• Hemp

Derivative

• CBD-dominant
• THC-dominant
• Balanced

Driver

The primary driver of the legal cannabis market is the increasing legalization and decriminalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use across various regions. This legislative shift is creating a robust market landscape by reducing legal barriers and fostering consumer acceptance. For instance, countries like Canada and several U.S. states have fully legalized cannabis, significantly boosting market growth.

Additionally, the growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in treating chronic pain, epilepsy, and mental health disorders is propelling demand in the medical cannabis segment. The expanding consumer base, coupled with rising investments in cannabis cultivation and distribution, is further fueling market expansion.

Trend

One prominent trend in the legal cannabis market is the surge in product innovation and diversification. Companies are increasingly developing new cannabis-infused products such as edibles, beverages, topicals, and health supplements to cater to diverse consumer preferences. This trend is accompanied by advancements in cannabis cultivation techniques and extraction processes, ensuring higher quality and potency of cannabis products.

Moreover, the integration of technology in cannabis operations, such as blockchain for supply chain transparency and AI for cultivation optimization, is enhancing efficiency and product consistency. The trend towards organic and sustainably grown cannabis is also gaining traction, aligning with broader consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.

Restraint

Despite significant progress, the legal cannabis market faces several restraints, primarily regulatory and financial hurdles. The inconsistent regulatory framework across different countries and even within regions of the same country creates complexity and uncertainty for market players. High taxation and stringent compliance requirements can also hinder the profitability of cannabis businesses.

Moreover, the stigma associated with cannabis use persists in many societies, limiting market acceptance and growth potential. Banking restrictions and limited access to financial services due to federal laws in certain jurisdictions further constrain market development and expansion opportunities for cannabis companies.

Opportunity

The legal cannabis market presents substantial opportunities, particularly in the realm of medical cannabis and wellness products. The increasing acceptance of cannabis as a therapeutic agent opens vast potential for developing new pharmaceutical products targeting various health conditions. Additionally, the global trend towards wellness and natural health remedies creates a burgeoning market for CBD-infused products, including skincare, dietary supplements, and relaxation aids.

Expansion into emerging markets, particularly in regions like Europe, Latin America, and Asia, where legislative changes are underway, offers significant growth prospects. Strategic partnerships and mergers among cannabis companies can also drive market consolidation and innovation, enhancing competitiveness and market reach.

Regional Analysis

North America region dominate 35% market share in 2023. Due to the laws and policies regarding the cannabis trade, revenue generated is highly regional. It is the largest shareholder in the North American market, with the majority of established companies coming from North America. Canopy Growth and Cur Leaf Holdings are key players. The overall market has grown due to growing demand from consumers. Another reason could be the higher rate of legalization.

Asia is the fastest-growing region despite strict prohibitions on the possession and use of cannabis. This could be due to the increased acceptance of cannabis in different countries within the region. A key driver of the region’s legal market is also the increasing number of clinical trials on cannabis use in various medical conditions. Although recreational marijuana use is still prohibited in many parts of Asia, it is becoming more popular in the region for its medicinal and industrial uses.

Japan has approved clinical trials for CBD compounds. However, possession of recreational cannabis can still be punished by up to five years in prison. With a growing elderly population, Japan will soon become a significant consumer of medical cannabis. China has been cultivating hemp, which is a component of the cannabis plant that can be used to make fibers. It is also used in many beauty products.

Key Regions

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• MEA
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Israel
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

Key players in the legal cannabis market are leveraging technological advancements and strategic partnerships to enhance their market presence. They focus on innovation in cultivation and extraction techniques to ensure high-quality and safe products. These companies are expanding their product portfolios to include a wide range of cannabis-based offerings, catering to both medical and recreational users.

Additionally, they are capitalizing on the growing consumer demand for CBD-dominant products and exploring opportunities in emerging markets. However, they face challenges such as regulatory complexities and market saturation, necessitating continuous adaptation and compliance strategies to maintain competitiveness.

Маrkеt Kеу Рlауеrѕ

• Cannoid LLC
• Canopy Growth Corp.
• CBD American Shaman LLC
• Cronos Group Inc.
• CV Sciences Inc.
• Elixinol Wellness Ltd.
• Folium Biosciences
• MediPharm Labs Inc.
• PharmaHemp d.o.o.
• Mentor Capital Inc.

Recent Developments

• Canopy Growth Corp. (April 2024): Canopy Growth partnered with Snoop Dogg to launch a new line of cannabis-infused beverages targeting the US market. The strategic partnership leverages Snoop Dogg’s brand recognition to expand Canopy Growth’s reach in the recreational cannabis space.
• CBD American Shaman LLC (May 2024): CBD American Shaman announced the expansion of its CBD gummy line with new flavors and formulations targeting specific wellness needs, such as sleep support and pain relief. This expansion caters to the growing demand for targeted CBD products within the market.
• Cronos Group Inc. (February 2024): Cronos Group reported a strategic investment in a leading vaporizer technology company. This move suggests Cronos Group’s focus on developing innovative cannabis consumption methods beyond traditional flower products.
• CV Sciences Inc. (January 2024): CV Sciences launched a new line of topicals infused with minor cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN, alongside CBD. This product launch reflects the growing interest in the therapeutic potential of minor cannabinoids within the legal cannabis market.

Report Scope