Imagine being an investor in Microsoft at the time of the company’s IPO in 1986. Or better yet, buying Amazon shares while it was still just an aspiring online book store in the late 1990s.
Chances to be an early adopter in the next billion-dollar industry are far and few in between – but it’s exactly what is happening today with the nascent cannabis market. After close to a century of prohibition, cannabis is back in the limelight as legalization rolls across the U.S. and Canada.
Today’s infographic from Choom Holdings Inc demonstrates the consumer interest in retail cannabis, and the challenges and opportunities that come with this potential.
Legal cannabis today is a lucrative modern market in the U.S. and Canada. In 2018, sales were $10.8 billion – and they are expected to grow to $47.3 billion by 2027.
Who’s driving this growth? A recent survey reveals that:
With more people using cannabis frequently, the disruptive potential of retail cannabis becomes clear.
Colorado, Washington, Nevada, and most recently California have been among the major U.S. states to legalize recreational cannabis in recent years.
Although cannabis sales across all states have soared, there’s one caveat to mention, which is clearly seen in the case of California. As the state began selling cannabis in stores on January 1st, it also simultaneously ran out of supply when the grey market came rushing up.
This trend of pent-up demand is clear across both mature and new markets – even Canada couldn’t escape the same supply crunch, subjecting customers to long lines and wait times on day one of legalization. For example, only one legal retail store was open in the entire province of British Columbia on October 17th.
It’s not surprising to see why cannabis is such a valuable retail product, though: dispensaries typically outsell Whole Foods and other similar retailers.
| Type of Store | Revenue per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Costco wholesale store | $1,032 |
| Cannabis dispensary | $974 |
| Whole Foods store | $930 |
| Specialty tea store | $893 |
| Pharmacy | $676 |
| Department store | $180 |
(Source: Marijuana Business Daily)
Seizing an early adoption opportunity is a best-case scenario in the investing world.
Today, such an opportunity may come in the form of retail cannabis. The segment still faces specific hurdles, but these challenges have the potential to convert into golden opportunities as the market matures in North America:
1. Inherited demand
Legal retailers will reach new consumers as the grey market begins to come online.
2. Strong foundation
Retail cannabis is only legal in ten U.S. states, but it already shows strong promise.
3. Building bridges
Retail cannabis stores are just now opening in Canada, but licenses are hard to get.
Retail cannabis is a brave new world for consumers and investors alike – and early entrants to the industry with access to capital and a large retail footprint will likely lead the charge.
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