Five Cannabis News Headlines in 2024 That Caught Our Eye

Every now and then, we like to look at random cannabis news articles for a sense of relief in these “trying times.” How sick are you of hearing that phrase? Thankfully, cannabis will always be around to offer relaxation, calmness, and a glimmer of hope for the future. Today’s blog will feature some of the latest cannabis news headlines in 2024, including how to get paid to smoke joints!

So, without further ado, let’s get to the news!

U.S. likely to ease restrictions on marijuana

In April of 2024, it was confirmed to the highly-respected, fact-based news source of AP News by anonymous inside sources that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be moving to declassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. Their proposal, which will need to first be given the green light by the White House Office of Management and Budge, would officially recognize the medical uses of marijuana and that cannabis is less likely to be abused than other far more dangerous drugs. While this reclassification of marijuana as a less dangerous substance would not make recreational cannabis legal, it could help pave the way for its legalization on the federal level one day soon and may spur state lawmakers to be more willing to legalize medical and/or recreational cannabis in their state  (source 1).

Projected Cannabis Market Growth

The U.S. cannabis market alone is projected to continue to grow to the point where retail marijuana sales may even reach an astounding 53.5 billion USD by 2027 (source 2). This is thanks in large part to cannabis being legal in some form or another in almost the entire country, with only three states in the entire nation that do not allow for the use of any form of marijuana, including low-THC, high-CBD products, for at least medical purposes (source 3).

Gen Z users are the fastest-growing group of users

While Millenials are still the largest group of cannabis consumers, as they comprise over 46% of every dollar spent on marijuana, Genz Z is the fastest-growing demographic of users. In fact, with each passing year, their percentage share of cannabis sales has increased by more than 11%. This is thanks in large part due to the fact that more Gen Z-ers have grown up in a time in which cannabis is legal in much of the U.S. and all of Canada. Not only does this result in their being more open to the benefits of marijuana, but as being poised to become the next generation of leaders who will advocate for its legalization (source 4).

There’s a turf war between the alcohol and cannabis industries

Ok, maybe “turf war” is a little hyperbolic, but due in large part to the 2018 Farm Bill, there are more and more legal THC-infused drinks in the refrigerator section of your local grocery store. (In case you’re wondering, what makes them legal is that they include less than .3% THC.) As sales for these types of drinks skyrocket, beer sales have been seeing a significant decrease, which, understandably, purveyors of fermented adult boozy beverages aren’t exactly thrilled (source 5).

Get Paid to Smoke Joints for Science

Yes, you read that right. The marijuana rolling paper company DaySavers announced on 10 June 2024 that they will be partnering with the Cannabis Research Coalition and the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP) on a study called “The Science of Smokeability (SOS).” SOS, which will be a two-year series of scientific experiments, will pay $4.20 to 200 randomly selected volunteers to smoke two free pre-rolls and fill out a qualitative survey that compares the two. To find out more and apply to be a participant go to DaySavers website–link is in the source (source 6).