1. Introduction
The legal cannabis industry is growing at an unprecedented rate. In 2018, legal cannabis sales reached $10.9 billion in the United States and are projected to grow to $33.6 billion by 2023. This rapid growth is attracting a lot of attention – and investment.
Cannabis companies are now able to access capital through traditional channels, such as venture capital and private equity, as well as through the public markets. This influx of capital is providing the resources necessary to create a vibrant and thriving industry.
In this article, we will take a look at how cannabis funding is changing the landscape and what the future holds for the industry.
2. A brief history of cannabis in the US
The history of cannabis in the United States is long and complex.
Cannabis was grown and used by indigenous peoples for industrial and medicinal purposes for thousands of years before it was first introduced to Europeans in the early 1600s. It was then brought to what is now the United States in the 1700s, where its use was quickly adopted by farmers and other colonists.
During the 1800s, cannabis was used for a variety of industrial, recreational, and medicinal purposes, including for rope, sailcloth, paper, and even some medicines. However, its use began to be criminalized in the early 1900s due to attempts by progressive reformers to crack down on drug use and abuse.
In the mid-1900s, the U.S. government created the Controlled Substances Act, which made the recreational use of cannabis illegal, labelling it as a Schedule I substance. However, cannabis’ use for medicinal purposes was still relatively commonplace in certain states until the 1990s.
Since then, the legal cannabis industry has been steadily growing, with more and more states legalizing cannabis for both medical and recreational use. The rapid growth of the industry is making it easier for companies and investors to access the capital they need to expand and develop new products and services.
3. The rise of cannabis funding
Cannabis funding has been rapidly increasing over the last few years, as the legal cannabis industry has seen significant growth. This is due, in part, to the legalization of recreational cannabis across numerous states in the US, as well as the expansion of the potential medical applications of cannabis. As a result, investors have been increasingly interested in investing in the cannabis industry, which has caused the market to expand significantly.
In 2019, the total cannabis funding amount reached a record high, with over $13.3 billion invested in the industry. That figure has more than doubled in 2021, with a total of $28.3 billion raised. The majority of this funding came from venture capital, but more and more corporate and institutional investors are beginning to pour money into the cannabis industry, making it one of the most promising and fastest-growing markets in the world.
This influx of capital has enabled cannabis companies to fund the development of their products, acquire new technologies, and expand their businesses. It has also allowed investors to diversify their portfolios by investing in the cannabis industry, creating a dynamic and exciting market with enormous potential.
4. How cannabis funding is changing the landscape
Cannabis funding is creating new opportunities and possibilities in this industry. It is helping cannabis companies expand their reach, develop new technologies, and expand their businesses in new and innovative ways.
It is also creating exciting career and investment opportunities for people interested in the cannabis industry. As cannabis businesses continue to secure more funding and expand into new markets, more and more people are becoming interested in investing in cannabis companies and taking advantage of the opportunities that arise from the cannabis industry.
Finally, cannabis funding is driving research and development in the cannabis industry. Companies are investing in research to understand the effects of cannabis and its potential therapeutic uses, leading to numerous new products and treatments that could help improve the overall health and well-being of people around the world. These developments could have far-reaching implications for the industry, allowing for the development of products that have the potential to improve people’s lives in meaningful ways.
5. The benefits of cannabis funding
Cannabis funding is bringing a number of benefits to the industry. It is allowing cannabis companies to invest in research, development, and expansion to tap into new markets and leverage new technologies. It is also creating job and investment opportunities as more people are becoming interested in the industry.
Moreover, cannabis funding is helping shape the regulatory landscape by driving more research into the effects of cannabis and its potential therapeutic uses. This is creating more advocacy for the cannabis industry, helping to de-stigmatize cannabis and potentially unlocking new markets for cannabis products and services.
Lastly, the influx of cannabis funding is allowing for the development of new products and treatments, which could help improve the overall health and wellbeing of people around the world. This could lead to revolutionary products, treatments, and services, with the potential to revolutionize the industry and create opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs and investors.
6. The challenges of cannabis funding
While cannabis funding is bringing many benefits to the industry, it is also presenting a few challenges. First, current regulations make it difficult to raise capital without going through a lengthy and complicated process. This can make it difficult for smaller companies to compete with more established firms.
Second, cannabis companies may have difficulty accessing traditional financing methods due to the uncertain regulatory environment and lack of universal banking services. This could create an uneven playing field and make it harder for entrepreneurs and investors to get the funding they need.
Third, since the industry is still relatively new, investors are exposed to numerous risks and uncertainties. This may make cannabis funding less appealing to some potential investors, despite the potential rewards.
Finally, there is the issue of taxation. Cannabis companies face numerous taxes and regulations, which can make it difficult for them to remain competitive and attractive to investors. This can make it hard to attract the capital needed to fund growth.
7. The future of cannabis funding
The future of cannabis funding looks bright, with more and more entrepreneurs and investors entering the industry and more regulatory agencies getting on board. This trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, as the legal cannabis industry continues to grow.
In the US, legislation such as the 2018 Farm Bill have opened up new possibilities for cannabis funding, making it easier for cannabis companies to raise capital. Additionally, more US states are legalizing cannabis, leading to increased investment opportunities.
At the same time, more traditional financing mechanisms, such as angel investors, venture capital, and bank loans, are becoming available for cannabis companies. This is likely to open up new opportunities for businesses looking to fund their growth.
Finally, the increasing acceptance of cannabis among mainstream consumers is leading to more companies entering the market. This is paving the way for further investment in the industry, and could potentially lead to new forms of cannabis funding.
by Elizabeth Morris
