Cannabis Stats 2023

May 19 2023

The Cannabis industry in the U.S. looks like a gold mine for every investor today. The lucrative market offers a lot of room for every unique idea. Still, you shouldn’t make a hasty decision. Leaning on stats and more specifically cannabis stats to help make informed decisions is always a smart idea.

 

So, we’re bringing you super recent and most critical U.S. Cannabis Industry Statistics for 2023 regarding;

Opportunities in the cannabis industry

America saw a swift change in people’s perception regarding cannabis a few years back. The legalization of cannabis on the Federal level is still pending, but more than half of all U.S. States allow some form of cannabis usage.

Following the legalization and the market’s growing (Compound Annual Growth Rate) CAGR, more startups are being established, ultimately creating more job opportunities.

Here are several stats you should know about opportunities in the Cannabis Industry.

78 million People

Approximately half of Americans, some 78 million people, claimed to have used marijuana at some point in their lifetime.

35 million Americans

The results of a Yahoo News/Marist national survey revealed that approximately 35 million Americans use marijuana on a monthly basis.

4.1% of Americans

According to the study, in 2001-02, 4.1% of Americans had claimed to have increased drug use within the past year.

By 2015

that number had more than doubled to 9.1%. The study also concluded that the number of individuals with marijuana use disorder had decreased from 35.6% to 30.6% between 2001 and 2013.

55 million Americans

In addition, 55 million Americans in total had reported using marijuana within the past year. The 55 million amount is actually higher than the number of active tobacco smokers, which is approximately 36.5 million.


50.68%

That means there are 50.68% more marijuana users than there are tobacco smokers.

76%

of the population believe marijuana is less harmful than tobacco.

72%

of Americans say that regular alcohol use is more of a health risk than the regular use of marijuana.

67%

believe the marijuana is less harmful than prescription painkillers.

Studies also show that more than half of Americans
(at least 56%) believe using marijuana is “Socially Acceptable

However, chronic users may develop a mental dependency, which can be categorized as a marijuana use disorder.

10% of regular cannabis

A scientific article published in 2018 relays that approximately 10% of regular cannabis users develop a marijuana use disorder.

almost 53% of marijuana users

18 or older report first using marijuana between the ages of 12-17.

A smaller percentage of 8th and 10th graders think that regular marijuana use is harmful, and fewer 10th and 12th graders disapprove of regular marijuana use.

About 2% of these individuals

report that they first used marijuana before the age of 12. Despite this, the most recent Monitoring the Future Survey demonstrated that marijuana use has declined among 8th graders over the past five years to 0.7%.


Among 12th graders

6% continue to report daily use, which corresponds to about 1 in 16 high school seniors.

Only 29% of 12th graders

report that regular marijuana use poses a great risk.

14.1% of 12th graders

believe it is harmful to use marijuana from time to time.

However, disapproval among 12th graders remains somewhat high – 64.7% reported they disapprove of adults smoking marijuana regularly.

Cannabis Legalization Across US States

Most U.S. States have legalized the use of cannabis for medical, recreational, and adult use, or all of them combined. Great progress has been made in the last number of years as more and more states bring their cannabis program online. 

Here are some stats regarding cannabis legalization across the U.S.

8% Americans

are against the legalization of cannabis in the US.

96% of Americans

will live in a legalized cannabis state if the remaining 18 states approve cannabis.

As of April 2023

37 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical cannabis.

21 out of 50

21 out of 50 States allow legal recreational usage of cannabis.

$20 Billion

Cannabis legalization has generated over $20 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments since 2014.


$60,000

The average salary for a cannabis industry job.

73%

Percentage of the global cannabis market that is controlled by the US.

67%

Percentage of US adults who support the legalization of cannabis.

22%

Percentage of cannabis industry jobs that are held by people of color.

In 2022, the US cannabis industry generated over $33 billion in sales.

The cannabis industry is expected to create over 428,000 jobs in the US in 2023.

Colorado and Washington

Colorado and Washington were the first 2 states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012.

428,000 jobs

Is the expected jobs to be created in the cannabis industry in the US in 2023.

The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act is being discussed in the House and Senate. This bill will enable cannabis businesses to access banking services, which could help cannabis startups access capital more easily.

Incarcerations

Cannabis legalization has led to a decrease in the number of people incarcerated for cannabis offenses.


Availability

Cannabis legalization has led to an increase in the availability of cannabis products.

300 Cannabis Companies

As of March 2023, there are over 300 publicly traded cannabis companies in the US.

$100 million NY Investment

In March 2023, the state of New York announced a $100 million investment in the local cannabis industry to provide funding and support for startups.

Cannabis legalization has led to a decrease in crime rates in states where it has been implemented.

Cannabis Startups

The cannabis industry is dynamic, with countless rewarding opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators. 

 

Regardless of the kind of business, you’re targeting – cultivation, dispensary, distribution, or others – here are some essential cannabis startup-related stats.

$33.6 billion

The cannabis market in the US, for medical and recreational usage altogether, is expected to reach $33.6 billion by the end of 2023.

$13.2 billion

The U.S. Cannabis market size was valued at $13.2 billion in 2022.

US cannabis industry

The US cannabis industry is the largest in the world, with sales of over $20 billion in 2021.

$1 million

The cannabis industry is a capital-intensive industry, with startups requiring an average of $1 million to get off the ground.

Getting Started

If you are considering starting a cannabis startup, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that you have a solid understanding of the cannabis industry and the regulatory landscape.  Second, you need to have a strong team in place with the experience and expertise to help you navigate the challenges of starting a new business. Third, you need to have access to significant funding in order to get off the ground.

 


Highly Competitive

The cannabis industry is a competitive industry, with startups facing competition from both established players and new entrants.

25%

Percentage of cannabis startups that are ancillary businesses.

50%

Percentage of cannabis startups that are successful.

45%

Almost half of current consumers purchase cannabis at least once per week.

If you can overcome these challenges, then starting a cannabis startup can be a very rewarding experience.

The cannabis industry is a rapidly growing and exciting industry, and there is a large and growing demand for cannabis products and services. If you have a great idea and a team of talented people, then you can be successful in the cannabis industry.

Dispensary

The most common type of cannabis startup is a dispensary, which sells cannabis products to consumers.

Diversity

The cannabis industry is a very diverse industry, with startups from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of products and services.

Pre-roll sales went from $1.02 billion in 2020 to $1.42 billion in 2021, a 38.9% increase.

Starting A Cannabis Startup

If you are interested in starting a cannabis startup, there are a number of resources available to help you get started. There are a number of cannabis industry conferences and events that you can attend to learn more about the industry and network with other entrepreneurs. There are also a number of cannabis industry publications and websites that you can read to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends.

 

 

 


15%

Edibles are expected to make up 15% of the cannabis market by 2025.

2 million

The cannabis industry is expected to create over 2 million jobs by 2028.

$100 billion

The cannabis industry is expected to generate over $100 billion in tax revenue by 2028.

$200 billion

The cannabis industry is expected to boost the US economy by over $200 billion by 2028.

Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis cultivation is at the forefront of the rapidly growing industry. Cultivators play a huge role in producing a wide range of cannabis products

Here are the crucial insights about U.S. cannabis cultivation in 2023.

$21.7 billion

The legal cannabis cultivation market in the US is projected to reach $21.7 billion by 2025.

Cultivation Licenses

In 2022, California had the most cultivation licenses, 6881, compared to 1406 in Oregon.

13,297 Farms

As of late 2022, there are 13,297 active legal cannabis farms in the U.S.

2,834 metric tons

Legal cannabis production totaled about 2,834 metric tons of marijuana for recreational use in 2022.

Getting Started

In 2021, the US Department of Agriculture announced new guidelines for hemp cultivation, which could help farmers navigate the complex regulations surrounding cannabis cultivation.


Production Area

The average cannabis production area (in sq. feet) increased from 18,200 in 2016 to 33,900 in 2021.

54%

In 2021, 54% of cultivators produced cannabis through indoor farming.

18%

A 2021 survey found that only 18% of cultivators have huge growing facilities of 80,000 sq. ft. or more.

50%

Labor is the largest expense in commercial cannabis cultivation, accounting for nearly 50% of production costs.

The cannabis cultivation industry is a rapidly growing industry, and the United States is the leading market for cannabis cultivation.

The industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more states legalize cannabis for recreational and medical use.

$51.28 billion

The global cannabis cultivation market is expected to be worth $51.28 billion by 2023.

$33.88 billion

The United States is the largest cannabis cultivation market in the world, with a value of $33.88 billion in 2023.

The average cannabis cultivator in the United States produces 1,000 pounds of cannabis per year.

1,000 pounds

If you are interested in starting a cannabis startup, there are a number of resources available to help you get started. There are a number of cannabis industry conferences and events that you can attend to learn more about the industry. There are also cannabis industry publications and websites that you can read to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends.


Colorado

The average cannabis cultivator in Colorado produces 1,500 pounds of cannabis per year.

Oregon

The average cannabis cultivator in Oregon produces 1,200 pounds of cannabis per year.

Washington

The average cannabis cultivator in Washington produces 1,100 pounds of cannabis per year.

Nevada is the fifth largest cannabis-producing state in the United States, with a production value of $1.3 billion in 2023.

Cannabis Businesses and the US Economy

The cannabis industry has been making waves in the US economy, with legal sales exceeding expectations and its unprecedented potential to create millions of jobs. 

As more Americans favor legalization, the cannabis industry is poised to continue its upward trajectory.

$100 billion

In 2023, the Cannabis industry is expected to add $100 billion to the economy, which is 12% up from 2022.

1.5 million jobs

The cannabis industry is estimated to create over 1.5 million jobs in the US by 2025. 

Driving Force

The cannabis industry is a major economic force in the United States. The industry is generating tax revenue, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity. The cannabis industry is a positive force for the US economy.


50.68%

That means there are 50.68% more marijuana users than there are tobacco smokers.

42%

adults who have used cannabis in their lifetime

25%

adults who have used cannabis in the past year.

67%

adults who support the legalization of cannabis.

The cannabis industry is having a positive impact on the US economy. The industry is generating tax revenue, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity.

In 2021, the cannabis industry generated $14 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments. The industry is also creating jobs at a rapid pace. In 2021, the cannabis industry added over 100,000 jobs. The industry is also stimulating economic activity. The cannabis industry is a major driver of economic growth in states where it is legal.

$11 billion

According to estimates, the cannabis market size for medical purposes will reach $11 billion by 2025, half of which will be generated from flower products.

18 States

US number of states that have legalized cannabis for recreational use.

65% of US cannabis sales that are generated by medical sales.

In 2021, the industry generated $25 billion in sales and supported over 428,000 jobs. The industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, and it is estimated that it could generate $100 billion in sales by 2028.


60%

of US cannabis tax revenue that is generated by recreational sales.

40%

of US cannabis tax revenue that is generated by medical sales.

40%

of US cannabis jobs that are created by recreational sales.

35% of US cannabis sales that are generated by recreational sales.

Cannabis Use and Health

The perceptions surrounding cannabis consumption have been changing, consequently influencing the trends in consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics.

While the legalization of cannabis is worth celebrating, let’s not forget the health-related risks cannabis users are exposed to. Let’s navigate through the scientific studies and stats regarding health-related implications following cannabis consumption.

7%

According to a survey, 7% of people who used cannabis for medical purposes used it for anxiety, chronic pain, and depression.

37%

of consumers use cannabis alongside their workout routines.

44%

of female cannabis users didn’t have any issues with the medical use of cannabis. 

37%

of American women regularly use cannabis, and more than a quarter, 28%, use it once a month. 

Fatalities

A 2022 study shows that 386 people died in Florida owing to the use of synthetic cannabinoids. Journal of Nursing Scholarship Among those who died, 87.8% were males, and 28% were aged between 45-50 years. Road accidents under the influence of cannabis remained to be the leading cause of death for these deceased.


11%

of young adults aged between 19-30 years used marijuana in 2021, compared to 8% in 2016.

91%

of women buy from legal dispensaries, with 32% spending almost $100/month. 

57%

Younger women, 57%, are more likely to use cannabis than 22% of older women (aged 45+)

37%

37% of American women regularly use cannabis, and more than a quarter, 28%, use it once a month.

A report showed that the use of cannabis may enhance the risks of developing mental disorders like schizophrenia and psychosis.

Some psychosocial activities may suffer, as cognitive functions that include memory and attention are impaired by the use of cannabis.

49.6 Million

49.6 Million Americans aged 12 yrs or more used cannabis in 2020.

Today, 55 million Americans use marijuana, and 72% believe that it is healthier than consuming alcohol regularly.

65%

of US cannabis sales that are generated by medical sales.


60%

of US cannabis tax revenue that is generated by recreational sales.

53%

53% of cannabis users who are 18+ reported trying marijuana first-time aged between 12-17.

A 2022 study showed that cannabis use may influence thoughts, plans, and attempts of suicide among young adults.