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IBISWorld Industry Report OD4141 Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 Cecilia Fernandez New highs: Acceptance of medical and recreational marijuana is expected to fuel industry expansion 2 About this Industry 2 Industry Definition 2 Main Activities 2 Similar Industries 2 Additional Resources 3 Industry at a Glance 4 Industry Performance 4 Executive Summary 4 Key External Drivers 6 Current Performance 9 Industry Outlook 11 Industry Life Cycle 13 Products and Markets 13 Supply Chain 13 Products and Services 14 Demand Determinants 15 Major Markets 16 International Trade 17 Business Locations 19 Competitive Landscape 19 Market Share Concentration 19 Key Success Factors 19 Cost Structure Benchmarks 21 Basis of Competition 22 Barriers to Entry 23 Industry Globalization 24 Major Companies 24 Northwest Cannabis Solutions 24 Mindful Medical 24 Copperstate Farms LLC 25 Operating Conditions 25 Capital Intensity 26 Technology and Systems 26 Revenue Volatility 27 Regulation and Policy 29 Industry Assistance 30 Key Statistics 30 Industry Data 30 Annual Change 30 Key Ratios 31 Jargon & Glossary www.ibisworld.com | 1-800-330-3772 | info @ ibisworld.com

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  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 1

    IBISWorld Industry Report OD4141Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the USNovember 2019 Cecilia Fernandez

    New highs: Acceptance of medical and recreational marijuana is expected to fuel industry expansion

    2 About this Industry2 Industry Definition

    2 Main Activities

    2 Similar Industries

    2 Additional Resources

    3 Industry at a Glance

    4 Industry Performance4 Executive Summary

    4 Key External Drivers

    6 Current Performance

    9 Industry Outlook

    11 Industry Life Cycle

    13 Products and Markets13 Supply Chain

    13 Products and Services

    14 Demand Determinants

    15 Major Markets

    16 International Trade

    17 Business Locations

    19 Competitive Landscape19 Market Share Concentration

    19 Key Success Factors

    19 Cost Structure Benchmarks

    21 Basis of Competition

    22 Barriers to Entry

    23 Industry Globalization

    24 Major Companies24 Northwest Cannabis Solutions

    24 Mindful Medical

    24 Copperstate Farms LLC

    25 Operating Conditions25 Capital Intensity

    26 Technology and Systems

    26 Revenue Volatility

    27 Regulation and Policy

    29 Industry Assistance

    30 Key Statistics30 Industry Data

    30 Annual Change

    30 Key Ratios

    31 Jargon & Glossary

    www.ibisworld.com | 1-800-330-3772 | [email protected]

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 2

    This industry’s establishments grow marijuana for medical and recreational use. Most operators are nonprofit collectives that provide medical marijuana to other collective members. Transactions are typically conducted on a donation basis because the sale

    and distribution of marijuana is illegal in most states that permit medical marijuana. The industry also includes operators in Colorado and Washington, who grow medical and recreational marijuana on a for-profit basis.

    The primary activities of this industry are

    Growing marijuana for medical use

    Growing marijuana for legal recreational use

    11191 Tobacco Growing in the USOperators in this industry grow tobacco leaf.

    31214 Distilleries in the USOperators in this industry produce spirits and other alcoholic beverages.

    31222 Cigarette & Tobacco Manufacturing in the USOperators in this industry produce cigarettes, cigars, smoking and chewing tobacco and reconstituted tobacco.

    32541a Brand Name Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in the USOperators in this industry produce medication that treat various diseases and illnesses.

    Industry Definition

    Main Activities

    Similar Industries

    Additional Resources

    About this Industry

    For additional information on this industry

    www.cmcr.ucsd.edu Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research

    www.mpp.org Marijuana Policy Project

    www.thecannabisindustry.org The National Cannabis Industry Association

    www.fda.gov US Food and Drug Administration

    The major products and services in this industry are

    Hybrid marijuana products

    Indica marijuana products

    Sativa marijuana products

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 3

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    Per capita disposable income

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    Revenue Employment

    Revenue vs. employment growth

    Products and services segmentation (2019)

    54.1%Hybrid marijuana products

    24.0%Indica marijuana products

    21.9%Sativa marijuana products

    Key Statistics Snapshot

    Industry at a GlanceMedical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in 2019

    Industry Structure Life Cycle Stage GrowthRevenue Volatility Very High

    Capital Intensity Medium

    Industry Assistance High

    Concentration Level Low

    Regulation Level Heavy

    Technology Change Low

    Barriers to Entry Medium

    Industry Globalization Low

    Competition Level High

    Revenue

    $8.1bnProfit

    $935.6mWages

    $2.1bnBusinesses

    15,091

    Annual Growth 19–24

    12.7%Annual Growth 14–19

    25.7%

    Key External DriversRegulationPer capita disposable incomeNumber of adults aged 50 and olderExternal competition

    Market ShareThere are no major players in this industry

    p. 24

    p. 4

    FOR ADDITIONAL STATISTICS AND TIME SERIES SEE THE APPENDIX ON PAGE 30

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 4

    Key External Drivers RegulationThe Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry has been significantly restricted by an increasing amount of proposed regulations. In particular, medical marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, despite state-level legalization. Following legalization in many states during the 2016 election cycle, beneficial regulation is expected to create an opportunity for the industry in 2019.

    Per capita disposable incomeThe level of household income determines consumers’ ability to purchase medical marijuana products. The unconventional nature of the industry’s products makes it subject to changes in disposable income. As a result, an increase in disposable income will boost demand for medical and recreational marijuana growers. Per capita disposable income is expected to increase in 2019.

    Executive Summary The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry, which includes both employer and nonemployer establishments that grow marijuana for medical and recreational use, flourished over the five years to 2019. Watershed legalization victories over recent years, most notably during the 2016 election cycle, proved that the cannabis industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the US. In 2016 alone, eight states passed initiatives to legalize marijuana. Consumer attitudes are also accelerating

    legalization efforts at the state level. Gallup reports that an estimated 80.0% of US citizens approve of legal access to medical marijuana, while 60.0% approve of full adult use legalization. The growing acceptance of medical marijuana is providing growers and investors with unprecedented opportunities. As a result, industry revenue is forecast to grow an annualized 25.7% to $8.1 billion over the five years to 2019. In 2019, revenue is expected to grow 28.0% due to new legalization initiatives this same year.

    In 2016, more states passed legalization laws than any prior year. These legislative victories fueled strong growth for industry operations and provided many opportunities for growth. The licensing of commercial recreational marijuana growers in these states contributed to industry revenue growth of 36.8% in 2016, as new entrants flooded the market. In addition to the favorable regulatory environment in these states, medical marijuana growers have continued to benefit from the steadily aging population. Chronic illnesses and cancer become more prevalent as individuals age, and these ailments drive demand for medical marijuana products in particular. As recreational marijuana continues to be legalized and accepted by different states, profit for industry operators is anticipated increase.

    Over the five years to 2024, revenue is expected to increase an annualized 12.7% to $14.7 billion. The future of the industry remains uncertain, however, until the federal government definitively rules to decriminalize marijuana. Until then, a growing number of medical marijuana patients, and the recreational cannabis legalization movement, will generate an expanding consumer base for growers. Moreover, as surrounding nations, including Canada and Mexico, legalize the drug, the US government will likely be pressured to follow suit.

    Industry PerformanceExecutive Summary | Key External Drivers | Current Performance Industry Outlook | Life Cycle Stage

    Legislative victories fueled strong growth for industry operations and provided many opportunities for growth

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 5

    Industry Performance

    Key External Driverscontinued

    Number of adults aged 50 and olderIndividuals aged 50 and older are more likely to require the medical marijuana products that this industry provides since many health conditions that medical marijuana is prescribed for, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are prevalent among members of this age group. As the population ages, demand for industry services will grow, resulting in revenue growth. The number of adults

    aged 50 and older is expected to increase in 2019.

    External competitionMedical marijuana products struggle to compete with conventional healthcare services and products due to the alternative and unconventional nature of their treatment. External competition from traditional drugs and healthcare providers is expected to grow in 2019, posing a potential threat to the industry.

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    Number of adults aged 50 and older

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

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  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 6

    Industry Performance

    Current Performance

    The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry grew exponentially over the five years to 2019, bolstered by increasing consumer acceptance and sweeping legalization victories across the United States. More states legalized recreational or medical marijuana, or both in certain cases, in 2016 than any previous year. While cannabis is not legalized at the federal level, several states have paved the road for market expansion. Currently, 33 states have legalized marijuana in some form, with 11 states legalizing the sale of recreational marijuana as of October 2019. Illinois became the eleventh state to legalize recreational marijuana effective January 2020. The industry also includes operators that grow both medical and recreational marijuana on a for-profit basis in states that legalized recreational marijuana. As a result, industry revenue grew precipitously over the five years to 2019, increasing at an annualized rate of 25.7% to reach $8.1 billion. In 2019, revenue is expected to jump 28.0%.

    Establishments are defined as employer and nonemployer locations that grow marijuana for medical and

    recreational use. Most operators are either facilities that cultivate cannabis for recreational shops, or nonprofit collectives that provide medical marijuana to other collective members. Colorado and Washington were the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana, and largely pioneered the market landscape for licensed, for-profit cultivators. Since then, several other states have legalized recreational marijuana, taxing it at a rate similar to alcohol and tobacco products.

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    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

    Medical marijuana spurs growth

    Marijuana, in its various forms, can be prescribed medically to treat a wide range of ailments. Since 1996, proponents of cannabis lobbied for individual states to recognize marijuana as a pain reliever or treatment for a range of illnesses, including cancer. New medical research, and evolving public sentiment toward the legalization and taxation of the substance, advanced these efforts and contributed to the expansion of the industry over the past five years. According to the US Government Accountability Office, under state medical marijuana laws, symptoms and conditions that can be treated by cannabis include Alzheimer’s disease,

    anorexia, AIDS, HIV, glaucoma, cancer, arthritis, epilepsy, nausea, pain, cachexia, Crohn’s disease, migraines, multiple sclerosis and spasticity. Although all domestic marijuana transactions were conducted under implicit or explicit prohibition for many decades, states have recently moved to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

    In general, the use of medical marijuana is increasing, particularly among those with chronic illnesses and pain. BDS Analytics, a marijuana market research firm, estimates that nearly 1.9 million Americans are regular users of medical marijuana. At the same time, significant concerns continue to persist,

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 7

    Industry Performance

    Recreational growth opportunities

    The legalization of recreational marijuana spurred the industry’s more recent astronomical growth. Recreational marijuana users typically smoke to obtain a high, which affects the part of the brain that influences pleasure, memory, sensory and time perception, thinking, concentration and coordinated movement. At the outset of 2014, legal recreational marijuana use became a reality in Colorado, stimulating demand for industry products as hundreds of retail stores opened throughout the year. Washington followed in its implementation of its voter-approved law legalizing recreational cannabis consumption, and recreational marijuana sales began in the state in July of 2014. Since then, the number of states that

    have legalized recreational cannabis has risen to 11. California, Colorado and Washington account for 27.0%, 20.0% and 11.0% of the legal marijuana market, respectively, according to BDS Analytics. To meet consumer demand for marijuana, certain states issued licenses for the cultivation of recreational marijuana. Nonetheless, the legalization of recreational marijuana cultivation in various states between 2014 and 2016 lead to an astounding 36.8% jump in revenue in 2016 alone.

    Strong demand growth caused more companies to enter this industry

    questioning the legitimacy and efficiency of medical marijuana-based treatment. Organizations such as the National Cannabis Industry Association continue to work toward increasing the legitimacy of medical marijuana use by establishing industry standards. Additionally, in August 2016, the federal government loosened regulations concerning the study of the medical applications of cannabinoids. These efforts, in turn, have aided operators.

    Proponents of medical marijuana have pushed individual states to recognize marijuana as a treatment for a range of diseases. While many states have laws permitting the use of medical marijuana, certain states where medicinal cannabis

    is legal do not have any dispensaries. These laws have been adopted through public referendums and legislation. In late 2009, the US Department of Justice instructed federal prosecutors in states with medical marijuana laws not to prioritize prosecuting individuals and businesses complying with state laws. In 2014, President Obama signed into law historic provisions for medical marijuana, prohibiting the Department of Justice from using federal funding to limit states from implementing their own laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana. Consequently, these conditions have facilitated strong industry performance over the past five years.

    Medical marijuana spurs growth continued

    Changing attitudes and rising incomes

    The development of edible cannabis products, commonly referred to as edibles, also generated greater consumer acceptance of medical and recreational marijuana, increasing demand for marijuana growers. Edibles can take the

    form of food, extracts and oils, and range from marijuana-infused mints and candies to baked goods and beverages, among many other products. Edibles provide a more convenient and familiar product to consumers, thereby

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 8

    Industry Performance

    stimulating consumer demand for marijuana products.

    The nature of medical marijuana treatment is rather unconventional. Although expenditure on products essential for health are less susceptible to fluctuations in consumer expenditure, medical marijuana’s unique nature makes it subject to changes in disposable income. The same is largely true for recreational marijuana. Since industry products, both medical and recreational, are paid out of pocket by consumers, growth in per capita disposable income boosts demand and industry revenue. Per capita disposable income is expected to increase at an annualized rate of 2.4% over the five years to 2019. Rising income levels bolstered spending on medical and recreational marijuana during the five-year period.

    Greater consumer acceptance of the industry’s products and strong demand

    growth caused more companies to enter this industry. A recent Gallup poll indicates that 80.0% of Americans approve of legalization of medical marijuana, while 60.0% approve of full adult use legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana. Demographic factors also play a significant role in driving demand for medical and recreational marijuana. According to BDS Analytics, the most frequent consumers are parents and baby boomers. As a result, the political and social stigma surrounding cannabis is beginning to erode, paving the way for more states to pass similar legalization laws and generate tax revenue. Over the five years to 2019, the number of operators is expected to increase at an annualized rate of 21.3% to 15,091, while the number of individuals employed by the cultivation of marijuana is also expected to rise an annualized 24.5% to 83,930.

    Changing attitudes and rising incomes continued

    Regulation and profit Regulation from all levels of government presents the greatest challenge to medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries, especially because state and federal governments have conflicting regulations at times. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), passed as a part of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule I substances, such as heroin and MDMA, are deemed by the federal government to have a high potential for abuse. Furthermore, prescriptions for such substances are illegal; in the case of marijuana, physicians can assign a right to visit a company or cooperative that provides medical marijuana. Despite the adoption of laws permitting some forms of marijuana consumption or distribution for medical and recreational use over the past two decades, the possession and

    distribution of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Consequently, many businesses operate with the risk of being shut down or experiencing a property seizure without notice. In addition, industry operators cannot make standard deductions for business expenses and have difficulty securing standard banking and financial services.

    The continued financial success experienced by states that have legalized recreational cannabis provides incentive for other states to legalize for-profit marijuana. In 2016, taxes from the retail sale of marijuana totaled more than

    Many businesses run the risk of being shut down or experiencing a property seizure without notice

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 9

    Industry Performance

    Regulation concerning recreational marijuana

    The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry is subject to heavy regulation from all levels of government, with state and federal governments having conflicting regulations at times. The Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), raids and prosecutes marijuana dispensaries and growers in the United States. In 2014, former president Barack Obama signed into law historic provisions for medical marijuana, prohibiting the DOJ from using federal funding to limit states from implementing their own laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana. Although the industry largely flourished under the Obama administration, its future remains hazy under new leadership.

    Nevertheless, the movement to decriminalize recreational marijuana is expected to fuel the industry’s growth. In addition to strong growth in recreational marijuana cultivation in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and California, the industry is expected to benefit from the

    expected cultivation of recreational marijuana in newly legalized states. For instance, Alaska’s measure is similar to Colorado’s, and Oregon’s is modeled on the state of Washington. Similar to the previous five years, rising demand will cause more operators to enter the industry. Over the five years to 2024, the number of operators is projected grow at an annualized rate of 10.3% to 24,589, while industry employment is forecast to increase at an annualized rate of 12.0% to 147,868 million people.

    The overwhelming successes of model states such as Colorado, Washington and Oregon will potentially spur more states to legalize for-profit marijuana. Between 2014 and 2016, combined retail sales tax in legal cannabis markets in Colorado, Oregon and Washington alone totaled

    Industry Outlook

    The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry is poised to reach new highs over the five years to 2024. Although the industry will continue to benefit from increasingly favorable attitudes toward medical marijuana-based treatments, industry growth will be led by consumer demand for recreational marijuana. Combined with increasingly favorable consumer

    sentiment and rising disposable incomes, IBISWorld forecasts that revenue will continue to increase at an annualized rate of 12.7% to reach $14.7 billion during the outlook period. In particular, increasing levels of discretionary income are projected to support continued demand for industry products and growing acceptance of medical applications of the drug.

    The movement to decriminalize recreational marijuana is expected to fuel the industry’s growth

    $500.0 million in Colorado, Washington and Oregon alone, according to BDS Analytics. The legalization of for-profit recreational marijuana in participating states has already had a positive effect

    on industry profit. As a result of the growing number of large-scale cultivators, industry profitability is expected to account for 11.6% of revenue in 2019.

    Regulation and profit continued

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 10

    Industry Performance

    Regulation concerning recreational marijuanacontinued

    over $771.0 million for recreation, according to BDS Analytics. As a result, many more states are expected to follow suit, legalizing for-profit cannabis to generate tax revenue. Due to the legislative victories of the 2016 election cycle and a few special elections, medical marijuana is now legal in 33 states, while 10 states currently permit the sale and usage of recreational and medical marijuana (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan,

    Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington), with Illinois becoming the eleventh state effective January 2020. These regulatory changes are expected to increase demand for recreational products, benefiting industry operators. Consequently, the sale of for-profit, recreational marijuana is expected to comprise a larger share of industry revenue over the five years to 2024. Moreover, industry-wide profitability is projected to reach 12.0% in 2024.

    Older population boosts demand for medical cannabis

    A growing number of doctors and patients will turn to medical marijuana as treatment for conditions such as arthritis, migraines and Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, the rising number of US adults aged 50 and older is expected to bolster demand for medical marijuana products. Over the five years to 2024, IBISWorld anticipates that this demographic will grow at an annualized rate of 1.2% to 125.0 million, compared with the total US population, which is forecast to grow at an annualized rate of 0.7% during the same period. As the population ages, more healthcare services and products will be required. This trend will lead to a growing number of people with health conditions that can be treated with marijuana (e.g. cancer and glaucoma), which increase in incidence with age. Additionally, given that the median age of a medical marijuana patient is currently 41.5 years old, demand will likely increase as patients in their 40s enter their 50s.

    The number of physician visits in the United States is expected to rise in line

    with the senior population, increasing at an annualized rate of 0.6% to 1.0 billion over the five years to 2024. Chronic health ailments, such as obesity and diabetes, will augment healthcare use, as these patients will increasingly require checkups. The rising prevalence of these chronic diseases is also expected to boost demand for medical marijuana. Although doctors cannot legally prescribe marijuana to patients because the plant remains a Schedule I substance, they can assign a right to visit a company or a cooperative that provides medical marijuana to patients. Therefore, while medical marijuana treatment is not covered by insurance, as the number of physician visits increases, demand for medical marijuana will grow accordingly.

    As the number of physician visits increases, demand for medical marijuana will grow accordingly

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 11

    Industry PerformanceThe industry is growing at a faster rate than the US economy

    The industry has stepped up efforts to increase its legitimacy

    Customer acceptance of industry products is increasing

    The legalization of recreational marijuana has spurred demand

    The number of industry establishments is expanding robustly

    Life Cycle Stage

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 12

    Industry Performance

    Industry Life Cycle The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry is in a growing life cycle stage. Over the 10 years to 2024, its industry value added (IVA), which measures the industry’s contribution to the economy, is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 18.1%. This rate is faster than the 2.1% projected growth for US GDP, indicating the industry will make up a larger share of the economy in the years ahead. The industry is growing due to widening acceptance of its safety and legitimacy, which is causing more people to use its products. Although an increasing percentage of US citizens have been using medical marijuana products to alleviate pain and to treat other health conditions over the past five years, a large share of the population still does not use them. This factor suggests that there is significant room for growth in the industry in the years ahead.

    Organizations such as the National Cannabis Industry Association have worked toward increasing the legitimacy

    of medical marijuana use by working on creating industry standards. This, in turn, has helped spur demand. Over the five years to 2019, the number of industry operators has increased as a result of rising demand and favorable legislation. Additionally, a rising number of physician visits have also created opportunity for potential market entrants. These factors will likely contribute to further industry growth in the years ahead.

    Moreover, the industry’s growth has been spurred by the growing legalization of recreational marijuana. Beginning in 2014, recreational marijuana cultivators began opening in Colorado and Washington, making them the fastest-growing markets in the United States. Moreover, the legalization of recreational marijuana in multiple other states is expected to generate substantial growth for the industry over the next five years as new operators set up shop in these states.

    This industry is Growing

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 13

    Products and Services

    Products and services are segmented by the three strains of marijuana that are primarily used in the United States. According to Leafly, the top selling strains include Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookie, Sour Diesel and Gorilla Glue #4.

    HybridHybrid, a combination of indica and sativa strains, is the most popular category, accounting for 54.1% of Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing

    industry revenue. Sativa-dominant hybrid tends to be uplifting, while on the opposite, indica-dominant strains tend to be more relaxing.

    Indica cannabisPure indica marijuana can be used to treat anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia and muscle spasms. In general, indica provides more physical relaxation in comparison with the second strain, sativa. Common indica strains include

    Products & MarketsSupply Chain | Products and Services | Demand Determinants Major Markets | International Trade | Business Locations

    KEY BUYING INDUSTRIES

    42 Wholesale Trade in the US Wholesalers buy marijuana products for resale.

    99 Consumers in the US Consumers are members of medical marijuana collectives and the primary market for medical marijuana.

    KEY SELLING INDUSTRIES

    31191 Snack Food Production in the US This industry produces snacks for consumption.

    32531 Fertilizer Manufacturing in the US Some medical marijuana growers use fertilizers to improve soil nutrient.

    32532 Pesticide Manufacturing in the US Some medical marijuana growers use pesticides during the growing process.

    33511 Lighting & Bulb Manufacturing in the US Indoor medical marijuana growing is heavily dependent on artificial lighting.

    Supply Chain

    Products and services segmentation (2019)

    Total $8.1bn

    54.1%Hybrid marijuana products

    24.0%Indica marijuana products

    21.9%Sativa marijuana products

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 14

    Products & Markets

    Demand Determinants

    Government regulationDemand for Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry products is primarily determined by government regulation. The federal government regulates cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance and considers all marijuana cultivation, sale and consumption illegal. In states that lack laws legalizing the medical or recreational use of cannabis, marijuana use is explicitly prohibited.

    However, a total of 33 states across the United States and Washington, DC have some level of legalization of medical marijuana. Nonetheless, federal policy continues to limit some consumer demand in states where medical marijuana is legal because of pervasive fears of violating federal law. President Obama’s December 2014 passage of an omnibus spending bill included a directive preventing the Department of Justice from using federal funding to impeded states from implementing their own state laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana. Over the next five years, the legalization of medical and

    recreational marijuana in a score of other states will likely occur.

    Income and demographicsHousehold income is a primary determinant of consumers’ ability to acquire cannabis products. The legalization of medical marijuana, and recreational marijuana in some states, has created a market for high-quality cannabis, which can be expensive. Furthermore, since medical marijuana is typically not covered under health insurance plans, demand is largely dependent on patients’ income levels.

    Population demographics, particularly age, also dictate demand trends for medical marijuana. Although adults aged 50 and older are more likely to develop health conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, glaucoma and other diseases that can be treated with medical marijuana, obtaining a medical marijuana card is not difficult in many states. As a result, the average age of a medical marijuana patient is 41.5 years of age. Moreover, changing societal norms have made marijuana use much more acceptable today.

    Products and Servicescontinued

    Granddaddy Purple, Bubba Kush, Afghan Kush, Blue Cheese and Northern Lights. Some patients also use indica as a sleep aid because it can cause sleepiness. Over the past five years, demand for indica was relatively stable because it treats a wide range of illnesses. In 2019, indica products are expected to generate 24.0% of total revenue.

    Sativa cannabisPure sativa marijuana is used as a stimulant to improve appetite, relieve depression, migraines, pain and nausea.

    This is especially beneficial for patients suffering from eating disorders, cancers and other debilitating diseases that cause a loss of appetite. Sativa is also more popular for patients during the day because it can increase alertness. Popular strains include Green Crack, Alaskan TF, Jesus OG, Haze and Trainwreck. Again, demand for sativa was relatively stable over the past five years because it fits a wide range of uses and treats a wide range of illnesses. In 2019, sativa products are expected to generate 21.9% of total revenue.

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 15

    Products & Markets

    Major Markets

    The market for the Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry is heavily dependent on state regulation of cannabis. Medical marijuana is used to treat many ailments, but it is most commonly used to relieve pain. By contrast, the sale of recreational cannabis is currently limited to the states that have passed legalization laws for adult full use. Although the sale of recreational marijuana only began in 2014, it will grow to command nearly one-third of the customer market for legal marijuana in 2019.

    Medical dispensariesMedical dispensaries are expected to account for 46.2% of total industry revenue. Severe pain is the most commonly cited reason for medical marijuana use. Severe pain can result from a variety of chronic diseases and injuries. Medical marijuana can help alleviate severe pain and help patients relax and rest. On average, 52.2% of medical marijuana users used medical marijuana because of severe pain.

    Muscle spasms can be caused by multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, cranial and spinal nerve injuries and Tourette’s syndrome, among others. Since medical marijuana is purported to help patients

    relax and sleep better, it is estimated that 7.0% of industry customers used medical marijuana because of muscle spasms.

    A variety of diseases can cause nausea and migraines, including digestive disorders. Medical marijuana can provide relief and muscle relaxation, which helps alleviate nausea. IBISWorld estimates that 5.6% of customers used medical marijuana because of severe nausea.

    Medical marijuana is used to help provide pain relief in a variety of more specific diseases and conditions, such as patients suffering from cancer and seizures. Cancer treatment can be painful, and medical marijuana can help patients relax and rest to accelerate the recovery process. Medical dispensaries demand has remained fairly stable as medical marijuana has become more accepted in society and accessible.

    Recreational dispensariesRecreational marijuana dispensaries account for 43.7% of total industry revenue in 2019. Recreational marijuana users typically smoke in hand-rolled cigarettes (“joints”) or in pipes or water pipes (“bongs”). They also smoke marijuana in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with a mixture of marijuana and tobacco.

    Major market segmentation (2019)

    Total $8.1bn

    46.2%Medical dispensaries

    43.7%Recreational marijuana dispensaries

    10.1%Wholesale distributors

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 16

    Products & Markets

    International Trade The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry does not participate in international trade. Marijuana cannot be imported or exported because it is a controlled substance at the federal level. Additionally, medical and recreational

    marijuana is only legal and regulated by participating states and cannot be transported across state lines at a wholesale level. Some states, however, such as Arizona, permit patients from other states to bring medical marijuana across state lines.

    Major Marketscontinued

    Recreational marijuana users typically smoke to obtain a “high,” which affects the part of the brain that influences pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, sensory and time perception and coordinated movement. Currently, legal recreational marijuana use is limited to the states of Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois (effective January 2020), Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Nevada, Vermont and Washington. However, recreational users’ share of the market is set to expand rapidly over the next five years as additional states permit the purchase of cannabis for recreational use and pass legislation authorizing its sale. Moreover, the expansion of recreational marijuana to the industry’s largest market, California, will likely increase this segment of revenue.

    Wholesale distributorsMarijuana growers sell to wholesalers that distribute marijuana to medical or

    recreational dispensaries depending on the law of the state they operate in. Considering that marijuana is still illegal at a federal level, most states require a license to transport marijuana products. This market segment ensures a product reaches retail locations (or dispensaries) legally, from testing to taxation. For example, in California, distributers, or a distribution license, are required by law because cultivators or growers cannot sell directly to retailers. As the retail market for recreational marijuana products continues to increase, industry operators will likely want to use a distributor to operate efficiently and diminish regulatory problems. In 2019, wholesale distributors are anticipated to generate 10.1% of industry revenue. However, this share has been decreasing as laws continue to loosen up for the industry, permitting cultivators to sell directly to retailers.

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 17

    Products & Markets

    Business Locations 2019

    MO0.0

    West

    West

    West

    Rocky Mountains Plains

    Southwest

    Southeast

    New England

    VT0.1

    MA2.8

    RI0.0

    NJ0.1

    DE0.0

    NH0.0

    CT0.1

    MD0.1

    DC0.1

    1

    5

    3

    7

    2

    6

    4

    8 9

    Additional States (as marked on map)

    AZ1.2

    CA42.1

    NV1.1

    OR0.8

    WA12.5

    MT0.3

    NE0.0

    MN0.1

    IA0.0

    OH0.0 VA

    0.0

    FL0.3

    KS0.0

    CO35.3

    UT0.0

    ID0.0

    TX0.0

    OK0.0

    NC0.0

    AK0.1

    WY0.0

    TN0.0

    KY0.0

    GA0.0

    IL0.7

    ME0.1

    ND0.0

    WI0.0 MI

    1.3 PA0.0

    WV0.0

    SD0.0

    NM0.1

    AR0.0

    MS0.0

    AL0.0

    SC0.0

    LA0.0

    HI0.1

    IN0.0

    NY0.2 5

    67

    8

    321

    4

    9

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

    Mid- Atlantic

    Establishments (%)

    Less than 3% 3% to less than 10% 10% to less than 20% 20% or more

    Great Lakes

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 18

    Products & Markets

    Business Locations Currently, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states, while 10 states legalized recreational and medical marijuana (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Vermont, Oregon and Washington). Illinois is the eleventh state to legalize recreational marijuana, effective January 2020. California, Colorado and Washington account for 27.0%, 20.0% and 11.0% of total cannabis expenditure, respectively, according to BDS Analytics. The vast majority of industry establishments are concentrated in the West and Rocky Mountains, where there has been extensive marijuana legislation over the past decade. Together, Colorado, California and Washington alone are home to an estimated 90.3% of industry establishments and the majority of industry revenue. According to Leafly, California leads in outdoor and indoor cannabis production, while Washington comes in second. Furthermore, there is a

    region in Northern California named Emerald Triangle due to it being the largest cannabis-producing region in the United States.

    %

    60

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    Sout

    hwes

    t

    Wes

    t

    Gre

    at L

    akes

    Mid

    -Atla

    ntic

    New

    Eng

    land

    Plai

    ns

    Rock

    y M

    ount

    ains

    Sout

    heas

    t

    EstablishmentsPopulation

    Distribution of establishments vs. population

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 19

    Cost Structure Benchmarks

    Although the Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry’s two major cost categories are purchases and wages, costs vary significantly across the industry because it encompasses a wide variety of states with varying regulations. In some states covered in this industry, medical and recreational marijuana are both legal, while other states only permit the growth and sale of medical marijuana.

    WagesWages are estimated to represent 26.1% of industry revenue in 2019. The high wage cost for this industry reflects the unique, largely nonprofit nature of this industry, where the majority of industry revenue is distributed in the form of wages to cover labor costs. Not all industry operators participate in growing cannabis on a full-time basis and many operate as nonemployers, thus bringing down the annual average wage. Even so,

    Key Success Factors Ability to attract community supportMedical and recreational marijuana growers that lack community support may attract federal raids due to complaints from neighbors.

    Development of effective marijuana strainsGrowers that can develop the most potent and effective strains can potentially attract greater demand for their products.

    Understanding government policies and their implicationsMarijuana legislation is complicated at all levels of the government. Successful operators must be able to navigate the federal and state level regulatory landscape.

    Fast adjustments to changing regulationsRegulations are constantly changing. Growers must comply with the latest legislation or risk fines or arrest, and they must be able to adjust to changing regulation quickly and smoothly.

    Market Share Concentration

    The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry currently has a low level of market share concentration. In 2019, the four largest operators are expected to account for less than 25.0% of revenue. By law, in the majority of states where medical marijuana is legal, industry operators must be a part of nonprofit marijuana collectives (also known as dispensaries) to grow marijuana. Industry operators are known as vendors and must also possess medical marijuana cards for the state where they operate. Additionally, since the sale of marijuana is still prohibited everywhere except the 10 states that legalized recreational marijuana, with Illinois

    being the eleventh state effective January 2020, vendors in all other states only provide marijuana to the collective in exchange for donations. All vendors are independent and privately operated. All vendors hold marijuana ID cards, and most grow their allocated plant quota according to state law. In some states, however, patients may designate a grower to provide medical marijuana for them, resulting in some larger farms. Over the coming years, as the market continues to be flooded with new entrants, IBISWorld expects that commercial operations and the establishment of brands will drive chain expansion.

    Competitive LandscapeMarket Share Concentration | Key Success Factors | Cost Structure Benchmarks Basis of Competition | Barriers to Entry | Industry Globalization

    Level Concentration in this industry is Low

    IBISWorld identifies 250 Key Success Factors for a business. The most important for this industry are:

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 20

    Competitive Landscape

    Cost Structure Benchmarkscontinued

    the industry relies on manual labor instead of heavy machinery and equipment, keeping wages as a share of revenue relatively high.

    PurchasesPurchases make up a low expense for medical and recreational marijuana growers, representing an estimated 2.5% of total industry revenue. The primary goods purchased by this industry include soil, fertilizer and seeds. Purchases have increased as a share of revenue over the past five years, due to increases in the prices of the raw materials necessary to grow medical and recreational marijuana.

    ProfitProfit, measured as earnings before interest and taxes, varies greatly across the industry because of the myriad of laws governing medical and recreational marijuana from state to state. In the

    states where medical marijuana is legal, operators in the Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry are required to be a part of nonprofit marijuana collectives (also known as dispensaries) to grow cannabis. Additionally, since the sale of marijuana is still prohibited, vendors typically provide marijuana to the collective in exchange for donations.

    More recently, industry-wide profit has grown on account of the legalization of recreational marijuana across the United States. Beginning in 2014, both legal cultivation and sale of for-profit recreational marijuana. In Colorado, for example, operators are able to apply for licenses to cultivate and sell cannabis wholesale to dispensaries. Since then, the number of states legalizing recreational has grown to 10, with Illinois being the 11th state effective January 2020. Consequently, industry profit is expected to total 11.6% of revenue in 2019.

    Sector vs. Industry Costs

    n Profi tn Wagesn Purchasesn Depreciationn Marketingn Rent & Utilitiesn Other

    Average Costs of all Industries in sector (2019)

    Industry Costs (2019)

    0

    20

    40

    60

    Perc

    enta

    ge o

    f rev

    enue

    80

    100

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

    4.9 11.6

    46.9

    1.96.84.22.5

    26.1

    13.22.7 0.31.9

    66.1

    10.9

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 21

    Competitive Landscape

    Basis of Competition Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry competition is very high since most industry operators grow the same types of products, making it harder to differentiate. Competition is further increasing as the legalization of recreational marijuana sales in 2014 has led the licensing of larger recreational marijuana cultivators. Likewise, in Oregon, the licensing of larger recreational marijuana cultivators along with the legal sale of recreational marijuana began in 2016. Today, 11 states have legalized recreational marijuana, making the industry more attractive for new entrants.

    Internal competitionIndustry vendors compete on product price and quality. Marijuana can have diverse properties and qualities, and only vendors that can consistently cultivate high-quality marijuana will attract

    demand from dispensaries. In addition, vendors must be able to provide competitive prices or donation requirements. Dispensaries can source marijuana from all members of their collective, making it easy to only acquire products from the lowest-priced vendors. Over the past five years, favorable state legislation paved the way for a large number of new entrants to this industry.

    External competitionIndustry operators experience competition from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture drugs to treat chronic pain, cancer, HIV and other illnesses that medical marijuana helps relieve. Medical marijuana users, for example, typically only turn to marijuana after other treatment has failed, though, resulting in limited external competition from drug manufacturers.

    Cost Structure Benchmarkscontinued

    DepreciationDepreciation is projected to account for an additional 4.2% of industry revenue. These costs are associated with investment into hydroponic techniques, temperature, lights, humidity controls and other facilities necessary to grow marijuana.

    MarketingMarketing costs account for an estimated 6.8% of industry revenue in 2019. Marketing costs are high due to the sudden rise in the marijuana industry and overall acceptance by the population. Considering that most industry operators are fairly new, they need to increase their marketing efforts to attract attention.

    RentRent payments account for an estimated 0.4% of the industry’s revenue in 2019.

    UtilitiesUtilities are expected to account for an estimated 1.5% of industry revenue in 2019. The cultivation of medical and recreational marijuana in indoors, in particular, requires significant spending on facilities and electricity to power grow lights.

    OtherOther costs include liability insurance and legal costs and are expected to account for the remainder of industry revenue.

    Level & Trend Competition in this industry is High and the trend is Increasing

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 22

    Competitive Landscape

    Barriers to Entry Medical marijuana growersProspective Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry operators contend with minimal barriers to entry in terms of capital costs. However, the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance and the possibility of federal prosecution contribute to medium barriers to entry. Over the past five years, a large number of operators entered the Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry due to favorable policy stances from the Obama administration. However, in 2011, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) stepped up raids on marijuana dispensaries, which made prospective operators more hesitant to enter this industry. More recently, the industry has benefited from favorable regulatory decisions at the federal level. In response to changing public sentiment, the United States House of Representatives voted in 2014 to restrict the DEA from using funds to target medical marijuana growers and dispensaries. Although this amendment to the DEA appropriations bill would need to be passed by the Senate to become binding, its confirmation would materially alter the outlook for industry operators. The omnibus-spending bill signed by President Obama in December of 2014 included the historic provisions for medical marijuana discussed above. The bill includes a rider to de-fund the DOJ’s war on medical marijuana, preventing the agency from using funding to “prevent [medical marijuana states] from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana.”

    State regulations have mixed effects. In general, increased state regulation has benefited industry operators by legalizing medical marijuana or providing more concrete regulation on marijuana growing. Over the past five years, barriers to entry have decreased because several states and Washington, DC passed

    legislation legalizing some level of medical marijuana growing. While states provide a legal avenue for growers to enter this industry, regulations are extensive and costly for prospective growers. For example, Colorado, requires every marijuana plant to be registered with the state. Prospective growers are subject to background checks, deposits and licensing and application fees. Licensing and registration fees can total $500,000 or more. Additionally, all growing facilities are under constant video surveillance by law enforcement personnel from the state’s Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division.

    Additionally, due to the large number of small medical marijuana growers, competition in this industry is very high. Marijuana vendors must be able to grow high-quality plants while charging competitive prices, which may push away prospective entrants. Over the past five years, competition has increased, making it more difficult to succeed in this industry.

    Recreational marijuana growersMore recently, the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington State has spurred the entry of larger scale, for-profit growers in each state. However, operators are required to obtain licensure from appropriate agencies in each state, competition for which is high. In Colorado, for example, recreational cultivation licenses are expensive and difficult to obtain because

    Level & Trend Barriers to Entry in this industry are Medium and Increasing

    Barriers to Entry checklist

    Competition HighConcentration LowLife Cycle Stage GrowthCapital Intensity MediumTechnology Change LowRegulation and Policy HeavyIndustry Assistance High

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 23

    Competitive Landscape

    Industry Globalization

    Marijuana is not traded internationally, resulting in a very low level of Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry globalization. In addition to the United States, Canada has legislation

    permitting medical marijuana consumption. Other countries, such as Argentina and Chile, permit patients to use medical marijuana, though it is not formally regulated.

    Barriers to Entrycontinued

    of the high number of applicants. Individual licenses vary on the size of growing facilities: type one stores, the smallest level, can grow up to 3,600 plants combined in their cultivation facilities; type two stores can grow 6,000 plants; and type three stores can grow up to 10,200 plants. Moreover, state officials have moved to limit the amount

    individual operators can grow to prevent marijuana grown in Colorado from entering states that ban the medical and recreational sales and possession of cannabis. In Washington, recreational cultivation licenses have been even more difficult to obtain as state officials have lagged in their implementation of the state’s recreational marijuana mandate.

    Level & Trend Globalization in this industry is Low and the trend is Steady

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 24

    Other Company Performance

    Mindful Medical (Mindful) is headquartered in Denver, CO. The company currently operates one 43,000-square-foot growing facility that supplies medical and recreational marijuana, including concentrates, exclusively to its own dispensaries. Mindful operates one of the largest growing facilities in the Colorado, where marijuana is grown with an air filtration system to contain any smell.

    Following the passage of legalization in other states, the company has been developing contracts to build other large growing facilities in states such as New York, and has successfully expanded to Illinois. Since the company is privately held, it does not disclose financial information. However, IBISWorld expects industry-relevant revenue to account for less than 1.0% of industry revenue in 2019.

    Other Company Performance

    Copperstate Farms LLC (Copperstate) is one of the largest producers of marijuana on the West coast in terms of square footage and area of the grow operation. According to New Cannabis Ventures, Copperstate owns 1.7 million square feet of greenhouses in Snowflake, AZ, with 348,000 square feet devoted to the

    production of medical cannabis only. More recently, the company was acquired by Liberty Health Sciences Inc. in 2018. Though the company is privately held, and does not disclose financial information, IBISWorld expects the company to generate less than 1.0% of industry revenue in 2019.

    Other Company Performance

    Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Olympia, WA, Northwest Cannabis Solutions is one of the largest recreational marijuana producers in the Pacific Northwest. The company operates a production facility, extraction lab and full-service kitchen for the production of

    edibles. The company employs over 150 individuals and boasts over 200 retail partners in Washington State, according to Nanalyze. Northwest Cannabis Solutions strictly produces cannabis. In 2019, the company is expected to generate less than 1.0% of total industry revenue.

    Other Companies The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry has no major players, as producers primarily grow products for local or in-state vendors. The legalization of recreational marijuana in several states

    between 2014 and 2019 is expected to create opportunities for larger operators and commercial operations to establish an increasing position in the Medical and Recreational Growing industry.

    Major CompaniesThere are no Major Players in this industry | Other Companies

    Northwest Cannabis Solutions Market Share: 0.2%

    Copperstate Farms LLC Market Share: 0.1%

    Mindful Medical Market Share: 0.1%

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 25

    Capital Intensity The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry has a medium level of capital intensity. For every $1.00 spent on labor, operators spend an average of $0.16 on capital expenditure, though the level of capital expenditures varies between outdoor and indoor growers. Outdoor growers follow standard cultivation techniques that other farmers use, which typically require low capital expenditure. By contrast, indoor growers require a slightly higher level of capital expenditures, which are typically spent on hydroponic techniques, lighting and humidity controls. The majority of industry revenue is allocated in the form of wages toward labor costs, as marijuana cultivation requires significant manual labor. Moreover, the nonprofit nature of

    medical marijuana growing in most states means that earnings are typically collected as wages, rather than profit.

    Operating ConditionsCapital Intensity | Technology & Systems | Revenue VolatilityRegulation & Policy | Industry Assistance

    Capital Intensity

    0.5

    0.0

    0.1

    0.2

    0.3

    0.4

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COMDotted line shows a high level of capital intensity

    Capital units per labor unit

    Medical & Recreational

    Marijuana Growing

    Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing

    and Hunting

    Economy

    Level The level of capital intensity is Medium

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 26

    Operating Conditions

    Revenue Volatility Revenue volatility is high for the Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry. Regulatory changes in favor or against the industry are the primary determinant of revenue fluctuations. In addition to the growing legalization movement for medical cannabis, during the current five-year period, recreational cannabis has been legalized in 11 US states. Consequently, revenue tends to spike following legislative victories. This was exemplified after watershed legalization measures passed in 2016, in particular.

    Moreover, demand for medical marijuana growing is rapidly expanding due to the growing acceptance of medical

    marijuana in treating or alleviating symptoms in a variety of medical conditions, including cancer and the Alzheimer’s Disease. Consumers who use medical marijuana do so due to medical needs; as a result, most use industry products regardless of the performance of the economy. In addition, the aging population has led to an increase in demand for a variety of medical services and treatments, since senior citizens consume a disproportionately large number of pharmaceuticals relative to the rest of the population. The end result is a loyal and increasing customer base for medical marijuana, which leads to steadily increasing revenue.

    Technology and Systems

    The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry has a low level of technology change. Outdoor growers primary follow standard cultivation techniques used by other outdoor farmers. Indoor cannabis growers require containers, lighting and humidity control. Growers can also use hydroponic techniques, which have experienced more technology change over the past five years. Hydroponic techniques involve growing marijuana plants in water. Growers require water filters, pumps, growing trays and

    humidity control. Some industry operators also cultivate new marijuana strains. This involves finding plants with desirable characteristics then artificially fertilizing plants. However, techniques used for developing new marijuana strains is similar to general crossing techniques used for flowers and plants. As a result, technology change is relatively low since the company does not rely on heavy equipment or machinery to operate efficiently and continues to depend on manual labor and human knowledge.

    Level The level of technology change is Low

    Level The level of volatility is Very High

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 27

    Operating Conditions

    Regulation and Policy The Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry is subject to very heavy regulation from governments at all levels. However, there is a great degree of regulatory divergence at the state and federal levels.

    Federal levelAt the federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), passed as part of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. As defined by the CSA, Schedule I substances are those deemed to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment and lack safe usage. Under federal law, Schedule I substances may not be manufactured, distributed or dispensed.

    The scheduling of drugs is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The DHHS operates the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which conducts research on the efficacy of marijuana for medical uses. The DHHS has the final say on all drug scheduling.

    The Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Drug Enforcement Agency

    (DEA), raids and prosecutes marijuana dispensaries and growers in the United States. Over the past five years, regulation trends were initially promising for industry operators. During the presidential campaign of 2008, then Senator Obama promised to put an end to the practice of raiding dispensaries by the federal government. In 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the DOJ will comply with the President’s statements during the campaign. The “Ogden memo,” released by Deputy Attorney General David Ogden later that year, reiterated this position by instructing federal law enforcement organizations to refrain from using federal resources to prosecute cannabis dispensaries and growers that were in compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana.

    However, beginning in 2011, the DEA and the DOJ once again ramped up their prosecution of cannabis growers and dispensaries. This introduced greater uncertainty for industry operators, resulting in higher operating costs from legal fees and risk mitigation. In response to changing public sentiment, however, the United States House of

    Revenue Volatilitycontinued

    Level & Trend The level of Regulation is Heavy and the trend is Increasing

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 28

    Operating Conditions

    Regulation and Policycontinued

    Representatives voted in 2014 to restrict the DEA from using funds to target medical marijuana growers and dispensaries. Although this amendment to the DEA appropriations bill would need to be passed by the Senate to become binding, its confirmation would materially alter the outlook for industry operators. The omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama in December of 2014 included the historic provisions for medical marijuana discussed above. The bill includes a rider to de-fund the DOJ’s war on medical marijuana, preventing the agency from using funding to “prevent [medical marijuana states] from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana.” In 2016, the federal government loosened regulations regarding the study of medical applications and effects of cannabinoids.

    State regulationCurrently, 33 states have some regulation that permitted the use of medical marijuana. In addition, 11 states have permitted the legal sale of cannabis for recreational use. Illinois became the eleventh state to legalize marijuana for recreational use, effective on January 2020. However, since federal law supersedes state law, the cultivation, sale and use of medical or recreational marijuana remain illegal in the United States. While Florida voters failed to pass an initiative that would have made the sale of medical marijuana legal in the state, voters in Alaska, Oregon and Washington, DC legalized the sale of recreational marijuana during the 2014 elections, and many other states joined the pact following the 2016 election cycle, including California. Alaska’s measure is

    similar to Colorado’s, and Oregon’s is modeled on Washington’s. Washington, DC’s initiative legalizes marijuana possession but does not establish a taxation system because voters are not permitted to directly implement taxes themselves. Alaska, Oregon and Washington, DC are expected to experience a boom in the legal sale of marijuana for recreational use over the next five years.

    California has the oldest and one of the most extensive regulatory frameworks governing medical marijuana. In 1996, the passage of the Compassionate Use Act (Proposition 215) legalized the use of medical marijuana and prohibited physicians from being punished for recommending medical marijuana to patients. California Senate Bill 420, passed in 2003, further clarified the state’s position on medical marijuana, legalizing organization of nonprofit marijuana collectives where members can cultivate and provide marijuana to one another.

    In addition to California, the state of Colorado has some of the most extensive medical marijuana laws. The use of medical marijuana has been legal since the passage of Amendment 20 in 2000. In 2012, the state further loosened marijuana restrictions by passing Amendment 64, which legalized marijuana for recreational use. With the growth of the edible cannabis products segment, the state has moved to enact new regulations. Several high-profile incidents involving edible cannabis products have spurred new rules, signed into law in May 2014, concerning the packaging of edible marijuana products, including improved information regarding serving sizes.

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 29

    Operating Conditions

    Industry Assistance Industry associationsThe Medical and Recreational Marijuana Growing industry benefits from relatively widespread support from industry associations. The National Cannabis Industry Association is a trade association representing industry operators. The organization lobbies lawmakers in Washington, DC for more favorable marijuana legislation. These include legislation on banking that permits marijuana businesses to work with financial institutions. Currently,

    banks are hesitant to provide services to marijuana businesses due to the illegality of marijuana at the federal level.

    The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) works to repeal marijuana prohibition at the federal level. The organization supports the right of adults to use marijuana responsibly, and champions state and federal reforms that are favorable to marijuana users. NORML primarily lobbies Congress and state legislatures to enact marijuana reforms.

    Level & Trend The level of Industry Assistance is High and the trend is Increasing

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 30

    Key StatisticsRevenue

    ($m)

    Industry Value Added

    ($m)Establish-

    ments Enterprises Employment Exports ImportsWages ($m)

    Domestic Demand

    Total recreation expenditure

    ($b)2010 973.0 395.5 3,430 2,454 11,267 -- -- 272.5 N/A 38,162.02011 1,179.5 389.8 3,566 2,552 11,708 -- -- 273.6 N/A 38,777.62012 1,228.8 443.0 4,155 2,973 13,794 -- -- 312.1 N/A 39,778.62013 1,476.8 580.4 4,730 3,385 16,088 -- -- 370.7 N/A 38,995.42014 2,567.2 1,157.8 8,027 5,745 28,052 -- -- 657.2 N/A 40,298.72015 2,823.5 1,111.8 9,637 6,897 34,925 -- -- 677.7 N/A 41,656.02016 3,862.7 1,554.7 11,246 8,048 41,898 -- -- 1,031.3 N/A 42,090.82017 4,745.8 1,980.2 13,020 9,318 50,107 -- -- 1,254.1 N/A 43,030.92018 6,299.8 2,639.6 16,810 12,008 65,831 -- -- 1,651.1 N/A 44,454.52019 8,065.9 3,377.6 21,152 15,091 83,930 -- -- 2,106.7 N/A 45,404.32020 10,099.1 4,223.9 25,790 18,366 104,137 -- -- 2,618.7 N/A 46,278.02021 12,054.6 5,031.2 30,055 21,368 123,324 -- -- 3,106.1 N/A 47,056.92022 13,448.5 5,601.9 32,805 23,285 136,609 -- -- 3,445.6 N/A 47,933.42023 13,784.4 5,724.0 33,047 23,428 139,284 -- -- 3,516.8 N/A 48,846.32024 14,696.7 6,099.4 34,724 24,589 147,868 -- -- 3,736.8 N/A 49,830.6

    IVA/Revenue (%)

    Imports/ Demand

    (%)

    Exports/ Revenue

    (%)

    Revenue per Employee

    ($’000)Wages/Revenue

    (%)Employees

    per Est.Average Wage

    ($)

    Share of the Economy

    (%)2010 40.65 N/A N/A 86.36 28.01 3.28 24,185.67 0.002011 33.05 N/A N/A 100.74 23.20 3.28 23,368.64 0.002012 36.05 N/A N/A 89.08 25.40 3.32 22,625.78 0.002013 39.30 N/A N/A 91.80 25.10 3.40 23,042.02 0.002014 45.10 N/A N/A 91.52 25.60 3.49 23,427.92 0.012015 39.38 N/A N/A 80.84 24.00 3.62 19,404.44 0.012016 40.25 N/A N/A 92.19 26.70 3.73 24,614.54 0.012017 41.73 N/A N/A 94.71 26.43 3.85 25,028.44 0.012018 41.90 N/A N/A 95.70 26.21 3.92 25,080.89 0.012019 41.88 N/A N/A 96.10 26.12 3.97 25,100.68 0.022020 41.82 N/A N/A 96.98 25.93 4.04 25,146.68 0.022021 41.74 N/A N/A 97.75 25.77 4.10 25,186.50 0.032022 41.65 N/A N/A 98.45 25.62 4.16 25,222.35 0.032023 41.53 N/A N/A 98.97 25.51 4.21 25,249.13 0.032024 41.50 N/A N/A 99.39 25.43 4.26 25,271.19 0.03

    Figures are in inflation-adjusted 2019 dollars.

    Revenue (%)

    Industry Value Added

    (%)

    Establish-ments

    (%)Enterprises

    (%)Employment

    (%)Exports

    (%)Imports

    (%)Wages

    (%)

    Domestic Demand

    (%)

    Total recreation expenditure

    (%)2011 21.2 -1.4 4.0 4.0 3.9 N/A N/A 0.4 N/A 1.62012 4.2 13.6 16.5 16.5 17.8 N/A N/A 14.1 N/A 2.62013 20.2 31.0 13.8 13.9 16.6 N/A N/A 18.8 N/A -2.02014 73.8 99.5 69.7 69.7 74.4 N/A N/A 77.3 N/A 3.32015 10.0 -4.0 20.1 20.1 24.5 N/A N/A 3.1 N/A 3.42016 36.8 39.8 16.7 16.7 20.0 N/A N/A 52.2 N/A 1.02017 22.9 27.4 15.8 15.8 19.6 N/A N/A 21.6 N/A 2.22018 32.7 33.3 29.1 28.9 31.4 N/A N/A 31.7 N/A 3.32019 28.0 28.0 25.8 25.7 27.5 N/A N/A 27.6 N/A 2.12020 25.2 25.1 21.9 21.7 24.1 N/A N/A 24.3 N/A 1.92021 19.4 19.1 16.5 16.3 18.4 N/A N/A 18.6 N/A 1.72022 11.6 11.3 9.1 9.0 10.8 N/A N/A 10.9 N/A 1.92023 2.5 2.2 0.7 0.6 2.0 N/A N/A 2.1 N/A 1.92024 6.6 6.6 5.1 5.0 6.2 N/A N/A 6.3 N/A 2.0

    Annual Change

    Key Ratios

    Industry Data

    SOURCE: WWW.IBISWORLD.COM

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 31

    Jargon & Glossary

    BARRIERS TO ENTRY High barriers to entry mean that new companies struggle to enter an industry, while low barriers mean it is easy for new companies to enter an industry.

    CAPITAL INTENSITY Compares the amount of money spent on capital (plant, machinery and equipment) with that spent on labor. IBISWorld uses the ratio of depreciation to wages as a proxy for capital intensity. High capital intensity is more than $0.333 of capital to $1 of labor; medium is $0.125 to $0.333 of capital to $1 of labor; low is less than $0.125 of capital for every $1 of labor.

    CONSTANT PRICES The dollar figures in the Key Statistics table, including forecasts, are adjusted for inflation using the current year (i.e. year published) as the base year. This removes the impact of changes in the purchasing power of the dollar, leaving only the “real” growth or decline in industry metrics. The inflation adjustments in IBISWorld’s reports are made using the US Bureau of Economic Analysis’ implicit GDP price deflator.

    DOMESTIC DEMAND Spending on industry goods and services within the United States, regardless of their country of origin. It is derived by adding imports to industry revenue, and then subtracting exports.

    EMPLOYMENT The number of permanent, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees, working proprietors, partners, managers and executives within the industry.

    ENTERPRISE A division that is separately managed and keeps management accounts. Each enterprise consists of one or more establishments that are under common ownership or control.

    ESTABLISHMENT The smallest type of accounting unit within an enterprise, an establishment is a single physical location where business is conducted or where services or industrial operations are performed. Multiple establishments under common control make up an enterprise.

    EXPORTS Total value of industry goods and services sold by US companies to customers abroad.

    IMPORTS Total value of industry goods and services brought in from foreign countries to be sold in the United States.

    INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION An indicator of the dominance of the top four players in an industry. Concentration is considered high if the top players account for more than 70% of industry revenue. Medium is 40% to 70% of industry revenue. Low is less than 40%.

    INDUSTRY REVENUE The total sales of industry goods and services (exclusive of excise and sales tax); subsidies on production; all other operating income from outside the firm (such as commission income, repair and service income, and rent, leasing and hiring income); and capital work done by rental or lease. Receipts from interest royalties, dividends and the sale of fixed tangible assets are excluded.

    INDUSTRY VALUE ADDED (IVA) The market value of goods and services produced by the industry minus the cost of goods and services used in production. IVA is also described as the industry’s contribution to GDP, or profit plus wages and depreciation.

    INTERNATIONAL TRADE The level of international trade is determined by ratios of exports to revenue and imports to domestic demand. For exports/revenue: low is less than 5%, medium is 5% to 20%, and high is more than 20%. Imports/domestic demand: low is less than 5%, medium is 5% to 35%, and high is more than 35%.

    LIFE CYCLE All industries go through periods of growth, maturity and decline. IBISWorld determines an industry’s life cycle by considering its growth rate (measured by IVA) compared with GDP; the growth rate of the number of establishments; the amount of change the industry’s products are undergoing; the rate of technological change; and the level of customer acceptance of industry products and services.

    NONEMPLOYING ESTABLISHMENT Businesses with no paid employment or payroll, also known as nonemployers. These are mostly set up by self-employed individuals.

    PROFIT IBISWorld uses earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) as an indicator of a company’s profitability. It is calculated as revenue minus expenses, excluding interest and tax.

    Industry Jargon

    IBISWorld Glossary

    CANNABIS A drug produced from the Cannabis sativa (commonly known as hemp) or Cannabis indica plant, which is related to nettles and hops.

    DISPENSARY/COLLECTIVE A medical marijuana collective comprises patients that provide medical marijuana to each other on a nonprofit basis. It is the standard legal organization for growers in most states.

    MARIJUANA The dried leaves and flowering tops of the pistillate hemp plant that yield tetrahydrocannabinol and are smoked in cigarettes for their intoxicating effect.

    VENDOR A member of a marijuana collective that provides medical marijuana to other collective members on nonprofit basis.

  • WWW.IBISWORLD.COM Medical & Recreational Marijuana Growing in the US November 2019 32

    Jargon & Glossary

    VOLATILITY The level of volatility is determined by averaging the absolute change in revenue in each of the past five years. Volatility levels: very high is more than ±20%; high volatility is ±10% to ±20%; moderate volatility is ±3% to ±10%; and low volatility is less than ±3%.

    WAGES The gross total wages and salaries of all employees in the industry. The cost of benefits is also included in this figure.

    IBISWorld Glossary continued

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