Key Moments and Industry Milestones
2024 has been an epic year for cannabis, with some seriously big changes and breakthroughs happening all over the world. From more states making weed legal to new science showing how cannabis could help with everything from pain to skin care, here’s a look at some of the key moments that shaped the cannabis world this year.
- Big Wins for Legalization
First up, the legalization train kept chugging along. Delaware made history in April by becoming the 24th U.S. state to fully legalize recreational cannabis. That means more people can legally buy weed, and it’s a huge step forward for the whole movement.
Meanwhile, Canada, which has been leading the way with legal weed, rolled out some cool new rules. Now, edibles, drinks, and concentrates are getting easier to buy, which means even more options for those looking to try cannabis in different ways. More states and countries are likely to follow, so it’s clear that weed is becoming a lot less taboo everywhere.
- Progress on Federal Cannabis Laws in the U.S.
In Washington, D.C., there’s been serious buzz about federal cannabis reform. While full legalization didn’t happen in 2024, there was still a lot of progress. One of the biggest moves was the MORE Act, which could eventually remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances and erase past convictions for weed-related crimes. If that passes in 2025, it could change the game for the entire cannabis industry in the U.S.
- Mind-Blowing Cannabis Science
2024 also saw some groundbreaking discoveries in cannabis research. Scientists have been digging into how CBD, one of the most well-known compounds in cannabis, can actually help with things like arthritis and chronic pain. It turns out that CBD might be an amazing alternative to pain meds, and that could totally change the way people treat pain in the future.
On top of that, researchers are getting more into the “entourage effect”—basically, how different cannabinoids and terpenes work together to make cannabis even more powerful. As more studies come out, cannabis might just become a go-to for treating all sorts of things, from anxiety to sleep issues.
- Cannabis Industry Gets Even Cooler
The cannabis industry itself is getting more innovative than ever. 2024 saw a boom in tech startups focused on cannabis, with companies working on ways to grow weed more sustainably and make sure it’s always top quality. One of the coolest things happening is the rise of lab-grown cannabis, where plants are grown in controlled environments, so they’re more eco-friendly and consistent in quality.
Plus, CBD products kept blowing up in 2024. Whether it’s in skincare or wellness drinks, CBD is now a huge part of self-care routines. No longer just a trend, it’s becoming a go-to for many people looking to relax and de-stress.
- Weed Goes Mainstream
The stigma around cannabis is pretty much gone now. A Pew Research Center study found that over 70% of Americans support legal cannabis, which is huge compared to just a few years ago. Cannabis culture is also becoming more normal in pop culture, with celebs and influencers embracing weed openly. More and more people are seeing it as a chill, wellness thing rather than something shady or taboo.
Wrapping Up
2024 was a huge year for cannabis, with major wins in legalization, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and new products hitting the market. The industry is only getting bigger and better, and with more states legalizing and people warming up to the idea of cannabis, the future looks bright for everyone involved. If this year’s any indication, 2025 is going to be even more lit!