The Marijuana Industry is Booming in America
The history of cannabis (hemp and marijuana are used interchangeably) has been tinged with profiteering and a hint of racism.
Back in 1937, William Randolph Hearst, DuPont, Andrew Mellon, and Harry Anslinger drafted the Marijuana Tax Act that rendered cannabis illegal. Powerful industries had villainized the plant as a business move and won.
For decades marijuana had been deemed by the media, pharmaceutical companies, and the government as the boogie man.
Recently, the same powers that suppressed cannabis are now bringing it back for monetary purposes, and we have seen a complete turn around in societal opinion. Out of 50 states in the U.S., 33 have legalized its use.
According to experts, the U.S. hemp market is projected to grow to $1.3 billion by 2022. That’s a 330% increase from 2018.
Along with the tremendous financial opportunity for investors comes creativity of how the plant can be used; foods, medicines, creams, shampoos, paper, biofuels, the possibilities are endless.
THC vs. CBD
Both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) come from the Cannabis genus. Due to their molecular structure, both THC and CBD work with the body’s endocannabinoid; however, they produce very different effects on the body.
CBD does not produce the “high” or the same psychoactive effects that THC does. Both compounds have been demonstrated to have an array of health benefits. Studies have shown CBD and THC have helped patients that have PTSD, help regulate seizures, and treat depression.
Edibles and Daily Products
In addition to using CBD and THC to treat pain and mental suffering, marijuana-infused edibles like chocolates, pastries, and candies have been placed on dispensary shelves across the country.
Not only is THC and CBD infused in tasty treats, but also in our daily products like shampoo and even healing salves. Things like lip and skin balms are used to apply oils that target relief to a specific area and never reach the bloodstream.
The oils have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and are rich in amino acids and vitamins that can help treat a variety of skin problems. For more information on balm to help with aches and muscle pain, have a look here.
Biofuels and the Environment
Eighty years ago, Henry Ford built a car out of hemp plastic that ran off hemp biofuel. That competition between agriculture and industry has brought us full circle to an environmental turning point.
With rampant deforestation worldwide, growing hemp could help stave off carbon dioxide and instead sequester it. Not only that, but the plant has a natural function of cleaning the soil as well. After the Chernobyl disaster, radioactive agents were removed by the use of hemp.
Due to its fast growth rate and low upkeep, cannabis plantations stand to be very lucrative as well.
The Future Is Here, and It’s Green
With a cornucopia of technologies, research, and industries affecting our daily lives, it’s only a matter of time before more sustainable approaches to living are adopted by the masses. Hemp is at the forefront of changing the landscape of what we think “weed” was and is.
In the past few years, we have seen the marijuana market take off like a rocket heading straight into the sky. Wise entrepreneurs see an opportunity, and they’re taking it by investing in the future of marijuana. With a massive projection for broad application and economic growth, who can blame them?
