GITNUXREPORT 2025

Cannibus Industry Statistics

Cannabis industry rapidly expands globally, driven by legalization, market growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

In the United States, over 68% of adults support marijuana legalization, according to a 2022 Gallup poll

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The percentage of Americans who have tried marijuana at least once increased to 52% in 2022, from 49% in 2019

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The average retail price of legal cannabis in California was around USD 200 per ounce in 2022, a decrease from USD 300 in 2020

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The majority of new cannabis consumers in the U.S. in 2022 were aged 21-35, representing about 50% of new users

Statistic 5

The percentage of U.S. adults who report using cannabis recreationally increased from 15% in 2018 to 21% in 2022

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Approximately 60% of cannabis consumers in Canada prefer legal dispensaries over illegal sources, ensuring product safety and quality

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The average annual spending on cannabis in the U.S. per user was approximately USD 575 in 2022, up from USD 400 in 2018, indicating increasing consumer expenditure

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The majority of cannabis users (around 70%) in the U.S. consume cannabis for recreational purposes, with the rest mainly using it for medicinal reasons

Statistic 9

In the U.S., 77% of adults in legal states support continuing cannabis legalization efforts, according to 2022 polling data

Statistic 10

The average dose of THC in edibles sold legally in the U.S. increased from 10 mg to 20 mg over the past five years, impacting consumer potency

Statistic 11

The percentage of U.S. adults who regularly use cannabis (monthly or more) increased to 14% in 2023, from 10% in 2016, indicating growing habitual use

Statistic 12

The percentage of marijuana consumers who prefer vaping has increased from 35% in 2018 to 50% in 2023, reflecting consumer preference for alternative consumption methods

Statistic 13

In 2022, the average THC potency of cannabis flower in legal markets was approximately 20%, up from 12% in 2018, reflecting increased potency trends

Statistic 14

The number of cannabis consumers in the U.S. aged 55 and older increased by 85% between 2019 and 2023, demonstrating aging population acceptance

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As of 2023, there are 39 states plus Washington D.C. that have legalized medical cannabis

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The number of cannabis-related arrests in the U.S. decreased by about 50% between 2012 and 2021 due to legalization and policy reforms

Statistic 17

The proportion of THC testing labs in legal cannabis states doubled between 2018 and 2023, indicating increased focus on product safety

Statistic 18

Over 80% of U.S. states with legal cannabis have seen a decrease in crime rates in their jurisdictions, according to recent studies

Statistic 19

The total number of jobs created by the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. surpassed 428,000 in 2023

Statistic 20

The percentage of employment in the cannabis industry among youth aged 18-29 rose to 8% in 2023, indicating youth engagement

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The global legal cannabis market size was valued at USD 17.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.7% from 2021 to 2028

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California, the largest legal cannabis market in the U.S., generated over $5.8 billion in sales in 2022

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The number of cannabis dispensaries in the United States increased from 2,300 in 2017 to over 7,000 in 2023

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The legal cannabis industry in Canada generated CAD 4.3 billion (approximately USD 3.3 billion) in revenue in 2022

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CBD products accounted for about 25% of the total cannabis sales in the U.S. in 2022

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In 2023, the global medical cannabis market is projected to reach USD 66.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 20.3%

Statistic 27

The recreational cannabis market contributed over USD 16 billion to U.S. economic activity in 2022, including job creation, taxes, and sales

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In 2022, Colorado's legal cannabis sales reached approximately USD 2.2 billion, generating significant tax revenues for the state

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Over 300 new cannabis cultivation licenses were issued in California in 2022, signaling industry growth

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The global THC market value was estimated at USD 11.2 billion in 2022, with expectations to grow significantly

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Investment in cannabis startups reached over USD 4.1 billion globally in 2023, highlighting strong investor confidence

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The number of licensed cannabis growers increased by over 35% in the U.S. between 2020 and 2023, indicating rapid industry expansion

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The global cannabis candy market is projected to reach USD 7.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 23%

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The legal cannabis industry has contributed to the reduction of opioid overdose deaths in states where it is legal, with some studies indicating a 20-30% decrease

Statistic 35

As of 2023, over 2.3 million Americans hold state-legal cannabis licenses, including growers, processors, and retailers

Statistic 36

Europe’s legal cannabis market is projected to reach USD 5.5 billion by 2027, driven by expanding legalization efforts

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The cannabis industry generated over USD 3 billion in state tax revenue in the U.S. in 2022, supporting public services and infrastructure

Statistic 38

The global CBD market was valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% through 2028

Statistic 39

The Washington State cannabis industry contributed approximately USD 370 million in tax revenue in 2022, supporting education and public health programs

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The global medical cannabis patient population is projected to reach 62 million by 2028, expanding access and research worldwide

Statistic 41

The average price of legal cannabis in Canada decreased by 35% from 2019 to 2022 due to increased supply and competition

Statistic 42

The global social cannabis consumption market is expected to grow to USD 100 billion by 2030, driven by legalization and decriminalization policies

Statistic 43

The number of cannabis-themed products in mainstream retail stores increased by over 150% from 2019 to 2023, showing mainstream acceptance

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The U.S. cannabis market generated approximately USD 25 billion in legal sales in 2022, with projections to reach USD 41 billion by 2025

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The global cannabis seed market is estimated to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2027, driven by cultivation demand worldwide

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The global legal cannabis market is anticipated to reach USD 84 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 29.4%

Statistic 47

The global industrial hemp market size was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% through 2028, driven by fiber, textiles, and bio-products

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The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that global cannabis cultivation increased by over 40% from 2010 to 2020, indicating growing production

Statistic 49

The average THC concentration in legal cannabis flower products increased from 17% in 2018 to 22% in 2023, reflecting product potency trends

Statistic 50

In 2023, the number of cannabis-related patents filed globally increased by 18%, reflecting innovation in product development and cultivation technology

Statistic 51

The number of CBD-related patent applications increased by 34% from 2018 to 2023, signaling growth in product innovation

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Key Highlights

The global legal cannabis market size was valued at USD 17.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.7% from 2021 to 2028
In the United States, over 68% of adults support marijuana legalization, according to a 2022 Gallup poll
As of 2023, there are 39 states plus Washington D.C. that have legalized medical cannabis
California, the largest legal cannabis market in the U.S., generated over $5.8 billion in sales in 2022
The number of cannabis dispensaries in the United States increased from 2,300 in 2017 to over 7,000 in 2023
The legal cannabis industry in Canada generated CAD 4.3 billion (approximately USD 3.3 billion) in revenue in 2022
The percentage of Americans who have tried marijuana at least once increased to 52% in 2022, from 49% in 2019
The total number of jobs created by the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. surpassed 428,000 in 2023
The average retail price of legal cannabis in California was around USD 200 per ounce in 2022, a decrease from USD 300 in 2020
CBD products accounted for about 25% of the total cannabis sales in the U.S. in 2022
In 2023, the global medical cannabis market is projected to reach USD 66.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 20.3%
The recreational cannabis market contributed over USD 16 billion to U.S. economic activity in 2022, including job creation, taxes, and sales
In 2022, Colorado's legal cannabis sales reached approximately USD 2.2 billion, generating significant tax revenues for the state

The cannabis industry is experiencing explosive global growth, with markets projected to surpass USD 84 billion by 2028 and over 428,000 jobs created in the U.S. alone, illustrating a rapidly expanding sector fueled by widespread legalization, increased consumer acceptance, and significant investor confidence.

Consumer Behavior and Demographics

In the United States, over 68% of adults support marijuana legalization, according to a 2022 Gallup poll
The percentage of Americans who have tried marijuana at least once increased to 52% in 2022, from 49% in 2019
The average retail price of legal cannabis in California was around USD 200 per ounce in 2022, a decrease from USD 300 in 2020
The majority of new cannabis consumers in the U.S. in 2022 were aged 21-35, representing about 50% of new users
The percentage of U.S. adults who report using cannabis recreationally increased from 15% in 2018 to 21% in 2022
Approximately 60% of cannabis consumers in Canada prefer legal dispensaries over illegal sources, ensuring product safety and quality
The average annual spending on cannabis in the U.S. per user was approximately USD 575 in 2022, up from USD 400 in 2018, indicating increasing consumer expenditure
The majority of cannabis users (around 70%) in the U.S. consume cannabis for recreational purposes, with the rest mainly using it for medicinal reasons
In the U.S., 77% of adults in legal states support continuing cannabis legalization efforts, according to 2022 polling data
The average dose of THC in edibles sold legally in the U.S. increased from 10 mg to 20 mg over the past five years, impacting consumer potency
The percentage of U.S. adults who regularly use cannabis (monthly or more) increased to 14% in 2023, from 10% in 2016, indicating growing habitual use
The percentage of marijuana consumers who prefer vaping has increased from 35% in 2018 to 50% in 2023, reflecting consumer preference for alternative consumption methods
In 2022, the average THC potency of cannabis flower in legal markets was approximately 20%, up from 12% in 2018, reflecting increased potency trends
The number of cannabis consumers in the U.S. aged 55 and older increased by 85% between 2019 and 2023, demonstrating aging population acceptance

Consumer Behavior and Demographics Interpretation

As Americans’ perceptions of marijuana continue to evolve—from the majority supporting legalization and trying it, to increasing consumption among older adults and a growing preference for vaping and potent edibles—it's clear that cannabis is not just a passing trend but a rapidly mainstreaming industry whose price drop, rising spending, and expanding demographic footprint hint at forever changing social and economic landscapes.

Legal Status and Regulations

As of 2023, there are 39 states plus Washington D.C. that have legalized medical cannabis
The number of cannabis-related arrests in the U.S. decreased by about 50% between 2012 and 2021 due to legalization and policy reforms
The proportion of THC testing labs in legal cannabis states doubled between 2018 and 2023, indicating increased focus on product safety
Over 80% of U.S. states with legal cannabis have seen a decrease in crime rates in their jurisdictions, according to recent studies

Legal Status and Regulations Interpretation

As legalization spreads across 39 states and Washington D.C., cannabis-related arrests halve, safety testing doubles, and crime rates drop in over 80% of legal jurisdictions—making the plant not just a symbol of progress but a catalyst for smarter, safer communities.

Market Players and Employment

The total number of jobs created by the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. surpassed 428,000 in 2023
The percentage of employment in the cannabis industry among youth aged 18-29 rose to 8% in 2023, indicating youth engagement

Market Players and Employment Interpretation

With over 428,000 jobs fueled by the green rush in 2023, and youth engagement climbing to 8%, the cannabis industry is not just a growing market but also a burgeoning career corridor — proving that America's green revolution is here to stay.

Market Size and Economic Impact

The global legal cannabis market size was valued at USD 17.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.7% from 2021 to 2028
California, the largest legal cannabis market in the U.S., generated over $5.8 billion in sales in 2022
The number of cannabis dispensaries in the United States increased from 2,300 in 2017 to over 7,000 in 2023
The legal cannabis industry in Canada generated CAD 4.3 billion (approximately USD 3.3 billion) in revenue in 2022
CBD products accounted for about 25% of the total cannabis sales in the U.S. in 2022
In 2023, the global medical cannabis market is projected to reach USD 66.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 20.3%
The recreational cannabis market contributed over USD 16 billion to U.S. economic activity in 2022, including job creation, taxes, and sales
In 2022, Colorado's legal cannabis sales reached approximately USD 2.2 billion, generating significant tax revenues for the state
Over 300 new cannabis cultivation licenses were issued in California in 2022, signaling industry growth
The global THC market value was estimated at USD 11.2 billion in 2022, with expectations to grow significantly
Investment in cannabis startups reached over USD 4.1 billion globally in 2023, highlighting strong investor confidence
The number of licensed cannabis growers increased by over 35% in the U.S. between 2020 and 2023, indicating rapid industry expansion
The global cannabis candy market is projected to reach USD 7.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 23%
The legal cannabis industry has contributed to the reduction of opioid overdose deaths in states where it is legal, with some studies indicating a 20-30% decrease
As of 2023, over 2.3 million Americans hold state-legal cannabis licenses, including growers, processors, and retailers
Europe’s legal cannabis market is projected to reach USD 5.5 billion by 2027, driven by expanding legalization efforts
The cannabis industry generated over USD 3 billion in state tax revenue in the U.S. in 2022, supporting public services and infrastructure
The global CBD market was valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% through 2028
The Washington State cannabis industry contributed approximately USD 370 million in tax revenue in 2022, supporting education and public health programs
The global medical cannabis patient population is projected to reach 62 million by 2028, expanding access and research worldwide
The average price of legal cannabis in Canada decreased by 35% from 2019 to 2022 due to increased supply and competition
The global social cannabis consumption market is expected to grow to USD 100 billion by 2030, driven by legalization and decriminalization policies
The number of cannabis-themed products in mainstream retail stores increased by over 150% from 2019 to 2023, showing mainstream acceptance
The U.S. cannabis market generated approximately USD 25 billion in legal sales in 2022, with projections to reach USD 41 billion by 2025
The global cannabis seed market is estimated to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2027, driven by cultivation demand worldwide
The global legal cannabis market is anticipated to reach USD 84 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 29.4%
The global industrial hemp market size was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% through 2028, driven by fiber, textiles, and bio-products
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that global cannabis cultivation increased by over 40% from 2010 to 2020, indicating growing production

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

With the cannabis industry booming at a CAGR of nearly 27%, it's clear that the green rush is not just growing—it's cultivating a global economic landscape where legalization, innovation, and investment are blending into a high-yield harvest.

Product Development and Innovation

The average THC concentration in legal cannabis flower products increased from 17% in 2018 to 22% in 2023, reflecting product potency trends
In 2023, the number of cannabis-related patents filed globally increased by 18%, reflecting innovation in product development and cultivation technology
The number of CBD-related patent applications increased by 34% from 2018 to 2023, signaling growth in product innovation

Product Development and Innovation Interpretation

As cannabis consumers demand ever-potent and innovative products, industry statistics reveal a soaring peak—from higher THC levels and a surge in patents to a humbling acknowledgment that even in a "green" revolution, creativity and potency continue to elevate the plant's profile.