Slowly but surely, the world is embracing cannabis reform. Scientists are uncovering the plant’s medical benefits and legalization of cannabis is spreading like wildfire.

Even politicians who once were in opposition to the drug are warming up to the idea of cannabis, with United States Senator Kamala Harris recently signing on to the Marijuana Justice Act.

It’s hard to ignore the many signs of a maturing cannabis industry. Let’s be honest, the world’s attitude to weed is changing (and quite rapidly at that). The word “cannabis” is being splashed across newspapers, mentioned on the radio, discussed on television and in general, the topic is becoming a lot more normalized than it used to be.

10 indications of a maturing cannabis industry

Weed is the next big thing and if cannabis research continues to be carried out in the way that it has been recently, the abundant green plant might could the way humans medicate forever.

So, here we have it – 10 surefire signs of a maturing cannabis industry:

1. Investment is growing – More mainstream executives are dabbling in dope deals than ever before. If this isn’t a sign of a maturing cannabis industry, what is? Investment opportunities are opening up and cannabis stocks are attracting all kinds of investors to the market. Cannabis investment firms are launching worldwide in an attempt to handle growing demand for the “green rush.”
2. Politicians are getting involved – The list of pro-cannabis politicians contributing to a maturing cannabis industry is ever-growing. It includes names like Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Ala. And Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.
3. Cannabis is making headlines – You are guaranteed to read something about cannabis in the news every day of the week, from the legislators who are pushing for legal cannabis to the scientists who are discovering the medical power of cannabinoids, such as CBD (cannabidiol).
4. The consumer base is diversifying – Stereotypical stoners are no longer the face of cannabis. The plant boasts so many different uses and it can be consumed in a plethora of ways, making it appeal to people from all walks of life, including elderly patients and children.
5. Payment methods are improving – One of the biggest obstacles that cannabis business owners face is facilitating transactions in a secure and controlled way. Thanks to the creation of seed-to-sale software and cannabis cryptocurrency, payment methods are simplifying.
6. Support services are growing – If you take a moment to browse the Internet for support services for the cannabis industry, you’ll stumble across a great deal of information and resources. From assistance with cultivation to support for retail cannabis suppliers, the options are multiplying.
7. New technologies are emerging – Are you aware of just how many different cannabis-focused technologies have been developed over the last few years? Industry growth is being met with fascinating technology innovations, many of which are being adopted by active members of the weed community. Some examples of tech startups that are capitalizing on the maturing cannabis industry include LeafLink, Eaze, Flowhub, and MassRoots.
8. Expansion of products and services – It has never been easier for pot lovers to get their hands on ganja gadgets and of course, potent pot that can be consumed to satisfy their medical or recreational needs. From cannabis delivery services to cannabis decarboxylation devices, make-your-own edibles kits and vaporizers, there is a lot to choose from.
9. Cheater brands are raking in the cash – The “ganjapreneurs” behind successful cannabis companies most likely took inspiration from equally successful businesses in other industries first. For example, by putting a cannabis-themed twist on Yelp, Leafly was born. The same applies to MassRoots, which could be described as the Facebook of cannabis. As the market steadily matures, cannabis entrepreneurs are putting their own spin on today’s most lucrative pot business ideas.
10. Social media awareness is spreading – Although YouTube just started removing cannabis channels from its video-sharing website, cannabis business owners and content creators are finding alternative ways to promote their messages by uploading videos to weedtube.com and hiring influencers to promote cannabis products on Instagram. 

By 2022, the global medical cannabis industry is predicted to pull in $33.41 billion and this year is poised to be just as profitable for the market as a whole.

Canada is expected to legalize the plant for recreational use by summer, Thailand is about to give medical cannabis research the green light, and the UK’s very first not-for-profit cannabis oil shop just opened its doors in Edinburgh.

With so much happening, the cannabis industry is sure to reach full maturity in the very near future.