T
he US legal weed industry has shown significant growth, with retail sales reaching a record $2.8 billion in October 2024, a 6.2% increase from the previous year. According to LeafLink's data, total retail cannabis sales are expected to reach around $32.6 billion this year. The industry also added 22,952 new jobs last year, with over 440,445 jobs supported by legal cannabis nationwide as of early 2024, a 5.4% increase from 2023.

    A major policy shift occurred in April when the DEA announced it would reclassify marijuana from a 'Schedule I' to a 'Schedule III' drug, loosening restrictions and providing arguments for supporters of ballot measures seeking to legalize cannabis in states where it is still illegal. This decision will have a lengthy and complex process, but stakeholders are closely monitoring developments.

    President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for recreational cannabis legalization in Florida, as well as the industry's access to banking and federal rescheduling. However, whether this support will translate into action remains uncertain.