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Monthly Archives: March 2018

The New Mainstream of Cannabis Culture

The West Coast and Colorado are regarded as pioneers in bringing cannabis in to the mainstream. Californians have  maintained a long-standing liberal stance on the use of cannabis. These views were adopted by many long before the legalization of medical cannabis in 1996. People in the industry have worked tirelessly, and often with the risk of legal persecution, to develop and make various forms of cannabis products available to the public. Legalization of adult-use has helped bring cannabis to the forefront as novices, people who previously quietly enjoyed cannabis products, and experienced users now all openly discuss and share information about cannabis. Dialogue is becoming more common in mainstream media; legitimate and legal access to product has become simpler and more open; and, more and more experienced business people are pursuing opportunities in the industry and bring with them more traditional business approaches and practices to the industry.

 

One  specific testament to cannabis’s cultural shift is the evolution of dispensaries. What used to be a non-descript and questionable “shop”  is now a professionally run retail store, in regards to appearance, operations, and the consumer’s shopping experience. There still remains the classic dispensaries that are long standing staples of communities across California, and then there are dispensaries such as MedMen. All seven of their California locations have knowledgeable staff ready to help consumers.  The myriad of options available can be viewed on their shelves or on one of their in-store tablets. These in-store shopping options appeal to consumers who are comfortable with technology as well as those who prefer a human and more personal shopping experience.  

 

Photo from LA Weekly of MedMen West Hollywood

 

Legal cannabis sales are expected to hit $3.7 billion by the end of 2018, and are estimated to increase to $5.1 billion in 2019, according to BDS Analytics. Consumers can choose their preferred and most convenient method of shopping: at a retail location, or by way of online  delivery services. Both adult-use and medicinal cannabis products are openly accessible and Californians are responding well to it.

 

Cannabis is becoming more prevalent in the educational institutions of America. No, we aren’t talking about students enjoying products in their dorm rooms; colleges are introducing bona-fide programs with a focus on cannabis. Some of the newly introductions to the curriculum include research program on cultivation, extraction methods and the impact of usage. There are also commercial programs exploring the business and commercialization side of the industry. The University of California, Irvine is developing a research center to investigate the medical potential of cannabis, as well as its impacts on the environment, and its relationship to business and popular culture.

 

We are seeing a significant shift of cannabis towards the mainstream with the new wave of cannabis consumers. Research shows that cannabis is gaining in popularity amongst various groups and communities.

 

Parents commonly use cannabis to help with the stresses of raising  children. An Eaze.com survey of 10,000 cannabis consumers shows that one in five respondents are parents. Athletes are also coming to the forefront of cannabis advocacy. Cannabis can relieve pain and assist in muscle recovery, so it’s not surprising to see athletes turning to it as a healthy alternative to pain medication. As of January 2018 CBD is no longer prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and this speaks to a major cultural shift as healthier active communities are coming to accept cannabis products.

 

Pioneers in California have been fighting for decades to de-stigmatize cannabis and have society accept the genuine and undeniable benefits of its use. It’s heartening to all in the industry to see that cannabis has made the strides that it has as it continues to evolve beyond it’s classic cultural image, and in to the mainstream.

 

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3Leaf x Cannaly: 2018 Cannabis Consumer Insights and Retail Trends

We teamed up with Cannaly to bring you this post on the latest market insights from California’s cannabis community. 

 

 

We are now into the third month of legal adult-use of cannabis in California, and recreational users have been flocking to licensed dispensaries across the State. Based on conversations with consumers, retailers, and manufacturers we have identified some emerging trends that are worth noting.

 

 

New consumers are looking for a way to incorporate cannabis into their daily lives. People are commonly turning to cannabis to help them sleep, to manage anxiety, and as a means of relaxation. Many see cannabis as an alternative to consuming alcohol, or at least as a way to reduce their consumption levels. They are also turning to cannabis with the hope of reducing their dependence on prescription medication.   

 

 

Retailers indicate that new consumers are spending considerable time in-store speaking with their staff and other consumers. A main priority for new consumers is to have a clear understanding of the different types of cannabis products and what they should expect from the experience.

 

 

Some consumers are investigating different strains of cannabis and becoming educated on their varying effects, to help decide how best to incorporate those products into their routine.

 

 

Experienced users are familiar with the benefits of cannabis and continue to shop for products they know well. They reminisce about the days of higher-dosed servings in edibles, before California regulations limited dosage to 10 mgs of THC per serving and 100 mg of THC per container.

 

 

Many experienced users shared stories of negative experiences with edibles related to excessive dosing or poor taste. As a result, this group of consumers shows strong interest in the new low-dosed options because they offer a safe way to try the latest products on the market.

 

 

New consumers are taking a careful and healthy approach to trying new forms of cannabis. Interest in flower products has declined, as consumers are reluctant to smoke. Tied to this is a noted increase in sales of concentrates and vaporizers.

 

 

Low-dosed edibles are popular amongst those who are new to cannabis as well as those who previously tried edibles but didn’t have a pleasant experience. The recommended approach to  edibles is to start with a low dose and consume slowly, as the body metabolizes cannabis differently when it is ingested orally. New users appreciate any guidance provided by trusted, knowledgeable sources and commonly turn to retailers and their teams for help.

 

 

3Leaf is now available through Cannaly’s website. To find out more about our low-dose, high-quality edibles click here. Never miss out on 3Leaf news and exciting announcements, including where you can find 3Leaf products. Be sure to join our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Thank you for reading!