Cannabiz Media Blog

The cannabis industry has provided opportunities for over a decade now, yet many brands are barely making a dent. Let’s talk about why your sales and marketing might be failing in the cannabis industry — and what you can do to fix it.

Retail license growth slowed in Q1 2025, but the cannabis industry continues to shift. From New York's expansion to Minnesota’s surge in applications, the landscape is evolving. Discover how hemp, moratoria, and the illicit market are influencing cannabis retail—and where things may head next.

In this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating interviews Tyler Klimas, founder of Leaf Street Strategies, about his journey as a consultant, regulator, and lobbyist in the cannabis space. They explore the rise of THC beverages, the challenges of cannabis taxation, and the fragmented regulatory environment shaping both hemp and marijuana markets. Tune in for expert insights on where the industry is heading and what regulators should consider next.

The cannabis industry had a slower start in Q1 2025, but new markets and licensing activity continue to shape the landscape. From New York’s momentum to emerging states like Kentucky and Delaware, get a closer look at the trends and what’s ahead for the rest of the year.

In this episode of the Cannacurio Podcast, Ed Keating chats with Joseph Edwards, Chief Science Officer at Yofumo. They discuss Joseph’s journey from biochemistry and engineering to pioneering cannabis decontamination and curing technologies. Learn how Yofumo’s ozone-based systems are helping operators meet microbial compliance standards, preserve product quality, and embrace sustainable practices. Tune in for insights on evolving state regulations, consumer-driven cultivation trends, and Yofumo’s expanding global footprint beyond cannabis.

Cannabis manufacturing licenses grew 27% in 2024 with 945 new licenses, led by New York and New Mexico. The total number of manufacturers held steady at 5,940, highlighting the sector's stability. Manufacturing licenses are valuable for brand development and white-label production, making them crucial assets in the evolving cannabis market.

Cannabis cultivation licenses rebounded in 2024, with 3,369 new licenses issued—Michigan (1,079) and Oklahoma (1,039) leading the way. However, oversupply and price pressures remain major concerns, with wholesale cannabis prices dropping as low as $150 per pound. Read the full breakdown of 2024’s cultivation leaderboard and market insights.

Cannabiz Media’s Chief Data Officer, Ed Keating, does a recap of the 2024 Licensing Leaderboards and shows you what we've seen in looking back at all the licenses that were issued.

Cannabis retail stores saw 7% growth nationally in 2024, with new markets like New York driving expansion. As states like Delaware, Kentucky, and Minnesota roll out programs in 2025, THC beverages are also making an impact through mail order and liquor store sales. Cannabiz Media keeps customers informed with the latest licensing data through newsletters, alerts, and reports.

The Operator Hub is a free subscription to the Cannabiz Media Cannabis Market Intelligence Platform offered exclusively to licensed operators to provide access to critical and comprehensive industry data. 

For a decade, Cannabiz Media has tracked cannabis market trends, now expanding to THC beverage licensing. States are taking varied approaches—California enforces strict bans, while Minnesota allows sales alongside alcohol. Major players like Green Thumb Industries are investing, signaling industry growth. Explore how state regulations are shaping this emerging market.

2024, like every cannabis year that precedes it, was unique. Over the last 12 months we had a presidential election, several state referenda, and the slow-moving rescheduling process. Through it all, the regulators continued the hard work of standing up new programs, and issuing licenses, renewals, violations and recalls.