As the global attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve, the rise of home cultivation has become an essential aspect of the industry. With the increasing legalization across the United States, Canada, and worldwide, let’s analyze the current state of cannabis home cultivation in 2023 and explore its future prospects.
The Growth of Home Growers:
First, because municipalities in some states can still ban dispensaries/retailers from their territories, and because 70% of municipalities did so in California, access to consumers can be very limited even post-legalization.
In 2021, cannabis sales have consistently declined, likely due to the limited access to retail stores for 68% of consumers in California combined with tax-inflated prices. Canada’s legal market is not performing according to expectations either.
Meanwhile, home cultivation has experienced a significant surge in recent years, as growing numbers of enthusiasts embrace the art and science of growing their own plants. However, establishing the exact number of home growers globally is challenging due to the unregulated nature of this segment. Nevertheless, various studies and reports provide us with valuable insights into this burgeoning trend.
In the United States:
Home cultivation regulations for cannabis vary widely among states that have legalized its recreational or medical use. As of 2023, a total of 19 states allow personal cultivation for recreational purposes, while 33 states permit it for medical use. It is estimated that millions of Americans engage in home growing, with an increasing number of states allowing citizens to cultivate their own cannabis plants.
According to Drug Policy Alliance, the number of self-growers in the United States has steadily increased over the past decade , with an estimated 2.9 million individuals growing their own cannabis plants for personal use in 2023. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, highlighting the growing popularity of home cultivation among cannabis enthusiasts.
In Canada:
Canada made history by becoming the first G7 country to legalize in 2018. With the legalization came the provision for individuals to grow their own cannabis plants at home. According to Health Canada, as of 2021, there were over 36,000 individuals registered to cultivate cannabis for personal use. Although specific data for 2023 is not yet available, it is safe to assume that the number of home growers has continued to rise as cannabis culture becomes more deeply ingrained.
The Global Landscape:
Around the world, several countries have witnessed significant changes in their cannabis laws, providing opportunities for home cultivation. In countries like Spain, Uruguay, and Jamaica, where recreational use is legal, citizens are allowed to cultivate their cannabis plants. Countries such as Germany, Australia, and Israel also allow medical cannabis patients to grow their own supply.
What the future holds?
The increasing number of legal jurisdictions allowing cannabis home cultivation, combined with the growing interest among enthusiasts, suggests a promising future. However, accurately forecasting the number of the home growers is challenging due to the lack of complete data and varying regulations across regions.
However, experts in the cannabis industry project a continued expansion of the home cultivation market. Many believe that as more states and countries legalize, the number of home growers will continue to rise. With advancements in technology, such as automated growing systems and improved genetics, cultivating at home has become more accessible and convenient for enthusiasts of all experience levels.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global legal cannabis market is expected to reach a value of $73.6 billion by 2027, with home cultivation contributing to a significant portion of this growth.
Conclusion:
The landscape of cannabis home cultivation has evolved significantly in recent years, reflecting the increasing acceptance and legalization of cannabis. While precise numbers on the size of the home growers market remain elusive, it is evident that the trend is on the rise.
As more states in the United States, Canada, and countries worldwide continue to legalize cannabis, the number of home growers is projected to grow steadily. Additionally, advancements in technology and increased accessibility to growing resources will contribute to the growth and success of home cultivation as a crucial segment of the cannabis industry.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on research and should not be considered as legal or professional advice. Cannabis laws and regulations are subject to change and may vary by jurisdiction.