The cannabis industry is expanding rapidly worldwide, and is being pioneered by forward-thinking groups of entrepreneurs and activists. In North America alone, the industry is expected to grow from $9.2 billion in sales in 2017 to over $47 billion within ten years.
In the United States, cannabis is legal under state law for medical use in 30 states plus the District of Columbia, and for general adult recreational use in 9 states and the District of Columbia. But, at present, cannabis remains illegal under federal law. The tension, indeed the outright conflict, between state and federal law regarding marijuana creates both opportunities and risks for current and prospective operators and investors in the cannabis industry.
This issue of the Flash is dedicated to entrepreneurs who are pursuing this new niche sector. Watch Steve Hoffman, the Chairman of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and Goodwin partner and co-founder of Goodwin’s Cannabis practice, David Apfel share insights during a wide-ranging “fireside chat” about cannabis laws and the work of the Commission.
Also in this week’s Flash: