Cannabis products have made a major splash in the last decade. Year after year, this industry has experienced major growth. As the laws become more palatable for growers, a new wave of farmers is starting to offer Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa to the consumers.
In 2022, we can expect several major shifts within the industry. “Increased investment in research and development will bring major benefits to both users and manufacturers” is something that www.Kolas.com, a cannabis manufacturer from Sacramento, believes in.
Among others, there is an increased emphasis on environmental protection. In this article, I will discuss the 5 cannabis industry trends we can expect in 2022.
Table of Contents
1. Crop steering
Last year, an enormous number of growers embraced the crop steering methodology. With the proper technology, farmers can analyze the soil and the quality of crops. Among others, they can utilize crop steering to measure humidity, WC, EC, and CO2 levels.
Not only are the companies more inclined to invest in crop steering, but they are also looking for customized solutions that would provide optimal results for their own crops.
Besides the fact we have better options technology-wise, we also have better access to information. Nowadays, you can find all sorts of guides online that can guide you throughout the process. Even if you have limited knowledge regarding the procedure, you can easily pick up the basics by checking some reputable blogs.
2. Water utilization
Most people don’t even realize how much work cannabis growing involves. Aside from the labor and related costs, the growers also have to consider water, electricity, and nutrient consumption.
Water consumption is especially troublesome. Like with any other type of crop, cannabis plants require an enormous amount of water. So much so that both state authorities and manufacturers are proactively looking for ways to reduce its usage.
The issue was especially noticeable last year during massive California draughts. According to data from 2021, most growers utilize 121 gallons of water per square foot of cannabis crops. These figures are on an annual basis. The water consumption is even worse for indoor growers who require 209 gallons per square foot.
Of course, these figures tend to vary based on several factors. The biggest one is the number of the annual harvest. Be it as it may, growers are looking to implement technologies that would reduce their costs in the long run while reducing their environmental impact through lower water consumption.
3. Cannabis studies
One of the biggest issues with cannabis products, and especially medical items, is that we don’t have enough data. There is a lot of speculation as to how these products might interact with our bodies, but we still lack precise data regarding their ability to bind to receptors and what kind of long-term effects they might have.
The importance of research cannot be overstated. We need to know how exactly these plants work so that the growers and other market participants can gain more legitimacy. This would also make it easier to legalize cannabis in certain states that are traditionally against it. However, the data might also cause a ripple effect on the global market, making it easier to legalize cannabis in other countries.
4. Growing efficiency
In order for the US growers to stay on the top, they are constantly putting emphasis on efficiency. The need for efficiency has increased with the price drops. Nowadays, there are so many cannabis growers in the US that the prices are constantly dropping due to excess supply. Outdoor growers took the brunt of it as their flower prices dropped by approximately 60% in certain states. Although this trend is less noticeable among indoor growers (a 15% average drop in prices), it still exists nonetheless.
Having this in mind, it makes sense that the growers are looking to reduce the amount of nutrients they use, as well as water and electricity costs. These initial hurdles are not only troublesome for the existing cultivators but present a unique challenge for people who would like to participate in the market.
5. New markets
Exploring new market opportunities is a good way to reduce the impact of high production costs. Besides offering new types of products, the US companies are looking outward to sell their flower and pre-rolls.
Selling cannabis internationally is a tricky business at this point. The industry is still being regulated in the US, and it becomes even worse when you consider that many countries have an even worse legal basis. So, while the promises of new markets sound alluring, it isn’t clear whether we will be able to reach them in 2022.
Read also: What Do You Need To Start Growing Cannabis Indoors