Cannabinoid Expression and the Future of the Cannabis Industry

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Everyone who works in the cannabis industry knows how important the entourage effect is with every cannabinoid and terpene playing a role in the therapeutic effects the plant can deliver to patients. The rest of the world is still learning this, and limited scientific studies have been conducted to back up what the industry already knows with real data.

However, the cannabis industry is evolving, and rescheduling will open doors for more research. The result will be wider spread understanding of the minor cannabinoids that make the cannabis plant so special.

Minor Cannabinoids Market Size and Trends

According to a report from Grand View Research, the U.S. minor cannabinoids market size was $11.5 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.0% from 2024 to 2030. THCV held the largest market share by revenue in 2023 (25%) while CBGA is expected to have the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030.

With that data in mind, it’s important to point out that today, much of the revenue has come from hemp-derived THCV and other inorganic minor cannabinoids. But sales could soon look quite different.

Already, some states have cracked down on hemp-derived cannabinoids, and with the potential for changes coming to the Farm Bill to curtail synthetic cannabinoids, disruption could be on the horizon. However, the increasing demand for minor cannabinoids will not stop regardless of what happens with the Farm Bill.

The small number of studies conducted on the efficacy of minor cannabinoids combined with customers’ real-world experiences have created a large and growing market. Some of the effects of cannabinoids discovered in published scientific studies that consumers are looking for from products include:

  • CBC: Antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-tumor capabilities

  • CBE: Anti-inflammatory

  • CBG: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-nausea

  • CBM: Anti-inflammatory

  • CBN: Sedative, sleep aid

  • THCV: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, appetite suppressant

Of course, this list doesn’t scratch the surface. Most of the 100+ cannabinoids have barely been studied, and there is another piece of the picture to consider – terpenes, which have their own lists of therapeutic benefits.

Current State of the Cannabinoids Market

Many of the minor cannabinoids that customers want are provided in synthetic form today. That’s partially due to the fact that some cannabinoids are only naturally available in small quantities in the cannabis plant. They can also be expensive to extract.

However, some cultivators are already breeding with the intent to increase specific cannabinoids and combinations of cannabinoids. These forward-thinking growers are poised to gain sizeable market share in the future.

For example, THCV is hard to come by naturally. That’s why organic THCV sells for about $90 per liter today. Growers who are already breeding strains to increase THCV will soon be able to capitalize on growing demand and the increased regulatory scrutiny on hemp-derived THCV.

Future Opportunities for Cannabis Cultivators

The key to seize the opportunities related to minor cannabinoids is to take steps today that will set your grow operation up for success tomorrow. A crucial first step is to make sure you’re giving your plants the right start.

Plants express cannabinoids best in living soil, which means bio365’s 100% clean, living growing media is the best choice to reach your goals. Data proves it! For example, Holistic Industries increased total cannabinoids by 35% after switching from Rockwool to bio365 growing media.

Contact us to start a trial or talk to a soil expert.

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