According to CS News, with the passing of the 2018 US Agricultural Act and the legalization of recreational marijuana in half of the country, marketers once believed that marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) products would become as commonplace in convenience stores as beer and tobacco. However, the lack of federal guidelines on CBD edibles, the federal illegality of marijuana, and unfavorable financial regulations have deterred major retailers and suppliers from entering these fields, leading to delays in the development of both industries.
According to a report by Brightfield Group titled "Struggling to Survive in the CBD Market in the United States," CBD sales have dropped from approximately $4.8 billion in 2021 to $4.2 billion today. Market researchers predict that by 2028, without regulation, CBD sales will only reach $5 billion; however, with regulation, sales could surpass $10 billion.
According to a report, cannabis market intelligence firm BDSA predicts that legal marijuana sales in the United States will increase from $29.6 billion in 2023 to $45 billion in 2027, accounting for 80% of global sales. Experts believe that if financial and other regulations are not as stringent, the growth could be even higher.
However, there are also some bright spots. While the biggest breakthroughs have been achieved by independent retailers, large convenience channel players like Jacksons Food Stores, Yesway, Sheetz Inc., and Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K have either partnered with or successfully introduced CBD products, mostly sourced from small suppliers.
According to Alex Morrison, Business Analysis Manager at Cadent Advisory Group, "What you mainly see are independent chain convenience stores selling CBD products. It is definitely more challenging for nationwide mainstream chains. I believe they are concerned about brand awareness, consumer trust, and regulatory issues. The development of cannabis pharmacy partnerships in Canada is far behind that of the United States, and this is due to regulatory environment factors.
In terms of standardization, although only a few major retailers are involved, the CBD industry has developed more maturely in the convenience channel. Sheetz, located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, has been offering CBD products at select locations since 2019, including e-cigarette pens, tinctures, CBD pills/capsules, topicals, and edibles. In the same year, Yesway also introduced CBD-infused water and has steadily expanded its product line.
In March of this year, Yesway announced plans to partner with Las Vegas distributor GPO Plus Inc. and their Distro+ division to create an in-store CBD business called Feel Good Shop+. Feel Good Shop+ will offer beverages, snacks, and e-cigarette products for free sale.
In conclusion, Alan Adato acknowledges that CBD businesses could potentially thrive further if not restricted by the standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which hinder growth and consumer acceptance.
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