A Look Back - How Cannabis Shaped 2024 and Beyond

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between in the cannabis world this past year. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but one thing’s for sure—2024 was full of pivotal moments for the cannabis industry. I wanted to take a moment to look back on some of the major highlights, the emotions they brought out, and how they influenced my year.

Disclaimer: The following is a personal reflection on key events in the cannabis industry throughout 2024. Opinions shared are based on personal experiences and observations.

1. Federal Legalization Bill Gains Traction

This year, the cannabis industry came closer than ever to federal legalization in the U.S. When the news broke that the legalization bill was being seriously debated in Congress, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. I was sitting in my apartment in New York, scrolling through the news, when I saw the headline. It felt surreal. The possibility of true federal legalization is something so many of us have been waiting for—there’s hope, but also the understanding that this battle is far from over. Watching the discussions evolve throughout the year made me realize how much closer we are, yet how fragile progress can be. It was a reminder to stay hopeful, but also stay involved.

2. Cannabis Tech Innovations

2024 was also a huge year for cannabis tech. We saw new devices, apps, and software designed to make both consumption and cultivation smarter and more efficient. One of my favorite moments was testing out a new AI-powered vaporizer—right there in my living room. I’ve always been a bit of a gadget guy, and this vaporizer, with its automatic temperature adjustments and strain-specific settings, felt like a glimpse into the future. It was like my love for tech and cannabis finally found the perfect intersection. It made me realize just how far we’ve come from those simpler days of rolling joints in the park.

3. Social Equity Programs Expanding

The push for social equity in the cannabis industry saw significant strides this year. More states and municipalities started rolling out initiatives to right the wrongs of past cannabis policies, and that was something that really hit home for me. I remember attending a community event in Brooklyn this summer where they discussed grants and training programs aimed at helping communities most impacted by prohibition get a fair start in the industry. Standing there, surrounded by people who’ve been fighting for equity for years, I felt a sense of pride. It’s far from perfect, but seeing tangible steps being taken reminded me of the importance of community action. This is our chance to make the cannabis space better, more inclusive, and more just.

4. European Market Growth

Another highlight was watching the European cannabis market start to flourish. Germany officially launched its adult-use market this year, and it sent ripples across the globe. I remember talking to a friend who’s based in Berlin—he was ecstatic about how the changes were reshaping perceptions of cannabis in Europe. It made me think about just how interconnected the cannabis movement is worldwide. Even here in New York, we feel the impact of these global shifts. It’s a reminder that the push for cannabis normalization is not just local or even national—it’s a global effort.

5. Celebrity Brands Going Beyond Hype

The celebrity cannabis brand trend continued, but what was interesting this year is how some of these brands started to focus more on quality and purpose rather than just slapping a famous name on the label. I remember being skeptical when a certain big-name celebrity announced their new line, but after trying it, I was genuinely impressed. It wasn’t just a gimmick—the product quality spoke for itself. Sitting in my apartment, enjoying a pre-roll from a well-known musician’s line, I found myself reconsidering my stance on celebrity brands. Maybe, just maybe, they’re starting to get it right.

6. Medical Cannabis Research Breakthroughs

Perhaps the most inspiring moments for me were the breakthroughs in medical cannabis research. We saw new studies this year that expanded our understanding of how cannabis can help with everything from chronic pain to PTSD. One particular study, showing the effectiveness of cannabis for veterans dealing with PTSD, struck a chord with me. I have friends who’ve served, and I’ve seen firsthand the toll PTSD can take. Reading about these new findings brought a sense of hope—it’s incredible to think that the plant we’ve fought so hard to destigmatize could genuinely change lives for the better.

Reflecting on 2024, it’s clear that it’s been a transformative year for the cannabis industry. There were moments of triumph, moments of hope, and a few moments of skepticism, too. But overall, I’m left with a sense of progress—however gradual it may be. The cannabis community continues to grow, innovate, and push boundaries, and I’m grateful to have witnessed it all firsthand. Here’s to more progress, more breakthroughs, and more community action as we move into 2025.