As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the country, major corporations are increasingly taking notice and investing in the industry. In April of 2023, a major beverage company announced a $100 million investment in a cannabis-infused drink startup, signaling the growing trend of large corporations entering the cannabis space.

In a more current assessment, recent research suggests that the public’s embrace of cannabis is steadily increasing, even as the illicit market maintains its presence. This study, conducted by New Frontier Data, a prominent cannabis consulting firm, involved surveys of nearly 4,400 cannabis consumers and 1,200 nonusers across the United States. The findings reveal a noteworthy surge in acceptance and consumption of cannabis over the past year.

Cannabis consumption is no longer limited to smoking or edibles. In recent years, the industry has seen the rise of cannabis-infused beverages as a new way for consumers to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. These drinks come in various forms such as sodas, teas, beers, and even wines. With their discreet nature and easy consumption, cannabis-infused beverages have become increasingly popular among cannabis consumers.

Can it find acceptance in Peoria? This quintessential American question examines the likelihood of a new trend, behavior, or occurrence gaining widespread approval. The term “Peoria” refers to the city in Illinois and embodies the notion that if a concept gains traction in the Midwest, it attains a mainstream status. When the wave of cannabis legalization emerged in 2012, it primarily took root in predictable locales – the coasts. Early victories for legalization in states like Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Maine were not unexpected, given their reputation for a blend of progressive and Libertarian-leaning politics. However, the real question lingered: When would this movement extend to the Heartland? The answer arrived in 2018, when Michigan became the first Midwestern state to endorse adult-use legalization. With progressive pockets such as Ann Arbor and the presence of an urban hub like Detroit, Michigan might have been perceived as an outlier. Subsequently, Illinois followed suit in 2020, and to the astonishment of many, Missouri in 2022. The latest addition to this Midwestern lineup is Minnesota, with its recent introduction of an adult-use cannabis initiative. Ohio aims to place a similar measure on the ballot in 2024. As for Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin? The prospect appears remote.