As more states legalize medical marijuana, the U.S. cannabis industry has grown over 200 percent in the past five years, topping $7.3 billion according to the Here to Stay or Up in Smoke: A Look at the U.S. Cannabis Market white paper and accompanying infographic.

Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the research notes marijuana is legalized at some level in 30 states and is pending further legalization in 14 others. This growth, along with an influx of business startups, has helped legitimize marijuana use in the eyes of many.

By the year 2020, the cannabis industry is expected to reach $24.5 billion, with $11.2 billion for recreational products and $13.3 billion for medical products. While 95 percent of customers preferred cannabis flowers in 2016, by 2018 only 55 percent of customers prefer cannabis flowers, instead favoring concentrated, processed cannabis formats.

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The inconsistent legal status between state and federal laws is an obvious challenge facing cannabis manufacturers. Other challenges include:

• Separate RFID tags for the plant and packaged product
• The resistance of financial institutions to work with cannabis companies
• Strict FDA regulations

Packaging for cannabis products is highly regulated with requirements for child resistant and resealable lids, tamper evidence and opacity. Formats also vary for the different forms of cannabis, with cannabis flower in glass jars and tubes, concentrates in heatproof, borosilicate, glass or polystyrene containers and edibles in resealable smell proof bags.

Cannabis manufacturers are actively looking for equipment and technology to aid them in implementing new processes, particularly automation. Many opportunities exist to form strong and lasting relationships with these manufacturers – especially for OEMs offering technical guidance who are willing to take on a bit of risk.

For a deep-dive into these findings, download the white paper and infographic online.

Packaging industry professionals can find the latest solutions at PACK EXPO International and co-located Healthcare Packaging EXPO (Oct. 14–17, 2018; McCormick Place, Chicago). To register and learn more, visit packexpointernational.com.

About PMMI

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 800 North American manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Healthcare Packaging EXPO, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK México, EXPO PACK Guadalajara and ProFood Tech. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging, ProFood World and OEM Magazine. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market and industry trends to support members' growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at pmmi.org and packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.