The first quarter of the 21st century has seen a lot of change for the cannabis community. From the advent of legal, adult-use cannabis to THC-infused drinks entering bars and restaurants to the federal government attempting to change marijuana to a Schedule III substance, it’s been a busy 25 years. As 2026 begins, many predict further change in the space. But how will this impact the weed world of the future?
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We asked pot pros what they think cannabis will look like in 2050. From high-tech dosing to a return to our craft roots, here’s some of what they had to say.*
What will weed be like in 2050?
“By 2050, cannabis will be defined by innovation and effectiveness, not potency. One plant that gifts us many helpful types of molecules will support everything from medical treatment to social use, delivering fast-acting, low-dose, and highly controlled experiences designed for different needs and moments. As access expands and science leads the way, cannabis will reach its full potential as a platform of botanical molecules powering an infinite portfolio of helpful products.” – Kim Sanchez Rael, CEO and Co-founder of Azuca
“The biggest shift will be precision consumption. AI-driven dosing will personalize cannabinoid blends based on real-time biometrics, like stress levels, sleep cycles, cognitive demand, and inflammation markers. Instead of asking ‘What strain should I pick?’, smart systems will simply deliver the optimal micro- or macro-dose for that moment’s physiology. Technology and normalization go hand-in-hand.” – Ali Garawi, CEO + Co-Founder, Muha Meds
“My prediction: by 2050, craft and premium sungrown cannabis will be delivered the same way we buy food today. The relationships we build with farmers now will matter more than ever.” – Alexander Jackson, Consultant
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“I think by 2050, cannabis is going to look a lot more like alcohol. Most of the volume, distribution, and shelf space will be controlled by a small group of dominant players who figured out scale, compliance, and national logistics. But the craft side won’t die. [Craft operators] will thrive by leaning into story, quality, and culture—just like breweries and wineries do today. The mass market will be consolidated, but the edges will stay creative, expressive, and premium.” – Matt Schneider, Founder, Motley Terpz
“Cannabis will obviously be fully legalized with adults leaning on the plant in more ways than ever, with cannabinoids (like CBG and CBD) being standard ingredients in daily health.” – Brian Cusick, Founder and COO, COAST Cannabis Co.
“By 2050, the real breakthrough in cannabis is that people can cheaply map how their endocannabinoid system responds, turning consumption from guesswork into something predictable. That map becomes a practical profile: what doses work, which cannabinoid ratios land best, how fast someone metabolizes, what side effects show up, and what outcomes they want. – Drew Cesario, Chief Revenue Officer, Jaunty
“Mainstream acceptance will support growth in discreet, potent, and easy-to-use formats like vaping, while dedicated dispensaries largely fade as most consumers purchase cannabis through familiar retail channels like pharmacies and grocery stores. To support this demand while lowering both environmental and fiscal costs, cannabis cultivation will return to the outdoors like any other agricultural crop. At the same time, a niche connoisseur market will emerge, supported by specialty retailers and enthusiastic home growers. – Ryan Hunter, Chief Revenue Officer, Spherex
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“In 2025, cannabis will operate like any existing traditional industry that’s ingrained in our culture (fast food, alcohol, entertainment). Cannabis will be deeply woven into our daily lives both culturally and on the healthcare side. In other words, cannabis won’t be controversial; it will be normalized and a top-performing industry in the United States and hopefully worldwide. – Sasha Nutgent, VP of Cannabis Retail, Housing Works Cannabis Co
“My hope is we will laugh at memories of people being jailed for a plant or that industrial hemp ever was considered as dangerous as heroin.” – Erica Halverson, Founder of Tiny E Toilet Paper
“In 2050, a large percentage of cannabis consumers will have grown up under legalization, with broad options beyond just burning flower. I’d guess over 75 percent of the market will be edibles, drinkables, and other non-inhalation forms of consumption, sold at gas stations and other types of places people can buy beer.” – Aaron Ghitelman, Communications Consultant
So, what do you think the cannabis space of the future holds? Email us at editor@greenstate.com and let us know!
*Some quotes have been edited for clarity and/or length.
