Debate over the American election continued. Despite uncertainty, one thing was clear: cannabis was the hidden winner!
Voters decided on medical and recreational cannabis alongside the presidency. Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota voted decisively for recreational use, bringing the reported number of permitting states to 15.
Many economists predicted Arizona and New Jersey would become billion-dollar markets within a few years.
The New Jersey effect
Industry leaders and analysts hoped New Jersey would create a domino effect. Northeastern states, particularly New York and Pennsylvania, might legalize cannabis.
Bethany Gomez, managing director of cannabis research and analysis company Brightfield Group, said US medical and recreational sales would reach $19 billion that year and $24 billion by 2021.
