With the cannabis market continuing to grow across the country, health officials are predicting that psychedelics will be next. Most states approve recreational and medical use by 2033. Since the cannabis rollout, advocates say there is still a need to improve the infrastructure. But while new stores and dispensaries continue to open, the interest in introducing psychedelics is also expanding.

Melany Dobson, co-founder of Hudson Cannabis, is impressed with how well retailers are handling the expansion.

“The whole market dynamic has shifted immensely. It’s a whole new market to be a part of. And these vendors have done an incredible job adapting.”

Over 200 licensed stores operate across the state, a 236% increase from last year. With the fast growth, many advocates hope the industry isn’t losing focus on why cannabis was legalized in the first place.

“As leaders, as pioneers in legalization,” Dobson said. “It is our duty to continue to remember why we are here in the first place. And create products that suit the needs of people looking for alternative health and wellness.”

Dobson said the public needs to learn more about how cannabis can help treat anxiety, inflammation, and cancer patients.

“My hope is that we continue to innovate products while remembering what is so important about cannabis. Which it is a very medicinal plant for a lot of people,” she said.

However, advocates like Damien Cornwell, Board Member Operator of the Cannabis Association of New York (CANY), are concerned there is more of a focus on recreational use just because of the financial benefits.

“People get so punch drunk at the idea of making money, getting rich, and flipping money… Then that becomes the goal instead of creating an infrastructure that works well,” he said. “Regardless of who’s lobbying, who is spending money, or who’s putting in money in political caucuses. How are we going to set up a system that is going to work today, tomorrow, next month, next year, for the next several decades without issue?”

Now, after the cannabis rollout, many eyes are looking at introducing psychedelics to the market. Colorado and Oregon are among the few states that have legalized adult use. It is no surprise for many that Question 4 was introduced to voters in Massachusetts. 

The ballot would have authorized psychedelic therapy centers where clients could purchase the drugs with a 15% state tax and use them with supervision. But the ballot was voted down.

James Davis from Baystaters for Natural Medicine says he was not surprised about the outcome.

“We just need more education on the benefits and risks of psychedelics,” he said. “And trying to cram this into a vote with a 30-page bill was not a wise political strategy.”

Not wise, because Davis says more questions were being asked about how local towns, municipalities, and healthcare providers would play a role.

“We need to stop putting profit over education,” he said. “We need to put healthcare over these corporate interests. And in so many cases, the legislature and these state agencies are answering to multi-state cannabis companies other than the people that live here.”

A psychedelics bill was introduced earlier this year in New York. If passed, it would allow the State Department of Health to regulate, license cultivators, and provide permits to adults.

But cannabis advocates say the cannabis infrastructure needs to be improved first before introducing psychedelics to the state.

“Making sure that the money is flowing, that there’s accountability, that we have regulated stores, that we’re paying out taxes, that we’re helping our communities, and then let’s talk about what we can add to it,” Damien Cornwell said.

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) officials have reported that they have been expanding medical cannabis since 2016.

According to reports, 40% of active medical users report difficulties accessing medication. Now, OCM officials say they are working to expand medical cannabis to improve accessibility.