The U.S. cannabis market is booming – projected to reach nearly $45 billion by 2025 – as legalization spreads (adult-use is now legal in 24 states) and consumer demand evolves. Surveys show nearly half of Americans have tried cannabis, and usage is on the rise. Against this backdrop of growth, industry players are rapidly adopting new cultivation, extraction, packaging and business practices. Staying ahead of these trends is key to success, and Atom Enterprises offers cannabis businesses the equipment, packaging and expertise they need to capitalize on them.
Consumer & Product Trends
Consumer preferences continue to shift, fueling new product categories. Pre-rolls led growth in 2024: sales jumped 11.9% year-over-year (to over $4.1 billion). Infused joints now command a 43% market share in pre-rolls. Cannabis beverages are also surging – an 11% sales increase through mid-2024– and forecasts predict “cannabis cocktails” and teas could rival traditional drinks. Even in states without legal cannabis, hemp-derived THC beverages are booming. The so-called “hemp-beverage boom,” which began in Minnesota in 2023, has spread nationwide, attracting major brands like DoorDash’s partners and Tilray’s new delta-9 THC “Happy Flower” cocktails. These trends reflect broader wellness themes: data show 64% of consumers use cannabis to relax, 52% for pain relief, and interest is growing in sleep aids and functional edibles. Notably, 40% of cannabis consumers prefer CBD product forms, driving demand for oils, tinctures and gummies.
Figure: Pre-rolls and cannabis beverages lead product growth in 2024. Atom Enterprises supplies high-quality cartridges, disposables and packaging for these booming categories.
As the market diversifies, cannabis businesses must package and deliver these products correctly. Consumer trends toward health and wellness are creating new labeling and compliance challenges (e.g. accurate dosing, clear ingredient lists) – areas where Atom’s consulting helps clients meet evolving requirements.
Innovative Cultivation & Extraction Technologies
Technology is transforming how cannabis is grown and processed. In cultivation, advanced indoor farms and lighting systems are boosting yields and consistency. On the extraction side, new methods are dramatically improving efficiency and purity. Techniques like ultrasonic waves and microwave-assisted extraction use advanced energy sources to rupture plant cells and release cannabinoids faster. Chilling ethanol to cryogenic temperatures yields cleaner extracts by minimizing co-extracted compounds, while supercritical CO₂ machines pull high-purity oil without toxic residues. Labs also increasingly adopt AI-driven systems that automate parameter control, improving consistency and safety. Meanwhile, sustainability is gaining attention: researchers are experimenting with “green solvents” such as water or ionic liquids to replace hydrocarbons. These innovations allow producers to maximize output and quality while reducing waste.
Figure: Cutting-edge extraction techniques (e.g. ultrasonic and cryo-ethanol methods) are yielding purer, higher-potency extracts.
Atom Enterprises helps clients leverage these technologies. For instance, Atom offers supplies and support for modern extraction labs (from chillers and filters to solvent recovery units), enabling producers to adopt advanced methods safely and efficiently. By staying “future-forward,” Atom’s team advises on equipment selection and facility design so operators can scale production with the latest tech.
Packaging, Automation & Compliance
Packaging has become a major strategic concern. Nearly half of U.S. states now allow recreational cannabis, and almost 40 have medical programs, each with unique packaging rules (child-resistant features, labeling language, warning symbols, etc.). As a result, multi-state operators face a “packaging crisis”: one MSO executive notes that a single brand with 10 flavors may end up creating 120 different SKUs to meet state-specific requirements. This complexity drives up costs and waste. Sustainability concerns add pressure too – companies are seeking recyclable, child-safe designs to meet both regulations and consumer demand.
Atom Enterprises specializes in solving these challenges with custom OEM/ODM packaging. We work with clients to design compliant, eye-catching packaging that fits local rules. Whether it’s child-proof cannabis jars, label plates, or pre-roll tubes, Atom can accommodate low minimum orders and fast-turn production. We also assist with automation: our automated packaging equipment (e.g. filling machines, labelers and visual-inspection systems helps producers speed throughput without sacrificing accuracy.
Figure: State-to-state packaging rules vary widely. Atom Enterprises offers turnkey, scalable packaging solutions (from jars to dropper bottles) to ensure compliance and efficiency.
By combining packaging know-how with global logistics, Atom ensures brands can launch products in new markets smoothly. For example, when a company enters multiple states, Atom can coordinate design adjustments and shipments so the correct label and child-resistant closure arrive for each region. This flexibility lets businesses grow across jurisdictions without drowning in paperwork or stockpiling unusable inventory.
Regulatory & Business Landscape
The regulatory environment is in flux, with big implications for businesses. In May 2024 the DEA proposed rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, which (if enacted) would ease IRS tax burdens and open banking access. The 60-day comment period has closed, and industry groups await the final decision. Meanwhile, Congress is considering bills on issues like expungement of records and banking access. At the state level, most 2025 legislative sessions are active: while many states still push for adult-use legalization, others are even proposing rollbacks. Companies must track these shifts closely to plan expansion or adapt product lines.
Economic forces are also reshaping the industry. Capital has tightened, leading to slower M&A activity. U.S. cannabis M&A deals dropped to about $1.17 billion in 2024, down one-third from 2023. Experts note this reflects cash-conservation (many planned deals have been canceled). The era of aggressive land-grabbing – where companies raced to enter dozens of states – is giving way to strategic consolidation. Leading operators now focus on core markets and vertical integration (owning cultivation, processing and retail in key regions) to drive profitability. In this environment, success belongs to businesses that operate efficiently and compliantly.
Atom Enterprises’ decade of experience helps clients navigate this landscape. We provide consulting on packaging regulations and supply chain strategies so businesses can launch products quickly in new states. Our Shenzhen-based manufacturing and logistics expertise ensures reliable supply to U.S. partners even amid shifting trade conditions. And as the industry standardizes, Atom stays on top of compliance best practices, guiding clients in labeling, testing and quality control to meet all local rules.
Atom Enterprises: Your Cannabis Partner
In summary, the U.S. cannabis industry in 2025 is characterized by rapid innovation and evolving regulations. New product categories (from pre-rolls to hemp beverages) and technologies (automated cultivation, green extraction methods) offer growth opportunities – but also require adaptability. Atom Enterprises equips businesses to seize these opportunities. Whether you need custom vape cartridges and disposables, state-compliant packaging, or supply-chain support, Atom delivers scalable, future-ready solutions. Our global manufacturing network means we can tailor products (from jar sizes to branding) for each client’s niche. And our on-the-ground knowledge of cannabis markets helps companies avoid pitfalls and move quickly.
The cannabis market’s future is bright, and success will favor those who innovate and adapt. With Atom Enterprises as a partner, cannabis companies can confidently embrace the latest trends and regulations – and grow their business to full potential.
