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As consumers continue to insist on more healthy options in choices in their lives, the global health drinks market is projected to see consistent, continued growth, with a CAGR of 7.88% during the next five years. That growth will come from all sectors, including convenience store sales, e-commerce orders and the hospitality sector, which is recovering from COVID-19 slowdowns. Bottled water continues to be America’s favorite drink, outselling soda for the first time in 2016 and continuing that feat every year since. Leading the healthy beverage charge are companies, such as The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) (Profile), that are eager to innovate as they meet consumers calls for both taste and quality. In the most recent of a string of innovations that have earned WTER the title of largest independent alkaline company in the country, The Alkaline Water Company launched a brand new line of six natural functional waters. Earlier this year, Shaquille O’Neal, NBA Hall of Famer and Papa John’s International (NASDAQ: PZZA) board member, endorsed the company and was named an advisory board member. Other companies looking to innovate and grow in the space include Celsius Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH), Nestle SA ADR (OTC: NSRGY) and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ: KDP).

As consumers continue to insist on more healthy options in choices in their lives, the global health drinks market is projected to see consistent, continued growth, with a CAGR of 7.88% during the next five years. That growth will come from all sectors, including convenience store sales, e-commerce orders and the hospitality sector, which is recovering from COVID-19 slowdowns. Bottled water continues to be America’s favorite drink, outselling soda for the first time in 2016 and continuing that feat every year since. Leading the healthy beverage charge are companies, such as The Alkaline Water Company Inc. (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER) (Profile), that are eager to innovate as they meet consumers calls for both taste and quality. In the most recent of a string of innovations that have earned WTER the title of largest independent alkaline company in the country, The Alkaline Water Company launched a brand new line of six natural functional waters. Earlier this year, Shaquille O’Neal, NBA Hall of Famer and Papa John’s International (NASDAQ: PZZA) board member, endorsed the company and was named an advisory board member. Other companies looking to innovate and grow in the space include Celsius Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH), Nestle SA ADR (OTC: NSRGY) and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ: KDP).

As part of the reopening economy, investors should be monitoring several trends in the healthcare space, including several that fall in the “natural wellness” or “natural alternatives” categories.  The COVID-19 pandemic shone a bright light on lifestyle and self-care as people were encouraged, and often mandated, to stay at home. The trend further points to the next phase of cannabis market maturation, dubbed cannabis 3.0, against the backdrop of legislators discussing the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act that would create a national market for marijuana. Looking to address this opportunity, BevCanna Enterprises Inc. (CSE: BEV) (OTCQB: BVNNF) (FSE: 7BC) (Profile) has been expanding and diversifying its business in 2021 from its core business as a high-capacity cannabis beverage company into a diversified health and wellness company through a number of accretive acquisitions. BevCanna is emerging as a leader among a group of companies, including the Valens Company (TSX: VLNS) (OTCQX: VLNCF), Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: NEPT), NewAge Inc. (NASDAQ: NBEV) and AYR Wellness Inc. (CSE: AYR.A) (OTCQX: AYRWF), that are innovating and taking aggressive approaches to capitalize on the growing cannabis consumer trend moving toward a more wholistic wellness lifestyle business.

As part of the reopening economy, investors should be monitoring several trends in the healthcare space, including several that fall in the “natural wellness” or “natural alternatives” categories.  The COVID-19 pandemic shone a bright light on lifestyle and self-care as people were encouraged, and often mandated, to stay at home. The trend further points to the next phase of cannabis market maturation, dubbed cannabis 3.0, against the backdrop of legislators discussing the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act that would create a national market for marijuana. Looking to address this opportunity, BevCanna Enterprises Inc. (CSE: BEV) (OTCQB: BVNNF) (FSE: 7BC) (Profile) has been expanding and diversifying its business in 2021 from its core business as a high-capacity cannabis beverage company into a diversified health and wellness company through a number of accretive acquisitions. BevCanna is emerging as a leader among a group of companies, including the Valens Company (TSX: VLNS) (OTCQX: VLNCF), Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: NEPT), NewAge Inc. (NASDAQ: NBEV) and AYR Wellness Inc. (CSE: AYR.A) (OTCQX: AYRWF), that are innovating and taking aggressive approaches to capitalize on the growing cannabis consumer trend moving toward a more wholistic wellness lifestyle business.

When Democrats took control of Capitol Hill during the elections in November 2020, there was growing optimism that federal legalization of cannabis was in the cards for Americans. Nine months into the new administration, progress has been slow in the United States. Latin American (“LATAM”) countries, on the other hand, have moved forward with new laws ending cannabis prohibition and supporting the industry, moves to generate government revenue, cut into illicit sales and bring novel therapeutic options to people in need. Colombia, Mexico and Panama are emerging as global pioneers promoting responsible cannabis commerce, which bodes well for Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: FLGC) (Profile), a company with robust operations in Colombia. These countries are following the example set forth by Canada, which has given rise to some of the legal cannabis’ juggernauts, such as Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC), Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) and Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as other companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) lend additional support to the growing market.

When Democrats took control of Capitol Hill during the elections in November 2020, there was growing optimism that federal legalization of cannabis was in the cards for Americans. Nine months into the new administration, progress has been slow in the United States. Latin American (“LATAM”) countries, on the other hand, have moved forward with new laws ending cannabis prohibition and supporting the industry, moves to generate government revenue, cut into illicit sales and bring novel therapeutic options to people in need. Colombia, Mexico and Panama are emerging as global pioneers promoting responsible cannabis commerce, which bodes well for Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: FLGC) (Profile), a company with robust operations in Colombia. These countries are following the example set forth by Canada, which has given rise to some of the legal cannabis’ juggernauts, such as Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC), Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) and Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), as other companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) lend additional support to the growing market.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is rampant in America. An estimated 45% of adults in the United States, or 108 million people, have hypertension, yet only about one out of every four have their condition under control. That’s a big problem considering hypertension increases risks for heart disease and stroke, which are, respectively, the no. 1 and no. 5 leading causes of death in the nation each year. To that point, the CDC names hypertension as a primary or contributing cause in nearly half a million deaths annually in the U.S. Hypertension treatment options vary tremendously from meditation to conventional drugs, with what looks to be a promising new innovation on the horizon from Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) (Profile). Lexaria is proving that its proprietary DehydraTECH(TM) technology repeatedly delivers strong therapeutic responses, without the side effects of today’s drugs. Lexaria is looking to throw its hat into the ring with majors in the market today that are making billions of dollars by treating high blood pressure and other leading causes of death, including Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Merck & Company Inc. (NYSE: MRK), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) and Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA).

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is rampant in America. An estimated 45% of adults in the United States, or 108 million people, have hypertension, yet only about one out of every four have their condition under control. That’s a big problem considering hypertension increases risks for heart disease and stroke, which are, respectively, the no. 1 and no. 5 leading causes of death in the nation each year. To that point, the CDC names hypertension as a primary or contributing cause in nearly half a million deaths annually in the U.S. Hypertension treatment options vary tremendously from meditation to conventional drugs, with what looks to be a promising new innovation on the horizon from Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) (Profile). Lexaria is proving that its proprietary DehydraTECH(TM) technology repeatedly delivers strong therapeutic responses, without the side effects of today’s drugs. Lexaria is looking to throw its hat into the ring with majors in the market today that are making billions of dollars by treating high blood pressure and other leading causes of death, including Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Merck & Company Inc. (NYSE: MRK), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) and Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA).

As the cannabis industry matures and is again heating up — a recent eye-popping report by Data Bridge Market Research projects that the global legal marijuana market will explode to more than $90 billion by 2027. Companies operating in the sector are looking to capitalize on opportunities the multibillion-dollar space offers. Recognizing the often submarginal quality of available product as well as high cost of development and land acquisition, Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) utilizes state-of-the-art genetics to ensure premium-quality products. Using science and key strategic partnerships, Pac Roots intends to eliminate the quality and cost barriers to success and carve what could be profitable niche in a booming market. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) continues expansion of its Canadian operations while Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) has officially entered the Israeli medical cannabis market with the sale of its dried flower products. Aphria Inc. (NASDAQ: APHA) has also entered the Israeli market with its recently announced supply agreement with Canndoc, and Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) has launched Trailblazer Snax, the largest cannabis-infused chocolate bar in Canada.

As the cannabis industry matures and is again heating up — a recent eye-popping report by Data Bridge Market Research projects that the global legal marijuana market will explode to more than $90 billion by 2027. Companies operating in the sector are looking to capitalize on opportunities the multibillion-dollar space offers. Recognizing the often submarginal quality of available product as well as high cost of development and land acquisition, Pac Roots Cannabis Corp. (CSE: PACR) utilizes state-of-the-art genetics to ensure premium-quality products. Using science and key strategic partnerships, Pac Roots intends to eliminate the quality and cost barriers to success and carve what could be profitable niche in a booming market. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) continues expansion of its Canadian operations while Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) has officially entered the Israeli medical cannabis market with the sale of its dried flower products. Aphria Inc. (NASDAQ: APHA) has also entered the Israeli market with its recently announced supply agreement with Canndoc, and Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) has launched Trailblazer Snax, the largest cannabis-infused chocolate bar in Canada.

COVID-19 has devastated most businesses but created a surge in cannabis sales—a trend that’s likely to continue.

Strange bedfellows, COVID-19 and cannabis. As the pandemic wreaked havoc on the U.S. and global economies, cannabis sales rocketed higher across multiple markets in North America. California cannabis sales soared nearly 160% compared to the same day in March 2019, while sales in Washington rocketed 100% and Colorado saw a 46% increase on the same day. This surge doesn’t appear to be a flash in the pan either. An emerging leader in the U.S. cannabis marketplace, Cannabis Strategic Ventures (OTCQB: NUGS) (NUGS Profile), is now on pace for over $2.7 million in quarterly sales and approximately $11 million in annualized sales, based on its strong performance in April and May. Simultaneously, the company increased its harvest size by as much as 2.5x and is now selling product at an 11% premium to industry standard. Like any industry, the real winners in the cannabis markets are tied to sales and earnings growth. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) has continued to release new products for a variety of markets while attracting significant investment from the beverage sector. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) has continued to work on expanding its international reach. With a similar focus on growth, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) has acquired another company to expand its reach from Canada into markets in the United States. Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI), whose business was initially disrupted by COVID-19, has begun a phased return to work and almost immediately announced the release of new products, making the most of continuing consumer demand.

COVID-19 has devastated most businesses but created a surge in cannabis sales—a trend that’s likely to continue.

Strange bedfellows, COVID-19 and cannabis. As the pandemic wreaked havoc on the U.S. and global economies, cannabis sales rocketed higher across multiple markets in North America. California cannabis sales soared nearly 160% compared to the same day in March 2019, while sales in Washington rocketed 100% and Colorado saw a 46% increase on the same day. This surge doesn’t appear to be a flash in the pan either. An emerging leader in the U.S. cannabis marketplace, Cannabis Strategic Ventures (OTCQB: NUGS) (NUGS Profile), is now on pace for over $2.7 million in quarterly sales and approximately $11 million in annualized sales, based on its strong performance in April and May. Simultaneously, the company increased its harvest size by as much as 2.5x and is now selling product at an 11% premium to industry standard. Like any industry, the real winners in the cannabis markets are tied to sales and earnings growth. Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) has continued to release new products for a variety of markets while attracting significant investment from the beverage sector. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) has continued to work on expanding its international reach. With a similar focus on growth, Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: ACB) has acquired another company to expand its reach from Canada into markets in the United States. Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI), whose business was initially disrupted by COVID-19, has begun a phased return to work and almost immediately announced the release of new products, making the most of continuing consumer demand.

Cannabis Strategic Ventures (OTCQB: NUGS) is among the growing number of California cannabis companies boasting multiple cultivation, manufacturing and distribution licenses. Its wholly owned and operated flagship farm, NUGS FARM, recently completed its first harvest. Like Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Acreage Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: ACRGF) is invested up and down the supply chain, with new brands targeting markets in California and elsewhere. Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) recently announced expansion in Pennsylvania, catering to the state’s 180,000 registered cannabis users. Halo Labs Inc. (OTCQX: AGEEF) provides vital support services to the California market, using cutting-edge technology to extract active ingredients from cannabis. Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF) has financed a fresh wave of expansion through a sale-and-leaseback agreement on its existing cultivation properties.

A desire to move away from smoking may be fueling growth in the edible cannabis products.

Sproutly Canada Inc. (CSE: SPR) (OTCQB: SRUTF) (FSE: 38G) is developing new technology to manufacture cannabis edibles and to accurately measure their active ingredients. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) (LXRP Profile) has created a bold new technology to make cannabis’ active ingredients more palatable and absorbable. BevCanna Enterprises Inc. (CSE: BEV) (OTC: BVNNF) is producing white-label products, giving other brands access to the market. HEXO Corp. (TSX: HEXO) (NYSE: HEXO) is meeting its regulatory needs by acquiring other licensed cannabis producers and processors. Valens GroWorks Corp. (TSX.V: VGW) (OTCQX: VGWCF) has created a large and growing extraction and testing facility.

Hemp may be taking the first steps to overtake tobacco as a leading industry in Kentucky.

Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) is among the companies moving into Kentucky, with a million-dollar investment in hemp growth. Hemp’s national prominence is growing through deals such as Aurora Cannabis Inc.’s (TSX: ACB) (NYSE: ACB) collaboration with United Fighting Championship (UFC). Research work by Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) may involve using hemp to treat a growing range of physical and mental ailments. Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: CURLF) (CSE: CURA) is serving states without a strong, homegrown hemp industry, such as Florida. In addition, companies across the cannabis sector, such as Cronos Group Inc. (TSX: CRON) (NASDAQ: CRON), are diversifying their product ranges as more hemp crops come online.

With a powerhouse economy worth more than $3 trillion, California’s economy ranks as the fifth largest in the world. Current legislation is expected to pave the way for the state’s hemp market to explode.

With a series of smart acquisitions and brand expansions, Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) appears to be a strong pick-and-shovel presence as California looks at passing hemp-friendly legislation. Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) just announced a new hemp-based acquisition, while Greenlane Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: GNLN) and The Green Organic Dutchman (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) (TGOD Profile) have both inked deals that strengthen their presence in the hemp industry as well. KushCo Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: KSHB), another industry supplier, just created a new sales division aimed at mass distribution, industry education and compliance, and building CBD-brand distribution networks.

While the huge increase in U.S. consumer demand from hemp extracts and hemp product is largely credited as the reason for the boom in the number of hemp acres under cultivation, there is a significant additional part of the hemp-growth story to tell.

With a pending acquisition in the cultivation supply market, Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) appears to be well poised to become a strong pick-and-shovel provider to the hemp industry. Even the large cultivators and suppliers are now getting in the hemp market. One of the first companies of the larger players to make the move into hemp cultivation was Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON), which just a few days ago announced that it would invest $300 million to enter the hemp market. Not to be outdone in the hemp gold rush, Greenlane Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: GNLN), which began trading on the NASDAQ, and The Green Organic Dutchman (TSX: TGOD) (OTCQX: TGODF) (TGOD Profile) have both entered the fray. KushCo Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: KSHB), another industry supplier, is also seeming to benefit for the strong growth in the hemp marketplace.

The surging hemp industry means exciting benefits for Kentucky. Hemp is big business in Kentucky. Among the companies working in the state is Sugarmade Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD), a supplier of hydroponic equipment that is now moving into hemp through an investment in Hempistry. In New York, a leading politician has been in contact with Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) to ensure the survival of a hemp project threatened by executive upheaval. Tilray Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) is looking even further than North America for growth. Cronos Group Inc. (TSX: CRON) (NASDAQ: CRON) is focusing on innovation in the sector. New Age Beverages Corporation (NASDAQ: NBEV) has been expanding its distribution and marketing power to reach into an ever-growing hemp market.

In between growers and sellers lie several potential places for companies with expertise to firmly establish themselves in the burgeoning cannabis space.

Savvy companies such as Youngevity International Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI) recognize the potential payoff of being involved in the back end of the cannabis industry. The company’s wholly owned subsidiary Khrysos Industries Inc. just signed a five-year contract to purchase hemp plant biomass for extraction, end-to-end processing and production of hemp-derived products. Indiva Limited (TSX.V: NDVA) (OTCQX: NDVAF) has successfully received an amended license from Health Canada for three additional grow rooms and three additional processing rooms. Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. (TSX: NEPT) (NASDAQ: NEPT) recently announced that its wholly owned subsidiary received a notification letter from Health Canada indicating that all requested license amendments have been approved. Other cannabis companies are making strategic moves in the industry as well. CannaRoyalty Corporation (CSE: OH) (OTCQX: ORHOF) has obtained final approval to move forward with its plan of arrangement with Cresco Labs, which will result in the largest-ever public company acquisition in the U.S. cannabis sector. And KushCo Holdings Inc. (OTCQX: KSHB) has partnered with C.A. Fortune, a leading full-service national consumer products sales and marketing agency, with the intent to grant viable CBD companies access to large-scale, conventional retail channels.

Mainstream retailers across the United States are embracing the growing popularity of the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), making room for CBD products on their prominent shelves.

With the rise of these cannabis beauty products, major stores from luxury retailers Barney’s and Neiman Marcus down to Walgreens, Rite Aid and now Kroger are stocking products from a range of CBD SKU producers, including Green Growth Brands (CSE: GGB) (OTCQB: GGBXF), Charlotte’s Web Holdings (TSX: CWEB) (OTCQX: CWBHF), CannTrust Holdings Inc. (TSX: TRST) (NYSE: CTST), Organigram Holdings Inc. (TSX.V: OGI) (NASDAQ: OGI) (OGI Profile) and HEXO Corp. (TSX: HEXO) (NYSE American: HEXO).