# Empowered Cannabis People of color carve their own spaces in the North American cannabis industry. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 12, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/empowered-cannabis ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Empowered Cannabis trend? **Empowered Cannabis:** The decriminalization and legalization of cannabis that continues across North America has not yet entirely resolved the exclusion and disproportionate penalties applied to people of color within this space. In reaction to this, people of color are creating their own brands and carving out their own spaces within the cannabis industry, empowering one another and supporting inclusion and education. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 2 to Oct 13, 2018 - Published: Oct 12, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Empowered Cannabis trend ### Empowering Cannabis-Centric platforms The rise of women-of-color collectives and other safe spaces within the cannabis industry reflect a trend towards empowering cannabis-centric platforms that highlight education and inclusion for all individuals. ### Inclusive Cannabis Lifestyle Brands Luxury cannabis lifestyle brands like Oracle Infused are tapping into the wellness and self-care trends by offering cannabidiol-infused products and experiences to provide natural pain relief and promote relaxation. ### Social Justice Cannabis Companies Companies like Cannaclusive and C.E. Hutton are leading the charge in promoting social justice within the cannabis industry by providing business development services and promoting inclusivity and diversity. ## What the Empowered Cannabis trend means for industry ### For Wellness and Self-Care Cannabis-infused products, from salves to tinctures, are creating new opportunities within the wellness and self-care industries. ### For Small Business and Entrepreneurship The legalization of cannabis is creating new opportunities within small business and entrepreneurship that are being exploited by minority and women-owned businesses. ### For Social Justice and Advocacy The rise of minority-focused companies and the push for inclusivity within the cannabis industry highlights the need for social justice and advocacy groups within this industry. ## Workshop question How could your brand prioritize inclusivity and empowerment? ## Trend signals for Empowered Cannabis Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 42%, activity 46%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 42% - Activity: 46% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Empowered Cannabis trend 5 featured examples from Oct 2 to Oct 13, 2018. - [Inclusive Cannabis Lifestyle Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannabis-lifestyle-brand): Oracle Infused Grants Access to Cannabinoid Personal Care (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate cannabis into luxury goods markets, offering high-quality and premium cannabis-infused products. - [Empowering Cannabis-Centric Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womenofcolor-collective): Women.Weed.Wifi is a Celebratory Women-of-Color Collective (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Innovative platforms and collectives that empower women in the cannabis industry and educate consumers about cannabis are disrupting the traditional cannabis market. - [Social Justice Cannabis Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannaclusive): Cannaclusive Works to Support POC in the Cannabis Industry (Category: Business) Implication: Cannabis companies can strive to be more socially conscious, inclusive, and engaging to better reach minority markets and support social justice initiatives. - [Educational Cannabis Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mary-and-main): Mary and Main Offers Classes to Break into the Marijuana Industry (Category: Business) Implication: Dispensaries can benefit from incorporating educational programs to attract and retain customers. - [Minority-Protecting Cannabis Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ce-hutton): C.E. Hutton Helps Out Minority Cannabis Company Owners (Category: Business) Implication: As the cannabis industry continues to expand, there is a growing need for companies that offer legal and business advice to cannabis startups and minority-led companies. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)