Is Smokable Hemp the Next Trend?

Hemp Joints and Hemp Cigarettes are on the rise

Marketing experts are predicting that pre-rolls may be one of the fastest-growing segments of the CBD market this year, but will this trend be short term or long term?

Popularity began in Europe where smoking loose flower has been embraced by those seeking to smoke a low-THC alternative. Its rise in the U.S. is gaining popularity with retailers, smoke shops, natural food stores and even liquor stores.

Farmers are embracing this latest trend for dried hemp flower. Unlike CBD products it does not include the extraction process (removing the CBD from the hemp). By removing this process, farmers are viewing this latest trend as an easier, less expensive product opportunity. There is an abundance of flower available with every harvest and some farmers have been selling the flower separately for years. Another attraction is that regulations and testing that are required with tobacco and marijuana products are not required with smokable hemp.

By packaging and selling the flower as pre-rolls the consumer can now buy them as a ready to smoke pack. Retailers are embracing the trend as pre-rolls are an easy product to stock, display and sell. Availability is nationwide as smokable hemp is sold in states that don't allow medical marijuana or that have MMJ programs limited to CBD tinctures.

Currently there are no regulations around how smokable hemp should be produced or labeled, however most retailers are not selling them to minors under 18 years of age.

For smokers it's like getting the same psychological vibe of smoking a joint without the side effects of getting high. The same can be said about cigarette smokers who get the social benefit without the side effects of nicotine or harmful chemicals. Price seems to be the only hurdle as a pack of pre-rolls can range from $10 to $20. As supply meets demand the price should level out, but only time will tell and marketing experts only see this category as growing and gaining mainstream popularity.