Where to find cannabis industry data online

As the cannabis industry matures, access to reliable data is more important than ever.

Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, researcher or policymaker, understanding the dynamics of this fast-moving sector requires high-quality, up-to-date information.

Fortunately, several reputable sources offer marijuana industry data online, covering everything from market size and consumer behavior to retail sales, licensing and regulations.

Here’s a guide to some of the best places to find cannabis industry data on the web:

State regulatory agencies

Because marijuana is regulated at the local level in the United States, the most detailed operational data – including sales, licensing, cultivation and taxation – often comes from individual state agencies.

That said, cannabis data varies significantly from state to state because of differences in regulatory frameworks and reporting standards.

Some states provide detailed, regularly updated datasets often through interactive dashboards or downloadable reports.

Others might release data less frequently or offer limited transparency, providing only basic figures in PDF formats or news releases.

The terminology, categorization and metrics tracked also differ widely.

Such inconsistencies can make it challenging to compare data across states or build a unified national picture without extensive normalization and context.

Some examples of state cannabis data sources:

California

The state’s Department of Cannabis Control has really upped its game recently, providing convenient data dashboards that display licensing, harvest and sales data. The only downside is that the data is not real time and can often be behind by several months.

New Mexico

This market’s Regulation & Licensing Department provides the Cannabis Reporting Online Portal (CROP), a collection of marijuana harvest, sales and licensing dashboards. The state is also one of the few markets that provides store-level data.

Michigan

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency provides regular market information in downloadable online reports. The robust reports provide a monthly look at sales, plants, transfers, applications and more.

Market-research firms

Several firms specialize in cannabis-specific market research and provide detailed reports, forecasts and consumer insights.

Marijuana market research offers several key advantages, particularly in helping businesses, investors and policymakers make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving industry.

It provides insights into consumer preferences, product trends, competitive landscapes and emerging opportunities, which are critical for strategy development and risk management.

However, access can be expensive, limiting access for smaller businesses or independent researchers.

Some market-research companies that MJBizDaily partners with:

Headset

Seattle-based Headset provides real-time insights into retail sales, product trends and consumer behavior through point-of-sale integrations and market intelligence tools.

Brightfield Group

The Brightfield Group focuses on CBD and marijuana markets, providing data on brand performance, consumer habits and emerging trends. The Chicago firm’s research is often cited in media and investor briefings.

Cannabiz Media

Cannabiz Media, based in Guilford, Connecticut, offers a comprehensive suite of tools for business development, compliance and market analysis. Users can leverage this platform for lead generation, financial analysis and compliance management, supported by features such as built-in customer relationship management, email marketing tools and real-time license tracking.

CRB Monitor

Nashville, Tennessee-based CRB Monitor offers a comprehensive database of cannabis-related businesses (CRBs), including detailed information on licensing, beneficial ownership and securities data. It empowers financial institutions and capital providers to understand, identify and manage marijuana-related risks and opportunities.

Finance and investment tools

If you’re tracking the financial side of cannabis, several platforms specialize in investment intelligence:

Viridian Capital Advisors

New York-headquartered Viridian Capital Advisors monitors M&A activity and capital raises across the industry though its Cannabis Deal Tracker.

Yahoo Finance

Yahoo Finance, also based in New York, provides access to earnings data, historical prices and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Company stock ticker symbols are used to access the information.

International market sources

For global insights, look to:

Prohibition Partners

Prohibition Partners, based in London, is the leading source for markets in Europe, Latin America and Africa. The company publishes comprehensive reports on global cannabis markets.

Combining state government portals, private market research and industry media offer a 360-degree view of the rapidly evolving cannabis sector.

As more markets regulate marijuana and consumer demand grows, data will continue to be a key ingredient in navigating the future of the industry.

Andrew Long can be reached at andrew.long@mjbizdaily.com.