The cannabis industry continues to evolve with growing legalization and market expansion. James Kim’s Los Angeles-based cannabis company, Stiiizy, has grown from a startup in 2017 to a legal unicorn valued at $1.5 billion, despite facing allegations of black-market activity and lawsuits. Industry discussions highlight the benefits of legalization, citing Canada as an example where cannabis misuse has decreased post-legalization. Automation and digital solutions are increasingly being adopted in cannabis testing labs to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, with forecasts extending to 2030. Attitudes toward cannabis are shifting as more states legalize the drug and companies emphasize its health benefits. The global cannabis market is expanding, raising questions about whether the U.S. is fully capitalizing on this growth. Coverage also includes analyses of legalization impacts in Washington state and broader trends shaping the industry in 2025.