The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global economy. For most businesses, the struggle is continuing, while a few -- like those in the healthcare sector -- are comparatively secure, with the companies within working to fight the crisis. Healthcare might be a predictable safe space amid the pandemic, but there's one flourishing sector that's more of a surprise: marijuana. 

Before COVID-19 took over the headlines, one of the hottest topics was the cannabis 2.0 opportunity in Canada. Cannabis 2.0 refers to a change in the regulations in Canada that allows for the sale of cannabis derivative products (i.e. edibles, drinkables, vape pens, concentrates, salves, and more).

There are a number of reasons to be excited about cannabis 2.0 and we want to quickly highlight this. First, the margins that are associated with cannabis derivative products tend to be higher. Second, with excess inventory on hand, producers can use the additional input to develop new products. And finally, consumer demand for these types of products is high.

The COVID-19 epidemic has affected businesses of all kinds. But CBD-based businesses have seen an unprecedented upsurge in demand for their services, as more and more leaders and lawmakers declare CBD business an essential service. These tacit approvals plus the sheer realization of the value of CBD products have seen the market for CBD products soar.

It seems likely that cannabis will end up like alcohol, only monitored for actual abuse with corresponding treatment options and monetary fines depending on number of offenses.

Anyone who knows me knows that I really enjoy sports of all kinds. I was a college soccer player and played competitive club soccer in Florida before that from the age of 7 onward (and I now play in an adult co-ed league in Los Angeles). Unfortunately, COVID-19 has put the damper on watching live professional sports on TV, and clearly no one can attend any sporting events right now or likely anytime soon. Pro athletes have time on their hands now to train and/or rest up accordingly, which got me to thinking about our pro leagues’ treatment of cannabis and how it has evolved over recent years.

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to force at least a dozen cannabis companies to file for bankruptcy as available liquidity dries up, according to Tilray Inc.'s chief executive officer. 

"I've actually been surprised by the dozen bankruptcies that have already happened," said Tilray CEO Brendan Kennedy in a phone interview with BNN Bloomberg. 

"Based on the calls that I'm getting, I'm expecting another dozen more as funding has dried out,” he added. “If companies haven't already strengthened their balance sheet, they've got a hard road ahead."

One of the biggest criticisms of Canada’s legalization of cannabis is that its cumbersome rules and limited retail options can’t compete with the black market. What would help? Allowing cannabis home deliveries from retailers to continue after the pandemic.

As COVID-19 brings economic growth to a standstill, some in the U.S. believe there’s a way out.

“When we all start to be able to lift our heads from this COVID experience, we are going to be faced with a scenario where a lot of jobs have gone away,” Charlie Bachtell, CEO of U.S.-based cannabis company Cresco Labs, tells CNBC. “How are we going to bring that back? I think cannabis has to be part of that discussion,” he says.

Experts believe that once quarantine ends people should remain vigilant of the coronavirus, taking the necessary sanitary measures and keeping an eye on their health.

The pandemic has made different states question what constitutes as an essential business, with many allowing marijuana dispensaries to continue to operate. A lot of these businesses reported an increase in sales once the shelter in place orders were announced, claiming that a some costumers prioritized edibles.

The unofficial holiday celebrating all things cannabis arrives Monday as the nation’s emerging legal marijuana market braces for an economic blow from the coronavirus crisis, with many consumers reducing spending or going underground for deals.

It was supposed to be a long weekend of festivals and music culminating on April 20, or 4/20, the code for marijuana’s high holiday. Instead, it has been reduced to an online replica because of stay-at-home orders to curb the pandemic.

420 is cherished by all cannabis consumers but this year is the first time in its history that we’ve been forced to celebrate at home. In order to get in the spirit of the holiday, we’ve put together this collection of articles that should help set the mood even though the party simply won’t be the same.