The gaps between esports and cannabis are being bridged

To many, cannabis and competitive gaming might seem like two disparate industries. But it’s increasingly being proven that these two burgeoning markets have a lot in common, and that it’s only a matter of time before these commonalities are brought further to light.

The similarities are there when we take the time to look for them. Both the cannabis and esports industries are nascent, but developing quickly. Entrepreneurs in either marketplace are younger than is typical for more established lines of business. That youth movement is driven by new generations of people who see these industries as a big part of their futures.

Both industries have seen increased normalization in recent years. For esports, the stigma of gamers being labeled as geeks and nerds has faded. Gaming has become the world’s biggest entertainment industry, something that nearly everyone takes part in on some level.

Competitive gamers are certainly at the hardcore end of that spectrum. But for every successful arena show, for every big prize pool delivered, there is greater acceptance. What was once a novelty act is now seen in many circles as the future of sport.

The cannabis industry long dealt with harsher difficulties than name-calling and disbelief. Those representing the industry have fought long and hard against attempts at vilifying users and distributors alike. The recent allowance of cannabis growth and sales in many American states has represented the turning of a corner for cannabis, and it now seems inevitable that the country as a whole will accept cannabis.

H3CZ, Esports Arena, Glass House Farms among leaders pushing forward

But the crossover goes beyond this similar developmental track. There are direct examples of it. One prominent example is Hector “H3CZ” Rodriguez, a long-time esports executive most notably associated with the popular OpTic Gaming brand with roots in Call of Duty. H3CZ launched a line of cannabis-related products, identifying the links between the two industries and common audience.

That audience can be seen at many of the developments across both marketplaces. There’s Esports Arena, a growing series of local venues that promote and host esports competitions.

On the flipside, there are companies like Glass House Farms, who are looking to establish a new normal in cannabis by growing high-quality products in a safe and reliable way, then communicating clearly and directing to consumers about how these products work. They also see the clear lines that connect audience interest in cannabis and gaming.

“We see a lot of crossover with the gaming audience. It’s a combination that makes sense,” Glass House Farms said.

For an industry that for so long was forced to shroud itself in secrecy, the development and success of Glass House Farms is a terrific example of what is possible when that shroud is lifted and great industry minds are enabled to do what they do best.

“We want people to know that if they’re looking for quality, we can provide that,” Glass House Farms said. “With our growth and development, it’s an exciting time, and we’re looking forward to the future.”

And the future seems very bright indeed for the cannabis industry, the same as it does for esports and for gaming in general.

As these two industries continue to develop, it’s likely that they will continue to converge. And there’s no limit as to what that might mean for fans of either.