*By Amanda Weston*
New Year's Eve is set to generate major cannabis sales, second only to the iconic marijuana holiday 420, according to the cannabis consulting company [MJ Freeway](https://mjfreeway.com/).
The global cannabis technology and data company predicts total U.S. sales on New Year's Eve 2018 could reach up to $75 million, within striking distance of the $80 million generated in sales on April 20.
This New Year's Eve would also rank as the highest-grossing Monday of 2018 for dispensaries.
But 420 may not always reign supreme. Jessica Billingsley, the CEO of MJ Freeway, told Cheddar Thursday that New Year's Eve may soon dethrone it.
"I think it's coming, absolutely," Billingsley said. "New Year's Eve is still second behind 420 now, but interestingly, Jul. 4 is actually third. So I think we're going to see the big major holidays start to contend with 420."
The U.S. cannabis market ballooned in 2018 [saw strides](https://www.apnews.com/2982b3b60d84409da76dc10e3bf7886a) as state legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis continued to sweep across the county. Nationwide, 10 states and Washington, D.C., have now voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use, and 33 states have approved medical marijuana. In December, President Trump signed a version of the U.S. Farm Bill that legalizes recreational hemp ー a major step toward the legitimization of CBD.
"We're seeing the cannabis industry is predicted to grow from $13 billion this year to $20 billion next year," Billingsley said.
"So I think we'll see a commensurate increase in legal sales on New Year's Eve, as well. Of course some of that will depend on how many new markets, new states open for adult use in the coming year as well."
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/new-years-eve-set-to-see-major-cannabis-sales-kicking-off-2019).
AI is reshaping investigations. Longeye CEO Guillaume Delepine shares how their AI workspace empowers law enforcement to uncover insights faster and smarter.
Stephen Kates, Financial Analyst at Bankrate, joins to discuss the Fed’s 25-basis-point rate cut, inflation risks, and what it all means for consumers and marke
Big tech earnings take center stage as investors digest results from Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple, with insights from Gil Luria of D.A. Davidson
Disney content has gone dark on YouTube TV, leaving subscribers of the Google-owned live streaming platform without access to major networks like ESPN and ABC. That’s because the companies have failed to reach a new licensing deal to keep Disney channels on YouTube TV. Depending on how long it lasts, the dispute could particularly impact coverage of U.S. college football matchups over the weekend — on top of other news and entertainment disruptions that have already arrived. In the meantime, YouTube TV subscribers who want to watch Disney channels could have little choice other than turning to the company’s own platforms, which come with their own price tags.
President Donald Trump said he has decided to lower his combined tariff rates on imports of Chinese goods to 47% after talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on curbing fentanyl trafficking.
Universal Music Group and AI platform Udio have settled a copyright lawsuit and will collaborate on a new music creation and streaming platform. The companies announced on Wednesday that they reached a compensatory legal settlement and new licensing agreements. These agreements aim to provide more revenue opportunities for Universal's artists and songwriters. The rise of AI song generation tools like Udio has disrupted the music streaming industry, leading to accusations from record labels. This deal marks the first since Universal and others sued Udio and Suno last year. Financial terms of the settlement weren't disclosed.
