By Amanda Weston  ~ Cheddar

"2019 is going to be the biggest year in history, until we get to 2020," Smoke Wallin, CEO of Vertical Wellness, told Cheddar Tuesday. "When you're on an exponential growth curve, every year is going to be giant. But this year is going to be bigger than any year before."

2018 saw major strides in the cannabis industry. Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana, and Congress passed the 2018 farm bill, which legalized recreational hemp.

But Wallin said this is just the beginning for the industry, likening it to another substance that rocked the country.

"We're in the greatest growth opportunity in our lifetime," Wallin said. "Not since the repeal of Prohibition was there a category at this kind of scale that was illegal that became legal. So we're in the midst of that process and we're in the very early days. People say, 'what inning is it?' I say it's maybe first inning of preseason training."

Vertical Wellness is putting itself at the forefront of the hemp market. The company has lined up 5,000 acres for growing, which it says could produce an estimated $1 billion in CBD oil. Vertical Wellness is also gearing up for an Initial Public Offering.

Another major industry growing opportunity came when Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) said he would push for recreational marijuana legalization this year.

For Wallin, it's a good start ー but ultimately not enough.

"We were really excited that the governor decided to push forward on his agenda, but I have to say I'm a little disappointed in his numbers," Wallin said. "He came out publicly and said $300 million in tax revenue. It's going to be at least $1 billion for the state and communities here."

For full interview click here.

WATCH More and GET Buzzed on WeedTV! Sign Up - It's Free!

If you have an interesting story please let us know at friends@weedtv.com

Like us and Subscribe on IG, FB and Twitter @yourweedtv.com

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of WeedTV.  WeedTV does not endorse any third party products or opinions of contributors.  Marijuana has intoxicating effects that may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, judgement and coordination. Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery under the influence of marijuana. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of marijuana. For use by adults 21 or over or if you have a medical marijuana card. Keep out of reach of children.