Cannabis Market Pulse: Canada, U.S., and International Highlights (July 21–28, 2025)

As industry leaders, staying informed isn't just helpful; it's vital. The past week saw groundbreaking developments across Canada, the United States, and international markets. From record seizures to packaging innovations and shifts in global policy, these stories shape the conversations our teams must be having today. Here’s a look at the most important headlines.

Canada: A Market in Motion

1. Record Cannabis Seizure at Port of Saint John Canada’s cannabis sector gained attention as the CBSA intercepted over 6,700 kg of cannabis headed for Scotland. Valued at nearly CAD 50 million, this marks the largest single seizure in over ten years. Although illicit exports are not new, this volume highlights both ongoing enforcement efforts and the vast scope of black-market activities.

2. Manitoba Growers Push for Local Branding Licensed producers in Manitoba are urging the province to create a “Manitoba Grown” cannabis label. The initiative reflects a rising interest in regional identity and support from consumers for local growers. This could mirror the success of agricultural branding in wine and produce, fostering stronger customer loyalty.

3. MediPharm Launches CBN THC Nighttime Inhaler MediPharm Labs continues to innovate with the launch of its Shake & Puff CBN THC Nighttime Inhaler. This product broadens the company’s CBN range and follows the success of their earlier THC inhaler. Functional inhalables are establishing a space that combines convenience with wellness. I, for one, am excited to try these.

4. Pure Sunfarms Debuts Windowed Packaging Pure Sunfarms' new packaging features windows that allow customers to see the flower before making a purchase. This approach embodies transparency, literally, and may help alleviate consumer concerns about product quality. It also establishes a new standard in visual merchandising for cannabis retail.

5. Cannara Wins Vape Listings in Québec Cannara Biotech secured five key listings in Québec’s new vape cartridge category, including a forthcoming Live Rosin line. The win positions Cannara as a first mover in a newly competitive segment and highlights the importance of innovation in product formats.

6. BC Wholesale Sales and Direct Delivery Growth British Columbia’s wholesale cannabis sales experienced modest growth, while its direct delivery program gained significant momentum. This indicates that decentralized fulfillment models might be becoming more popular with retailers and consumers alike.

7. Cabinet Shuffle May Increase Regulatory Complexity in BC Two cannabis-adjacent provincial agencies are now part of a new ministry following a BC government cabinet shuffle. While details remain unclear, many fear this could lead to increased administrative complexity for licensed operators managing compliance pathways.

8. Canadian Cannabis Sales Hit New Record in May Statistics Canada reported that cannabis sales once again hit an all-time high in May. This continued growth shows the maturing market’s resilience despite pricing pressures and saturation worries.

9. Farmgate Pioneer Thrive Closes Doors One of Canada’s earliest farmgate retail outlets, Thrive, has closed. The shutdown highlights ongoing difficulties in the farmgate model and prompts broader questions about the sustainability of hyper-localised cannabis retail.

10. Federal Court Upholds Trademark Decision Against Kind Magazine In a ruling issued on June 27, the Federal Court dismissed the appeal filed by the company behind Kind Magazine. The decision upholds the earlier ruling of the Trademarks Opposition Board in favour of Kinde Company Ltd. This ruling could have lasting impacts on branding disputes in the industry.

United States: Policy Maneuvers and Market Movements

1. Congress Maintains State Medical Cannabis Protections Spending proposals in both chambers of Congress reaffirm protections for state medical marijuana programs. However, the House and Senate differ on cannabis rescheduling policy. The lack of alignment may delay federal progress, but it confirms bipartisan support for access to medical care.

2. North Dakota Expands Medical Cannabis Program Beginning August 1, North Dakota will permit low-dose THC edibles and update documentation requirements for patients. The change represents another step toward improved patient access and shows how incremental reforms are transforming medical programs.

3. Little Canada, MN Opens Retail Application Window The city of Little Canada in Minnesota officially launched its cannabis retail registration process. The initial complete application triggered a 15-day window for additional applicants. This indicates increasing municipal involvement in the retail rollout as legalization progresses across states.

4. Texas Renews Effort to Ban Hemp-Derived THC Texas is once again targeting hemp-derived THC with SB 5, introduced during a special session following a previous veto of SB 3. The proposed legislation is one of the most aggressive efforts to limit hemp THC in the country. Operators in the state must now prepare for possible regulatory changes overhaul.

Global: Rapid Shifts and Growing Opportunity

1. British Citizen Charged in Germany for Thai Cannabis Smuggling A 21-year-old British woman faces charges after German authorities found cannabis smuggled from Thailand through Munich Airport. The incident highlights increasing scrutiny on international trafficking amid relaxed policies in Southeast Asia.

2. India Intercepts Thai Cannabis Shipment Indian customs officials seized cannabis hidden inside a food parcel from Thailand. This resulted in a formal complaint being filed, highlighting how cross-border cannabis movement continues to be closely monitored in emerging markets.

3. Germany Nears 300 Cannabis Associations Germany’s rollout of adult-use cannabis continues to gain momentum. Nearly 300 cultivation associations have now been approved. This community-driven model could serve as a test case for other countries exploring structured legalization frameworks.

4. Slovenia Considers Cannabis Policy Modernization Slovenia introduced legislation to allow regulated adult-use cannabis. If approved, it would position the country among the more progressive cannabis regulators in the EU. This could also catalyze change in surrounding regions.

5. Swiss Cantons Halt Cannabis Pilot Programs Several cantons in Switzerland are blocking cannabis pilot programs, raising concerns about inconsistency in national reform efforts. This pushback highlights the difficulty of balancing federal ambitions with regional priorities autonomy.

6. Lebanon Promotes Cannabis for Economic Growth Lebanon’s agriculture minister has highlighted the economic potential of legal cannabis cultivation. With a long history of unregulated production, Lebanon is now aiming to reframe cannabis as a formal economic sector driver.

7. Legalization in Victoria, Australia Could Add $10B Victoria, Australia could gain up to AUD $10 billion in economic benefits if cannabis is legalized. The forecast supports the view that legalization is not only a social issue but also an economic one imperative.

8. Global Market Forecast Reaches $160B by 2029 A new projection estimates the global cannabis products market will triple in value, reaching USD $160 billion by 2029. Consumer adoption, medical applications, and the expanding legalization of cannabis will drive this explosive growth.

Final Thoughts Whether you're monitoring regulatory changes, product innovations, or market forecasts, it is obvious that the cannabis industry is evolving quickly. Staying informed allows for better decisions, stronger positioning, and more strategic brand development. Let’s continue to observe, learn, and lead.