Cannabis Market Pulse: Key Global Moves From July 14–21, 2025

As cannabis leaders, we must monitor the signals shaping our industry, from regulatory shifts and enforcement actions to investments and international expansion. The past week has seen a flurry of activity across Canada, the U.S., and global markets. Here are the key developments you need to know.

Canada: Growth, Regulation, and Momentum

1. Record Cannabis Seizure in Saint John The CBSA made headlines with a historic interception at the Port of Saint John. Over 6,700 kg of cannabis, worth nearly $50 million CAD, was seized en route to Scotland. This is Canada’s largest such seizure in a decade and highlights ongoing challenges with international cannabis diversion. It serves as a reminder that, despite our progress in legal markets, enforcement remains crucial in protecting both consumers and the country's reputation.

2. Aurora Cannabis Secures EU GMP for Fourth Facility Aurora Cannabis achieved a new milestone by obtaining EU GMP certification for another facility. This paves the way for greater access to European medical markets and highlights Canada’s role as a global exporter of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis. Consistent quality and international trust are becoming key differentiators in an increasingly competitive landscape space.

3. HYTN Innovations Licensed for Prescription-Grade Cannabis Medicines Health Canada issued HYTN Innovations a Cannabis Drug Licence, allowing them to manufacture cannabinoid-based prescription medications. This advances HYTN beyond conventional GMP standards and into genuine pharmaceutical manufacturing. It indicates a growing connection between cannabis and mainstream medicine healthcare.

4. Alberta Approves Cannabis Sales at All-Ages Events In a move that surprised many, Alberta's regulator now allows cannabis sales at concerts and festivals. This is a first in Canadian policy and could create new retail and brand engagement opportunities. Implementation details will be important, but this marks a step towards integrating cannabis into broader cultural scenes spaces.

5. Simply Solventless Expands Production Capacity Calgary’s Simply Solventless announced a major upgrade of its Humble Grow facility. The project aims to significantly increase production while also enabling the company to repay strategic debts. This type of infrastructure investment demonstrates long-term confidence and reflects a response to a scaling market demand.

6. High Tide Secures $30 Million Financing from Cronos Group Retailer High Tide completed a $30 million convertible debt deal with Cronos Group. The funding boost expands their retail presence and indicates a renewed willingness among larger players to work together. Creative financial strategies will be essential to navigate tighter capital markets this year.

7. Quebec Industry Pushes for Administrative Reform The Quebec Cannabis Industry Association submitted formal recommendations to Ottawa to reduce the regulatory burden. They are calling for more streamlined licensing and operational oversight. If adopted, these changes could significantly lower costs and enhance efficiency for licensed producers across the country province.

United States: Reform, Enforcement, and Market Expansion

1. DHS Raids Glass House Farms in California The Department of Homeland Security carried out coordinated raids on multiple Glass House Farms grow sites, leading to over 360 arrests and the tragic death of one worker. This enforcement action has shocked the California industry. It raises serious questions about labour practices, supply chain compliance, and regulatory gaps that still exist in the largest cannabis market in the world.

2. Hemp Loophole Under Review by Congress A new congressional bill aims to narrow the definition of hemp and impose restrictions on intoxicating derivatives like delta-8 and delta-10 THC. These compounds have thrived in regulatory grey areas since the 2018 Farm Bill. Federal action in this area could significantly reshape the legal hemp product landscape nationwide.

3. Siskiyou County Declares Emergency Over Illegal Grow Smoke Authorities in Northern California have declared a public emergency due to toxic smoke from illegal cannabis farms. Pesticide-laced fumes have raised health concerns for residents and farmworkers alike. This issue highlights the urgent need for stronger environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms.

4. North Dakota Expands Medical Cannabis to Include Edibles North Dakota passed legislation permitting low-dose THC edibles as part of its medical program. The change takes effect in August and reflects increasing consumer demand for alternative formats. It also indicates that even conservative states are quietly modernizing their cannabis laws frameworks.

5. Minnesota Launches License Lottery for Adult-Use Retailers Minnesota will start distributing adult-use retail licences through a lottery system. This approach aims to promote equity and quicker market access. It will be important to observe how effectively the program is implemented and whether it meets both consumer and stakeholder expectations.

6. Ole Miss Loses Long-Held Federal Cannabis Contract After decades as the sole federal cannabis supplier, the University of Mississippi lost its NIDA contract. This paves the way for a more diverse and scientifically advanced group of producers to support cannabis research in Canada and the U.S. It could indicate a more open and competitive future for federally supported cannabis science.

7. Omaha Tribe Launches Legal Cannabis Market in Nebraska In a historic development, the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska launched the state's first legal cannabis program. The tribe’s approach includes both medical and adult-use frameworks. This move positions them as a potential model for tribal sovereignty and economic growth in cannabis.

 International: Regulation and Realignment

1. UK Border Reports Surge in U.S. Cannabis Smuggling British customs officials have reported a fourfold increase in cannabis being smuggled from legal U.S. states. In one instance, 70 kg was hidden inside a piano. This trend increases pressure on international cooperation and underscores the unintended consequences of policy misalignment between trading partners.

2. “Big Cannabis” Faces Global Reset An in-depth Reuters report provides a sobering outlook for major cannabis companies, highlighting sharp valuation declines and a shift from North American to European markets. Growth strategies now demand more nuance, precision, and patience. The era of rapid expansion seems to be giving way to a more strategic approach consolidation.

3. Germany’s Modest Decriminalization Rollout Begins Germany officially introduced its decriminalization model with an estimated $37 million market impact. Although its scope is limited, the move carries symbolic significance for the EU and could influence neighbouring countries. Germany is adopting a cautious, medical-first approach rather than rushing into it commercialization.

4. Thailand Signals Shift to Medical-Only Cannabis Following concerns about tourist abuse and unregulated markets, Thailand’s government announced plans to revert to a medical-only framework. This shift marks a significant departure from their initial pro-reform stance. It demonstrates how quickly policy momentum can change when implementation surpasses expectations infrastructure.

5. International Interest in Cannabis Ramps Up Prohibition Partners launched a new global newsletter to monitor cross-border cannabis activities. Their expanding audience and insights mirror the rising investor interest in emerging markets. Stakeholders worldwide are observing how regulatory frameworks develop and where capital should be directed next.

 I see these developments not just as headlines but as signals of how consumer preferences, policy directions, and capital flows are changing. Strategic agility will be more crucial than ever. Whether expanding into Europe, reforming retail, or building cross-border partnerships, the future belongs to those who can adapt quickly and execute effectively clarity.