Cannabis Market Pulse Sept 1st to 7th

The past week highlighted how dynamic and fast-moving the global cannabis industry has become. In Canada, regulators are tightening oversight even as the sector solidifies its role as a multi-billion-dollar contributor to the national economy. South of the border, federal reform bills, court rulings, and state-level expansions show both the progress and the patchwork nature of legalization in the United States. Internationally, countries from Switzerland to Brazil are reshaping policies in ways that could redefine cannabis trade, access, and public health for years to come. Together, these developments illustrate an industry that is maturing, diversifying, and facing new challenges, all while consumer demand continues to rise worldwide.

Canada

1. Health Canada Ramps Up Inspections of Cannabis Producers: Federal regulators increased compliance inspections of licensed cannabis facilities in 2024-2025, conducting 889 inspections (up from 662 in the prior year) to enforce Cannabis Act rules. The increased oversight resulted in more reports of non-compliance and enforcement actions, indicating a stricter regulatory approach stance.

2. Cannabis Industry Contributes $16 Billion to GDP, 227,000 Jobs: A new report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (commissioned by Organigram) finds Canada’s legal cannabis sector added $16 billion to GDP in 2024 and supports over 227,000 jobs. The study highlights the industry’s direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts, emphasizing cannabis as a “high-value” national sector industry.

3. Canadian Cannabis Spending Hits Record High: Statistics Canada data show household cannabis expenditures reached $1.7 billion in Q2 2025, marking a new high. About $1.6 billion was for non-medical (adult-use) cannabis, reflecting consistent growth in the legal market since federal legalization in 2018.

4. Quebec Cannabis Sales Rise 11% Year-Over-Year: Quebec’s provincial retailer (SQDC) reported $181 million in sales for Q1, an 11.1% increase from the same quarter last year. The SQDC’s quarterly report highlighted higher store counts, strong demand for concentrates, and an estimated $68 million in tax revenues generated government.

5. Recall Issued for Mislabeled Pre-Rolls in Ontario: Health Canada announced a product recall after Emblem Cannabis sold pre-rolls with incorrect labeling of THC/CBD content. Over 4,100 units of “Divvy Island Rush” infused pre-rolls were affected, showing THC levels much higher than actual. No adverse reactions were reported, but consumers were advised to return the product.

6. Indigenous Cannabis Conference Coming to BC: The Seeds to Sovereignty conference is scheduled for September 14-16 in Nanaimo, BC, focusing on Indigenous entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry. Organized by the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Economic Development Corporation, it will gather Indigenous leaders, regulators, and business experts to explore opportunities “from seed to sale."

7. High Tide Expands Abroad Amid German Compliance Controversy: Calgary-based High Tide Inc. completed a deal to acquire 51% of Germany’s Remexian Pharma, entering the medical cannabis market there. Soon after, allegations arose that Remexian sold different cannabis strains under one approval number; High Tide’s CEO and lawyers strongly denied these claims as “baseless,” blaming them on competitors’ fear of the new partnership. High Tide assured Remexian’s full regulatory compliance even as an internal investigation in Germany continues.

8. B.C. Cannabis Industry Braces for Strike Disruptions: Licensed producers and retailers in British Columbia expressed concern about a possible BCGEU public-sector strike in September, recalling that a 2022 strike halted the province’s wholesale cannabis distribution. Union leaders said they have no immediate plans to target cannabis or liquor distribution, but businesses reported “panic buying” and developing contingency plans in case a prolonged strike disrupts the supply chain.

9. Ottawa Opens Consultation to Cut Cannabis Red Tape: Health Canada launched a public consultation (Aug 30-Oct 29, 2025) on proposed amendments to the Cannabis Tracking System Order. The goal is to “reduce regulatory and administrative burden” on licensed producers by streamlining data reporting while still monitoring cannabis movement through the supply chain. Industry stakeholders and provinces are invited to comment on ways to improve federal tracking efficient.

10. Most Canadian Consumers Now Buy Legal Cannabis: A national survey published in Drug and Alcohol Review found that 78% of Canadian cannabis users obtained all their cannabis from legal sources in the past year. Researchers cite the drop in legal prices and increased retail access as reasons, noting Canada’s legal market has mostly replaced illegal sales, a major goal of legalization. (In comparison, only ~52% of consumers in U.S. legal states mainly buy from licensed retailers.)

United States (Top 10 Stories)

1. MORE Act Reintroduced to Federally Legalize Cannabis: A group of U.S. House lawmakers led by Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, aiming to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. The bill, which was previously passed by the House in 2020 and 2022, would legalize marijuana at the federal level, expunge past convictions, and reinvest in communities impacted by prohibition. Its revival comes as federal rescheduling is also under debate, signaling renewed momentum for comprehensive reform.

2. State Attorneys General Urge Passage of SAFER Banking Act: 32 attorneys general from across the U.S. sent a bipartisan letter to Congress urging the enactment of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act. They warn that forcing state-legal cannabis businesses to operate in cash creates public safety risks. The AGs, from states including California, Illinois, Georgia, and Maryland, argue that allowing cannabis businesses to access banking will reduce violent crime and enhance financial transparency. Cannabis advocates see this high-profile effort as increasing pressure on federal lawmakers to finally move forward with banking protections.

3. Two-Thirds of Americans Support National Legalization: A new Emerson College poll found that 65% of U.S. voters support legalizing marijuana nationwide, marking a five-point increase from the previous year. Majorities in nearly every age group, except seniors over 70, favor legalization. Advocates say the survey confirms widespread public backing for reform. “Legalizing and regulating adult-use cannabis is not only good policy, but also politics,” noted NORML’s Deputy Director, cautioning politicians who ignore voter sentiment on this issue.

4. Major MSOs Expand Retail Footprint (Arizona): Trulieve Cannabis Corp., one of the largest U.S. multi-state operators, announced the opening of a new dispensary in Bisbee, Arizona, on September 5. This continues Trulieve’s aggressive growth in the Southwest, bringing its total number of Arizona locations to five. Similarly, Curaleaf Holdings launched a new dispensary in New Albany, Ohio, on September 5, partnering with local firm RC Retail. These expansions by leading MSOs highlight the intense competition to serve emerging adult-use markets (Ohio is set to launch recreational sales in 2025) and to strengthen their presence in mature markets like Arizona.

5. Texas Bans THC Vapes as Hemp Law Standoff Continues: A Texas law banning the sale of any vape products containing THC (including delta-8, delta-9, and CBD vapes) took effect on September 1. However, state lawmakers ended a special session without passing broader restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids. The result: THC vape pens are now illegal to sell in Texas, but gummies, oils, and other hemp products remain legal due to legislative deadlock. Texas officials failed to agree on a comprehensive ban or regulatory framework, so most hemp-derived THC items still circulate freely, with no age limits, even as vaping devices are removed from store shelves.

6. Study: Delta-8 Thrives Where Marijuana Is Illegal: New peer-reviewed research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that adults in prohibition states are twice as likely to use unregulated delta-8 THC products compared to those in states with legal cannabis. Only 5.5% of adults in legal markets reported using delta-8 (a hemp-derived cannabinoid), compared to 11% in states where marijuana remains illegal. Researchers from Stanford and UCSD concluded that when safe, legal cannabis isn’t available, consumers turn to grey-market alternatives like delta-8, which often lack oversight and have been linked to health risks. The findings strengthen arguments that regulating cannabis can help guide consumers away from potentially unsafe new products.

7. Massachusetts Marijuana Sales Top $8 Billion: Massachusetts reached a new milestone in August, with total adult-use cannabis sales surpassing $8 billion since the state’s recreational market launched in 2018. The figure, reported by state regulators, underscores the strong growth of the industry in Massachusetts, which now averages over $4 million in legal marijuana sales daily. Industry experts note that the state’s cannabis tax revenues, at 17%, have also increased significantly, funding public health, infrastructure, and equity programs. Massachusetts is among the few states to break the $8 billion mark in total cannabis sales, reflecting both a solid consumer base and effective regulation rollout.

8. Charlotte’s Web Forms Science Advisory Board: Leading CBD wellness company Charlotte’s Web Holdings, based in Colorado, announced plans to establish a Scientific Advisory Board to guide its medical and R&D strategies. The new board, composed of experts in neurology, integrative medicine, and cannabinoid research, will aid Charlotte’s Web in developing evidence-based hemp CBD products and expanding into the healthcare market. Executives state that this move, revealed on Sept 4, will “strengthen [our] medical channel strategy and accelerate R&D initiatives” as the company seeks FDA regulatory clarity on CBD and aims to potentially enter the cannabis-derived market therapeutics.

9. Appeals Court: Medical Marijuana Patients Have Gun Rights: In a landmark legal case, a U.S. federal appeals court ruled that medical cannabis use alone should not disqualify a person from exercising their Second Amendment rights to own firearms. The decision on August 29 (involving a Mississippi man) declared the federal ban on gun possession by state-legal cannabis patients unconstitutional, comparing it to historical restrictions that were not “consistent with this Nation’s tradition.” This follows a similar ruling from another circuit earlier in 2023. While the Justice Department may appeal, these rulings indicate a growing skepticism among courts toward broad prohibitions on gun rights for marijuana users, especially as cannabis is legally recognized as medicine in most states.

10. Colombian Cannabis: U.S. Lawmakers Caution on Imports: A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a resolution opposing any move to allow cannabis imports from Colombia into the American market, a concept floated in trade talks. They argue that importing low-cost Colombian cannabis could undercut U.S. farmers and pose public health concerns. This comes as Colombia advances its own legalization bill and positions itself as a potential exporter. The Senate measure, though non-binding, sends a strong signal that Congress does not intend to open U.S. borders to foreign cannabis, preferring to keep supply chains domestic even as federal prohibition continues.

(Honorable Mention:) Pennsylvania Governor Renews Legalization Push: Pennsylvania’s governor reiterated calls for adult-use legalization, noting the success of neighboring states and the potential $400+ million in annual tax revenue. Despite stalled bills in the legislature, the administration signaled it won’t “give up” on implementing a regulated market. Advocates see Pennsylvania as a key battleground state that could tip toward legalization in 2025 if public pressure mounts.

International (Top 10 Stories)

1. Switzerland Launches National Cannabis Legalization Plan: On September 1, Switzerland initiated a three-month public consultation on draft legislation aimed at fully legalizing and regulating adult-use cannabis. The proposed law (the “CanPG”) would establish a federally supervised market, allowing licensed cultivation, sales through a single online portal and retail stores, and personal possession and cultivation, potentially making Switzerland the first European country with nationwide legalization. Notably, the plan highlights non-profit, public health principles (e.g., banning vertical integration and heavily restricting advertising). After the consultation, the bill will be submitted to Parliament in 2026, but Swiss officials are acting decisively following years of pilot programs studies.

2. Dutch Cannabis Trial Enters Next Phase (Local Hash Only): The Netherlands’ “closed supply chain” experiment took a significant step on Sept 1: coffeeshops in 10 participating cities can now only sell legally produced hashish, in addition to the legally grown cannabis already on their menus. This means that popular imported Moroccan hash is officially banned from those shops as the government tests replacing the illegal supply. While 80 coffeeshops are in the pilot program (running until 2029), the majority of shops in the country, especially in Amsterdam, remain on the old model and continue selling illegal hash. Early reports suggest that Dutch growers can offer variety and quality, but some owners worry that consumers will still seek out the traditional Moroccan product on the black market. The experiment aims to address the infamous Dutch policy gap by legalizing the “backdoor” supply to coffeeshops.

3. Australian State Party Backs Legal Cannabis Like Alcohol: In Australia, rank-and-file members of the Liberal Party in Victoria introduced a bold proposal to legalize and regulate cannabis like alcohol in their state. At the party’s September council meeting, they urged the adoption of an adult-use market with licensed sales (and even a dedicated state cannabis tax to pay down debt and fund health services). Although the Liberals are in opposition and the idea faces obstacles, this initiative by a major party’s grassroots is significant. It reflects changing attitudes in Australia, where medical cannabis is legal nationwide, and some territories have decriminalized personal use, and puts pressure on state governments to consider new approaches. The proposal will now be official Liberal Party policy in Victoria, sparking public debate on treating cannabis similarly to beer or wine.

4. Colombia Advances Marijuana Legalization (Again): Colombia’s Congress has once again started the process to legalize adult-use cannabis nationwide. In late August, a House committee approved a constitutional amendment bill to regulate marijuana, reigniting a reform that nearly passed last year. President Gustavo Petro strongly supports legalization, arguing that ongoing prohibition only fuels violent cartels. The bill must pass 8 separate votes across two legislative sessions (since it changes the constitution) to become law. A similar measure fell just one vote short in the Senate in June 2023, leading to this restart. Supporters point out that Colombia, a major cannabis producer, already permits medical use and exports. The new bill’s authors say it’s time to legalize recreational use to “close the door on narco-trafficking” and align with a growing global trend.

5. Germany Approves Nearly 300 Cannabis Social Clubs: One year into Germany’s phased legalization, authorities have licensed 293 cannabis “cultivation associations” (non-profit social clubs) for adult use as of mid-2025. North Rhine-Westphalia leads with 83 clubs approved, followed by Lower Saxony (55) and several other Länder with dozens each. These clubs, allowed since July 2024, can grow and distribute cannabis to registered adult members, providing a legal supply outside of retail stores (which remain illegal under EU law). Not all clubs are operational yet, but the rapid uptake indicates strong interest. German health officials are monitoring the rollout amid critiques that there still “aren’t enough” associations to meet demand. Meanwhile, Germany’s separate plan to permit regional pilot stores is still pending legislative approval. The rise of cannabis clubs in Germany (and similarly in Malta) represents a European workaround to provide legal access within existing international treaty limits.

6. Malta Tightens Its Previously Liberal Cannabis Law: Malta, the EU’s first country to legalize personal cannabis use in 2021, approved new restrictions in May 2025 that limit certain freedoms. The amendments (Bill 128) authorize police to fine individuals €50–100 for a "strong cannabis odor” in public and up to €235 if the smell from a private home disturbs neighbors. They also eliminate anonymity for members of Cannabis Social Clubs; clubs now have to keep records of members’ personal information, and direct all cannabis offenses to courts instead of administrative fines. Activist groups like ReLeaf Malta criticized the changes, saying “the reform is working against the very people it is supposed to protect.” The government defends the regulations as necessary for public order after complaints about smoke nuisances. Critics worry this move undermines Malta’s harm-reduction approach and discourages participation in legal clubs, which could push users back to the illegal market sources.

7. Brazil’s Supreme Court Decriminalizes Cannabis Possession: Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court issued a historic ruling (finalized in early Sept 2025) confirming that adults cannot be criminally charged for possessing small amounts of cannabis for personal use. The court established a guideline limit of up to 40 grams of cannabis and permission for up to 6 home-grown plants, which would be considered personal use and not subject to penalties. This decision confirms an earlier 2024 vote and makes Brazil one of the most populous countries to decriminalize marijuana. Although cannabis remains technically illegal (and trafficking is still criminal), users carrying within the limit face no arrest or jail time. The ruling is expected to reduce Brazil’s overburdened justice system, thousands of minor drug cases may be dropped, and it marks a significant shift in Latin America’s drug policy landscape. Brazilian officials are now responsible for passing legislation to officially codify the court’s standards.

As cannabis continues its rapid evolution, one clear theme emerges: regulation, innovation, and consumer demand are converging at every level of the market. Canada is refining its oversight while demonstrating that cannabis can be a significant economic driver. The United States is gradually moving toward comprehensive reform, even as states and courts establish their own precedents. Globally, governments are experimenting with bold new approaches, with some embracing legalization and others pulling back. These developments highlight both the opportunities and the challenges faced by an industry still shaping its future. The next chapter will be written not only by policymakers and businesses, but also by the millions of consumers and patients who will influence what legal cannabis looks like worldwide.