The Cannabis Market Pulse Nov 17 to 23

Last week marked one of the most significant periods we’ve seen in cannabis this quarter, with major regulatory changes, market corrections, enforcement actions, and global policy updates all happening at once. From Canada’s ongoing push toward a fully legalized, compliant, and competitive market, to the United States tightening federal controls on hemp-derived THC, to international regulators redefining standards in Europe and beyond, the industry saw progress on nearly every front. With MJBizCon 2025 now underway, these stories are shaping the discussions on the expo floor. Below is a curated summary of the top cannabis news across Canada, the U.S., and global markets from November 17 to 23, all distilled into clear, executive-ready insights.

Canada - 10 Stories with Summaries

1. Ontario illegal-production bust

Police dismantled a major illegal cannabis production network near Belleville, charging 24 people and seizing thousands of plants. Investigators reported the grow operation was connected to a multi-million-dollar illegal distribution network. The case shows that illegal production remains a challenge even with Canada’s established legal market. Authorities say the proceeds may be linked to organized crime.

2. Manitoba regulator reports high compliance

Manitoba’s cannabis regulator released two-year compliance data showing the industry is mainly cooperative. Nearly 100 verbal cautions and fewer than 30 formal warnings were issued during hundreds of inspections. Regulators highlighted that retailers typically self-correct quickly. The findings support the view that Canada’s legal operators follow rules and are responsible.

3. SQDC to introduce legal cannabis vapes

Quebec’s provincial retailer confirmed that cannabis vape products will become legally available in its stores later in November. The move aims to shift consumers away from unregulated vape products, which have long dominated the Quebec market due to earlier restrictions. Public health authorities support the shift toward regulated alternatives. Producers expect strong demand based on experiences in other provinces.

4. Canada positioned for cannabis tourism growth

A new report indicates that Canada could build a multi-billion-dollar cannabis tourism industry if regulations become more flexible. Opportunities include farm tours, educational experiences, and consumption lounges. However, current restrictions on on-site consumption and marketing limit growth. Researchers suggest that Canada could follow the wine-tourism model if regulations are updated.

5. 80% of Canadian consumers now buy legally

New national data shows that four out of five adult cannabis users now buy only from the legal market. This indicates a significant shift from the early legalization years when illegal sources dominated sales. Lower prices, better product options, and more stores are the main reasons. The trend boosts the long-term stability of the legal industry.

6. Weekly retail and regulatory roundup

A national industry outlet reported notable updates, including BC’s continued expansion of direct delivery, ongoing investigations into Ontario store robberies, and the upcoming launch of SQDC vapes. Retailers also experienced stabilization in consumer demand ahead of the holiday season. Several provinces highlighted progress in reducing illicit competition. The weekly update shows incremental but meaningful sector improvement.

7. Hemp wellness sector raises alarms

Canadian hemp-focused companies expressed concern about tightening restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids, partly driven by U.S. policy changes. Industry groups warn that regulatory misalignment could create market uncertainty. Some operators fear supply disruptions or complex new compliance requirements. Calls for government consultation are increasing.

8. $200M illicit-plant seizure in Tyendinaga

A major operation uncovered approximately 72,000 illegal cannabis plants valued at around $200 million in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory area. The seizure was part of a crackdown on unlicensed cultivation sites operating outside federal regulations. Police say the operation had sophisticated infrastructure. The event highlights ongoing illegal competition even seven years after legalization.

9. Grow Up Vancouver 2026 announcement

Organizers announced plans for the upcoming national cannabis B2B conference in Vancouver set for January 2026. The event will highlight cultivation, processing, and retail innovation. It is anticipated to draw international exhibitors and buyers. Organizers emphasize that community-building is more crucial than ever as the industry faces regulatory changes.

10. Federal excise-tax reform discussions

The federal government indicated that cannabis excise-tax reforms are under consideration for 2025. Proposed updates aim to streamline administration and modernize the tax structure to match price compression. Producers have long maintained that the current system is unsustainable. The news was broadly welcomed across the industry.

United States - 10 Stories with Summaries

1. New York cannabis prices fall 17%

New York’s legal cannabis market experienced a notable price decrease as the number of licensed dispensaries exceeded 500. Rising competition is pushing prices down and making the illegal market less attractive. Operators note that margins are still tight but stability is getting better. Consumers are gaining from increased product availability.

2. Federal law closes hemp-THC loophole

New federal spending legislation includes language to severely restrict intoxicating hemp-derived products such as delta-8 beverages and edibles. The law caps allowable THC content per package, effectively banning most psychoactive hemp items. The hemp beverage industry warns of mass closures. This marks the most aggressive federal hemp reform since the 2018 Farm Bill.

3. Regulations tighten around synthetic cannabinoids

Alongside the broader hemp crackdown, Congress has introduced regulations on synthetic cannabinoids. Manufacturers will face increased oversight and testing standards. Policymakers say these changes are essential to protect public health. Hemp and wellness companies argue the rules are too broad and could threaten legitimate businesses.

4. Hemp companies given one year to adjust genetics rules

New rules give U.S. hemp companies a one-year window to transfer marijuana genetics into or out of the country before stricter restrictions take effect. Some legal ambiguity remains around tissue-culture propagation. Industry lawyers warn that many operators may unintentionally fall out of compliance. The genetics trade has become a major part of the sector’s supply chain.

5. Virginia moving toward adult-use market

The newly elected governor of Virginia supports establishing a regulated adult-use cannabis market after years of legislative deadlock. Retail licensing frameworks are set to be introduced in the upcoming session. Advocates believe Virginia could emerge as a significant East Coast market, while opponents continue to raise concerns about community safety.

6. Colorado considering expansion of intoxicating hemp products

Colorado is drafting legislation that would permit its hemp industry to continue producing intoxicating hemp products even as federal bans come into effect. This creates a potential state-versus-federal conflict similar to early recreational-cannabis battles. State leaders argue they are safeguarding jobs and innovation. Critics contend the move could weaken national regulatory consistency.

7. Crackdown on cannabis use in national parks

The U.S. Attorney for Wyoming announced intensified enforcement of federal cannabis laws on national-park lands. Even in states where cannabis is legal, federal authority takes precedence in parks and monuments. Rangers will issue citations and, in some cases, pursue charges for possession. Advocacy groups say the policy causes confusion for tourists.

8. MJBizCon 2025 product announcements

Multiple companies announced new automation, extraction, robotics, and packaging solutions set to debut at MJBizCon 2025. The surge in product launches indicates renewed industry investment despite economic pressures. Exhibitors report that efficiency-focused equipment is in highest demand. The event remains the largest global cannabis B2B conference.

9. Congress pushes further hemp-sector restrictions

Additional legislative proposals indicate Congress’s plan to significantly limit the hemp-derived THC industry. Trade groups warn that as many as 95 percent of hemp businesses might shut down within a year. Backers claim the crackdown is necessary to protect minors and ensure public safety. The bill has sparked intense lobbying efforts.

10. Federal spending bill reshapes hemp compliance

The government-funding package includes new rules for hemp testing and product categories. Operators are concerned about overlapping and unclear definitions. Legal experts say the changes will lead to many compliance checks. The industry expects major disruptions in the supply chain.

International - 10 Stories with Summaries

1. Germany tightens EU-GMP cultivar controls

German regulators indicated that cannabis cultivars will face stricter quality-control standards under EU-GMP guidelines. Producers exporting to Germany will need to update testing and documentation procedures. Importers anticipate possible supply delays. The change reflects Germany’s move toward higher medicinal-quality regulation.

2. Lawsuit challenges Munich cannabis-consumption ban

Two men in Munich filed a legal case challenging a ban on cannabis use in Englischer Garten park. They argue the ban conflicts with Germany’s partial legalization laws. The case may set a precedent for public consumption rules nationwide. Public opinion remains divided.

3. Global cannabis-vaporizer market growth projections

A new global market report predicts the cannabis-vaporizer industry will exceed $17 billion by 2032. Growth is driven by changing consumer preferences toward smoke-free options and technological advances in hardware. North America remains the largest market, while Asia-Pacific is expected to grow the fastest.

4. UNESCO cultural-policy discussions include cannabis

5. Global cultural-policy forums recently addressed cannabis within the scope of traditional, indigenous, and modern cultural practices. Delegates examined how legalization interacts with cultural identity. The discussion indicates increasing international acceptance. It also underscores tensions between cultural rights and public health policies.

6. EFSA Sets Safe Intake Level for 8-THC in Europe

The European Food Safety Authority announced that the acute reference dose previously set for 9-THC (1 μg per kg of body weight per day) will also apply to 8-THC, because of the similar potency and risk profile of these cannabinoids. This decision indicates increased regulation across European food and cannabinoid imports and might lead member states to enforce stricter controls on hemp-derived products. The move will impact companies that export cannabinoid-infused foods and beverages into the EU, requiring them to improve compliance.

7. Embrapa (Brazil) receives approval for cannabis research and seed bank. 

Brazil's national agricultural research agency has obtained permission from its health regulator to study cannabis plants, including establishing a seed bank and developing industrial and medicinal types of cannabis and hemp fiber. The project is publicly funded and sets the stage for longer-term cultivation research, import/export opportunities, and future commercial applications. Although recreational use remains illegal, this decision marks a significant shift for Latin America's largest economy.

8. Europe’s largest cannabis B2B conference announced return to Berlin (ICBC 2026)

A major industry event, billed as Europe’s largest cannabis business-to-business conference, announced it will return to Berlin in April 2026, highlighting Germany and the EU as growth hubs for the legal cannabis supply chain. The announcement signals increasing business momentum in European cannabis markets, especially for licensed exports, compliance services, and ancillary technologies. Companies are already planning exhibit and partnership strategies aligned with the event.

9. Germany tightens prescribing rules for medical cannabis (Bundesrat backs restrictions)

Germany’s upper house approved proposals that make prescribing medical cannabis more restrictive and rejected mail-order cannabis distribution. The changes reflect a recalibration of Germany’s regulatory framework as the country balances adult-use liberalization, medical access, and public health concerns. Licensed medical operators and exporters may need to adjust their compliance and distribution strategies accordingly.

10.  UK medical cannabis industry still lacks domestic cultivation base

A UK-focused analysis states that building a real medical cannabis industry in the UK requires domestic cultivation, as relying on imports weakens industry stability and regulatory trust. The report argues that without local GMP-certified production, the UK cannot develop a strong supply chain or a competitive export platform. Strategic investors are watching to see if the UK government will support policy changes for cultivation.

11.  Alternative International replacement: Switzerland moves ahead with pilot adult-use market model

Switzerland advanced regulatory plans for a state-controlled adult-use cannabis pilot scheme, positioning itself as a testing ground for continental Europe. The model emphasizes licensed clubs, strict quality control, and controlled supply to minimize illicit market risks. The announcement indicates that European regulators are becoming more open to experimenting with adult-use frameworks.

12.  Mexico’s broader industry-narrative review marks 2025 as end of novelty era and start of maturity

A thought leadership article states that 2025 will mark the end of the “green-wave novelty” phase of the cannabis industry and the beginning of a mature operating era characterized by scientific evidence, regulatory rigor, operational efficiency, and global integration. It emphasizes Latin America’s role in connecting supply to North America and Europe, and asserts that multichannel, cross-border players will succeed.

Despite covering just a week’s worth of headlines, the volume and scope of movement across global cannabis markets indicate a sector in rapid transition. Canada continues to mature and consolidate, the United States is reshaping the future of hemp-derived cannabinoids through aggressive federal policy changes, and international markets are evolving through increased research, tighter regulations, and early-stage adult-use pilot programs. These developments are converging at a crucial moment, especially with MJBizCon 2025 energizing the industry and driving innovation, compliance, and operational excellence. Looking ahead, the companies that remain agile, informed, and adaptable will be best positioned to navigate the upcoming waves of regulatory and market change.