The Cannabis Market Pulse Oct 6th to 12th

Between October 6 and October 12, 2025, the global cannabis landscape witnessed a flurry of developments, from shifting regulatory frameworks and enforcement crackdowns to major financial turnarounds and public health debates. In Canada, retail strikes, recall alerts, and corporate earnings painted a dynamic, and sometimes turbulent, panorama of the legal market’s growth and growing pains. In the United States, federal inaction on rescheduling, state-level policy maneuvers, and corporate innovations in hemp-derived products dominated headlines. Meanwhile, abroad, countries moved both toward tighter control (Germany, Thailand) and bolder reform (Czechia, Malta, Nepal), illustrating the widely divergent paths cannabis policy can still take in 2025.

Below is a comprehensive summary of the top 10 stories from Canada, the U.S., and international (excluding Canada & the U.S.), with a mix of policy, business, science, enforcement, and social justice angles.

Canada

1. BCGEU Expands Strike to All BC Cannabis Stores (October 8, 2025) – The B.C. The General Employees’ Union broadened its strike to include all 40 government-run BC Cannabis Stores in a push for higher wages. The expanded job action, which began in September, intensified pressure on the provincial government and temporarily disrupted cannabis distribution and retail services across British Columbia.

2. Health Canada Recalls Cannabis Gummies Over Mislabelled THC (October 6, 2025) – Health Canada issued a nationwide recall of Potluck “Chillows” THC-infused gummies (Wintermint and Cinnamon flavors) after discovering actual THC content exceeded labeled amounts. The recall spanned products sold in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and B.C., with some pouches containing over 10 mg of THC each, raising concerns about dosing and prompting authorities to urge consumers to return or dispose of them safely.

3. AGLC Launches ‘4 in 20’ Cannabis Education Campaign (October 6, 2025) – Alberta’s gaming and liquor agency (AGLC) rolled out a public education initiative called “4 in 20,” featuring expert Q&As to debunk cannabis myths and promote safe use. Part of the Cannabis Sense program, the campaign uses short videos with healthcare professionals, researchers, and law enforcement to address topics like underage use, impaired driving, and harm reduction.

4. Ontario Cannabis Store Announces 2025 Social Impact Fund Partners (October 10, 2025) – The OCS (Ontario’s cannabis wholesaler) revealed the recipients of its 2025 Social Impact Fund, allocating over $527,000 to community projects and research related to cannabis. Funded initiatives include university programs on safer use, a recycling program for cannabis packaging, youth-led education projects, and culturally grounded harm-reduction campaigns – all aimed at fostering social responsibility in the cannabis sector.

5. Tilray Reports First Quarterly Profit in Years (October 9, 2025) – Canadian producer Tilray Brands, Inc. announced a net income of US$1.5 million for fiscal Q1 2026 – its first positive net income since 2018. Tilray’s revenue hit $209.5 million in the quarter, driven by growth in Canadian adult-use and international medical cannabis sales. The surprise profit, following a significant loss in the previous quarter, was driven by cost efficiencies and diversified revenue (beverage alcohol, wellness products, etc.), marking a milestone in the company’s turnaround efforts.

6. Organigram Launches Hemp-Derived THC Products in U.S. (October 9, 2025) – New Brunswick-based Organigram Global debuted “happly,” its third hemp-derived THC brand aimed at the U.S. market. The product line features low-dose THC gummies (2.5 mg THC each) enhanced with functional ingredients – caffeine (“Socialize”), L-theanine (“Relax”), and CBN/CBD/chamomile (“Sleep”) – using a nanoemulsion for faster onset. Organigram’s move, via federally legal hemp THC, reflects a strategy to enter the U.S. wellness market ahead of any federal legalization.

7. Cannabis NB Posts $100 Million Annual Sales (October 12, 2025) – New Brunswick’s provincial retailer Cannabis NB reported sales of $100.9 million and a net income of $23.1 million for fiscal 2024–25. This 7.6% sales increase over the prior year enabled a $18.7 million dividend to provincial programs. Dried flower remained the top category (about 50% of sales), but concentrates (33%) and edibles (7%) also grew. Cannabis NB opened its 30th store and hosted consumer education expos during the year, as the province’s legal market continued steady growth.

8. Major Illicit Dispensary Reopens After Raids in Ontario (October 7, 2025) – Chief’s Corner, an unlicensed cannabis shop in London, Ontario, reopened to customers despite being raided and shut down twice in recent months. The OPP’s Cannabis Enforcement Team had seized products and laid charges in August and September, but the dispensary – linked to an Indigenous owner – defiantly resumed operations, sparking debate over enforcement and the persistence of the grey market .

9. Seven Charged in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Cannabis Bust (October 9, 2025) – Police in Tyendinaga (Ontario) arrested seven individuals. They seized over 72,000 illicit cannabis plants (valued at $122 million) during raids targeting illegal grow-ops. None of those charged were members of the Mohawk community. The bust, one of the largest in the area, underscored ongoing tensions between law enforcement and unlicensed growers in Indigenous territories, as well as concerns about outsiders exploiting those lands for illegal cannabis production.

10. Former Cannabis Facility Eyed as AI Data Center (October 10, 2025) – A vacant Aurora Cannabis grow facility in Saskatoon, once Canada’s first licensed producer site (formerly CanniMed), has been proposed for conversion into an artificial intelligence data hub. Local investors pitched the 130,000-square-foot property – shut down by Aurora in 2020 – as an ideal data center given its power infrastructure and ample acreage. The plan highlights how some failed cannabis assets are being repurposed for tech industry uses, amid Canada’s oversupply-driven facility closures.

United States

1. DEA Rescheduling Review Still Stalled (October 7, 2025). The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reported that the process to reschedule cannabis (from Schedule I to III) potentially remains “pending” with no action yet by the new DEA Administrator. Despite the DEA chief’s pledge to prioritize the issue – and President Trump’s August statement that a decision was imminent – no timeline has been set. The rescheduling proposal has been tied up by administrative appeals since an HHS recommendation in 2023, leaving federal cannabis status unchanged for now.

2. GOP Senator Floats ‘Opt-In’ Federal Legalization with Tax (October 10, 2025) – Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) proposed a novel framework to federally legalize marijuana by letting each state “opt in” and imposing a federal excise tax. Tillis – who insists he’s “not an anti-cannabis person” – suggested banning flavored products and Chinese imports, and cited concerns over a tribal dispensary in his state operating despite North Carolina’s prohibition. His comments signal bipartisan interest in shifting from an outright federal ban to a state-driven regulatory approach, paired with nationwide taxation.

3. Target Begins Selling THC Beverages in Minnesota (October 10, 2025) – Big-box retailer Target rolled out a pilot program offering THC-infused cannabis drinks at 10 stores in Minnesota, where hemp-derived THC edibles are legal. About a dozen brands – such as Cann, Wyld, and Trail Magic – are now on shelves in the Minneapolis area. This mainstream foray into cannabis comes as Congress debates tightening rules on hemp THC products, highlighting the rapid normalization of low-dose THC beverages in retail and their potential vulnerability if federal law changes.

4. Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates Clash on Cannabis (October 10, 2025) – In a Virginia governor debate, candidates Abigail Spanberger (D) and Winsome Earle-Sears (R) sparred over marijuana policy. Spanberger, a former federal agent, reiterated her support for establishing a regulated adult-use market with transparency and enforcement to keep communities safe. Earle-Sears, the GOP nominee, defended the current administration’s opposition to retail sales – voicing zero tolerance as a business owner and warning that workers impaired on cannabis could “blow everything up” when dealing with heavy machinery or utilities. The exchange underscored that Virginia’s path forward on cannabis (legalized for possession but not yet sales) hinges on November’s election outcome.

5. Trump’s Drug Czar Nominee Sidesteps Marijuana Questions (October 9, 2025) – During confirmation, President Trump’s pick for White House “Drug Czar,” former Florida AG Pam Bondi, largely dodged senators’ questions on federal cannabis reform. She declined to commit to rescheduling or endorsing legalization, even as she acknowledged medical marijuana’s potential. The Senate committee advanced her nomination amid bipartisan frustration. Advocates worry that a drug czar reluctant to engage on cannabis policy could slow federal progress, despite growing public and state-level support for reform.

6. Ohio Governor Bans High-THC Hemp Products for 90 Days (October 9, 2025) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered a 90-day emergency ban on the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived products (like Delta-8 THC edibles) that mimic candy. Citing the lack of testing requirements and child safety risks, state officials moved to crack down on high-THC hemp items being sold outside the regulated marijuana market. The ban – enacted via executive order – came as Ohio also launched legal recreational cannabis sales, and reflects broader efforts to close the “Delta-8 loophole” that exists in federal law.

7. Poll: Americans Say Cannabis is Healthier Than Alcohol (October 8, 2025) – A new national poll found 60%+ of Americans view marijuana as a “healthier option” than alcohol, and a majority believe federal legalization will happen within five years. The survey, conducted by Marijuana Moment and partners, underscores shifting public attitudes – with many respondents also unimpressed by President Trump’s actions on cannabis to date. This perception aligns with trends in consumption, as some Americans substitute cannabis for booze, and adds pressure on lawmakers who have lagged behind public opinion.

8. Veterans and Advocates Lobby Congress for Reform (October 2025) – In early October, military veteran groups and criminal justice advocates converged on Capitol Hill to urge cannabis reforms. In bipartisan meetings, they pressed lawmakers to support bills easing access to medical marijuana for veterans and expunging records for past offenses. Organizers highlighted rare unity across the political spectrum on these issues, emphasizing that easing federal restrictions could aid PTSD treatment and undo the injustices of prohibition. The lobbying effort coincided with a broader push in Congress to include cannabis banking and research measures in end-of-year legislation.

9. Florida Moves to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients’ Rights (October 2025) – Florida State Senator Tina Polsky (D) introduced bills aimed for the 2026 session to bar discrimination against state-legal medical cannabis patients. The proposed laws would prohibit employers from firing or refusing to hire patients due to positive marijuana tests and prevent child welfare authorities from penalizing parents for lawful MMJ use. With over 800,000 Floridians enrolled in the medical program, the measures aim to strengthen patient protections as the state anticipates a likely 2024 vote on adult-use legalization.

10. Texas Industry Pushes Back on Proposed Hemp Rules (October 10, 2025) – Texas hemp growers and CBD businesses objected to “heavy-handed” regulations floated by state officials that would strictly limit THC content in hemp products. In an October meeting with regulators, industry stakeholders warned the rules – which target Delta-8 THC and other semi-synthetic cannabinoids – could hurt farmers and retailers. They urged a more lenient approach to avoid stifling Texas’s young hemp market. State authorities, however, cite consumer safety in considering a more rigid stance as unregulated THC analogs proliferate.

International

1. Germany Restricts Medical Cannabis Prescriptions and Delivery (October 8, 2025) – The German Cabinet approved draft amendments to the Medical Cannabis Act, aiming to curb a surge in cannabis imports since Germany legalized adult use in 2024. The reforms would require in-person doctor visits for cannabis prescriptions (banning telemedicine-only prescriptions) and prohibit mail-order sales, allowing distribution only through pharmacies with proper consultation. Health Minister Nina Warken said these steps are needed to ensure medical cannabis isn’t misused for recreational purposes, though patient advocates fear rural patients may struggle with access.

2. American Athlete Faces Death Penalty in Indonesia for Cannabis (October 2025) – Jarred Shaw, a 35-year-old U.S. basketball player, is facing a possible death sentence in Indonesia after being arrested for receiving 132 cannabis-infused gummies by mail to treat his Crohn’s disease. Shaw, who played professionally in Indonesia, was caught in a May sting and charged with drug trafficking. He has languished in Jakarta detention for months and spoken out about using cannabis medicinally. Still, Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws (which have executed foreigners in the past) mean he could be sentenced to life in prison or execution by firing squad for the THC candies – a case drawing comparisons to Brittney Griner’s ordeal and highlighting Asia’s harsh penalties for cannabis.

3. Thailand Moves to Recriminalize Cannabis, Alarming Industry (October 2025) – Thailand’s new government has reversed course on cannabis liberalization, with the Health Ministry issuing rules to restrict use to medical purposes only and pledging to re-list cannabis as a narcotic. The policy U-turn – coming three years after Thailand became Asia’s first country to decriminalize marijuana – has plunged the booming $1 billion cannabis industry into limbo. Thousands of cannabis cafes and shops that opened since 2022 now face uncertain futures, as officials cite concerns about youth use and an unregulated free-for-all. Business owners and investors, stunned by the abrupt shift, warn that trying to “put the genie back in the bottle” will be chaotic and likely met with resistance, given cannabis’s newfound popularity among locals and tourists.

4. Morocco’s Legal Cannabis Farms Struggle Against Black Market (July 29, 2025). In Morocco’s Rif Mountains, a growing number of farmers have joined the legal medical cannabis industry since the country legalized cultivation for therapeutic use in 2022. About 5,000 farmers are licensed, and legal output jumped to 4,200 tons last year. However, Morocco’s centuries-old illegal hashish trade still vastly overshadows the legal market – with an estimated 27,000+ hectares under illicit cultivation (vs. ~5,800 ha legal) and far higher profits on the black market. Strict rules and low prices for legal growers (cooperatives pay only ~50 dirhams/kg of raw plant) deter many from switching to the licensed system. Officials hope legal exports and eventual recreational reforms might tip the balance. Still, so far, the lure of smuggling to Europe at much greater profit continues to undermine Morocco’s transition to a regulated cannabis economy.

5. Australian Health Bodies Warn of ‘Excessive’ Cannabis Prescribing (Oct 14, 2025) – Australia’s top medical associations sounded an alarm over the country’s rapidly expanding medicinal cannabis sector, claiming it’s “poorly regulated” and overly lenient. In a letter to the federal Health Minister, the Australian Medical Association and Pharmacy Guild cited coercive marketing practices by cannabis clinics and thousands of high-THC products being prescribed without proper oversight. They noted a 5,000%+ increase in patients over five years. They reported cases of cannabis being recommended for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, or depression, where evidence is weak and risks may outweigh benefits. The groups urged immediate, tighter rules (for example, suspending ultra-high potency THC oils) and better training for doctors, warning that some vulnerable patients are experiencing serious adverse effects under the laissez-faire approach.

6. Switzerland Opens Public Consultation on Cannabis Legalization (September 7, 2025) – The Swiss government launched a three-month public consultation on a draft law to legalize adult-use cannabis nationally. The proposal, approved by the cabinet in July, would allow regulated sales through non-profit “cannabis clubs” and licensed shops, with measures such as: adults permitted to grow three plants, a 50-75 gram personal possession limit, bans on advertising and vertical integration, THC sales caps, and an “incentive tax” to keep prices high. Switzerland (which already runs pilot cannabis clubs in several cities) is not in the EU, giving it flexibility to proceed. Officials emphasize public health and youth protection in the model. If the law advances through Parliament after the consultation (ending Dec 1, 2025), Switzerland could join Germany, Malta, and others at the forefront of cannabis reform in Europe, potentially implementing the new system by 2026.

7. Nepal’s Gandaki Province Drafts Cannabis Farming Bill (August 7, 2025) – A provincial government in Nepal introduced a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana cultivation for medical and industrial purposes. The Gandaki Province draft law sets strict conditions: only Nepali citizens can obtain grow licenses (or partnerships with majority Nepali ownership), a licensing fee structure ranging from NPR 5,000 up to NPR 5 million (≈ USD $40 to $38,000) depending on the activity, and a ban on anyone under 18 participating in the business. The move adds momentum to Nepal’s broader discussion of ending its decades-old cannabis ban – earlier this year, the federal government also debated a bill to legalize medical marijuana, reflecting how Himalayan regions are reconsidering cannabis, once a traditional crop, as a potential economic opportunity.

8. Czech Republic Readies Adult-Use Cannabis Market for 2026 – Czech officials are finalizing plans to introduce a regulated recreational cannabis market, set to launch January 1, 2026, pending final legislation. The reform, backed by the Czech cabinet, is expected to legalize limited personal possession and home cultivation, and establish licensed shops or clubs. Czechia (which already permits medical use and has tolerated small-scale personal possession) aims to join Germany and Malta in rolling out legal sales. In late 2025, lawmakers were ironing out details like licensing and tax rates. Once implemented, the Czech Republic’s model – including possible cooperation with Germany – will make it one of the first EU countries with nationwide adult-use cannabis commerce, targeting the black market and generating tax revenue.

9. Colombia to Allow Cannabis Flower Sales in Pharmacies (Draft Decree – July 30, 2025) – Colombia’s Justice Ministry unveiled a draft decree that, for the first time, would let pharmacies dispense medical cannabis flower to patients with a prescription. Currently, patients in Colombia can access oils and extracts, but not dried flowers. Under the proposal, authorized patients (e.g., those with chronic pain, sleep disorders, Parkinson’s, or MS) could buy and smoke/vape cannabis buds from drugstores. This regulatory change – expected to be finalized in late 2025 – builds on Colombia’s 2016 medical marijuana law and its burgeoning cannabis export industry. It represents a significant expansion of domestic access and reflects Colombia’s bid to leverage its ideal cultivation climate by normalizing medical cannabis at home (not just growing for export).

10. Malta’s First Cannabis Clubs in Operation (2025) – Malta, the first EU country to legalize personal cannabis use, saw its initial non-profit “cannabis clubs” begin serving members during the year. By early 2025, at least two associations (such as KDD Society) had obtained licenses and fully opened, allowing registered adult members to purchase up to 7 grams per day (50 g per month) of cannabis on-site. Malta’s model forbids conventional retail stores – instead requiring clubs to operate on a membership basis with strict non-profit rules. The clubs also provide seeds for home growers. The rollout experienced some delays (the law passed in 2021, clubs launched in 2024), but by late 2025, the system will be active. Malta’s cautious approach is being watched by other European nations as a possible template for regulated access while complying with international conventions.

Conclusion

The week of October 6 to 12, 2025, underscored just how fragmented and fast-moving the global cannabis landscape remains. In Canada, the legal market continued to mature under the dual pressures of regulation and competition, revealing both profitability and persistent structural challenges. South of the border, U.S. lawmakers wrestled with federal inaction while state and retail experimentation pushed the industry forward despite Washington gridlock. Abroad, contrasting headlines—from Thailand’s recriminalization to Switzerland’s cautious path toward legalization—demonstrated that there is no single trajectory for reform, only regional adaptations to shifting public attitudes and economic incentives.

Taken together, these stories capture an industry in transition: one that is increasingly mainstream, yet still defined by its regulatory uncertainty. The next few months will show whether governments can balance public health and market opportunity, or whether 2025 will go down as another year of stalled progress and uneven reform across the global cannabis ecosystem.