With all the latest developments in the cannabis industry, staying in-the-know is a challenge. That’s why we’ve curated the best insights from around the world into one easy-to-read article for you.
Missed out on Cannabis Europa?
EUROPEAN CANNABIS UPDATES
- From June 19–22, Berlin welcomed an astounding 65,000 attendees to Mary Jane—now considered the world’s largest cannabis-themed festival. Held annually, it showcases a fusion of product exhibitions, live music, educational panels on policy and health, and community networking opportunities. It reflects the growing public engagement with cannabis culture in Germany and across Europe. This vlog by content creator, Pott Planter, offers a glimpse of the event.
- Bloom—the U.S. vape brand known for its terpene-rich and flavor-forward cannabis vape cartridges—is preparing its UK entry in early 2026 by partnering with New Garden Pharma, a European EU‑GMP certified producer. This exclusive manufacturing deal ensures Bloom’s Classic and Live vape lines can launch compliantly and scalably in the first quarter of 2026, marking Bloom’s first expansion beyond North America
- New Zealand‑based Puro has signed a substantial supply contract with UK pharmaceutical distributor IPS Pharma valued at NZ$15.8 million (approximately £7 million). Under the deal, Puro will export medical cannabis products to the UK and other European markets, leveraging its cultivation and processing capabilities to meet global demand for medicinal cannabis that is expected to increase from US$47billion to US$149 billion by 2031.
- Canadian cannabis company Aurora has introduced two high‑potency cannabis flower varieties — specifically, “Farm Gas” (27% THC, <1% CBD, bred from Sour Diesel & GMO genetics) and “Sourdough” (29% THC, <1% CBD, bred from Cake & Diesel genetics) — to the Polish medical market. These offerings are intended to meet the needs of patients requiring elevated THC levels for therapeutic purposes, demonstrating Aurora’s continued commitment to expanding its European medical presence. Farm Gas will be available for prescription on June 30 2025, followed by Sourdough in early August 2025.
- Master distributor Dalgety has partnered with Curaleaf Laboratories in a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening Dalgety’s product portfolio. Curaleaf will provide pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products to Dalgety, supporting the latter’s distribution efforts across Europe and boosting its capacity in regulated medical markets.
- On June 24, Tilray Medical secured a groundbreaking first-ever approval from Italy’s Ministry of Health to import and distribute its EU‑GMP‑certified cannabis flower for therapeutic use. The authorization covers three THC‑dominant strains — 25%, 18%, and a balanced 9% THC / 9% CBD blend — available via Italian pharmacies.
- On May 30, the Czech parliament passed a reform legalizing the domestic cultivation of up to three cannabis plants per adult, along with possession limits of 100 g at home and 25 g in public. The law also legalizes therapeutic psilocybin use and alternative sentencing for non‑violent offenses. Implementation is expected in January 2026, pending Senate and presidential approval
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued updated guidance advising CBD businesses to aim for a provisional acceptable daily intake of 10 mg CBD and a safe upper limit of 0.07 mg THC per day — though these remain advisory rather than mandatory — while enforcing a legal cap of 1 mg THC per container, above which products need a Controlled Drugs Licence. It’s now allowing limited reformulation of existing products on its Public List to comply with these safety benchmarks and updating labelling requirements with consumption warnings and ingredient origin details. A 12‑week consultation will precede final approvals, with full authorisations expected by autumn 2026.
On June 2, Ukraine’s State Medical Service granted its first-ever permit to import medical cannabis substances, specifically full-spectrum oils from Curaleaf, following their registration in Ukraine’s State Register in January 2025. Returns on packaging, storage, and pharmacy licensing are still pending, with full rollout expected as part of a magistral pharmacy model.
French cannabis insight publishers Newsweed and Augur Associates have joined forces to release an in-depth report analyzing France’s cannabis market landscape. The collaboration aims to deliver strategic intelligence on market growth, regulatory frameworks, and consumer trends—helping stakeholders navigate future opportunities in the French medical and adult-use space. The report is available free to download.
GLOBAL CANNABIS UPDATES
- Josh Kesselman, the founder of RAW rolling papers, has acquired High Times magazine for $3.5 million following the publication’s cessation in 2024 under mounting debt, operational collapse and scandal. This transaction marks a pivotal transformation for the iconic cannabis media brand, now under new ownership aimed at revitalizing its legacy.
- Boxing legend Mike Tyson — alongside NBA and NFL athletes — joined a coalition urging Donald Trump to advance cannabis reform that President Biden failed to enact. In a letter to the White House, the group advocated for clemency for nonviolent offenders, cannabis reclassification from Schedule I to III, and equitable banking access for cannabis businesses, with Tyson sharing his personal recovery story.
- As of July 1, California raised its cannabis excise tax from 15% to 19%, hitting the maximum under a trigger clause tied to revenue shortfalls. Industry stakeholders warn that the hike could push consumers toward illicit markets and threaten legal operators already burdened by heavy regulation
- Texas Senate Bill 3, which aimed to outlaw all THC‑containing hemp products, was vetoed by Governor Abbott due to constitutional concerns. Under the veto, the state will instead pursue regulated frameworks — such as age restrictions, labeling rules, and child-safe packaging — marking a significant win for the hemp industry
- A recent PubMed study found that CBD and its variant CBDV exhibit strong fungicidal effects against pathogens like Cryptococcus neoformans. These compounds disrupted membrane integrity, inhibited biofilm formation, and reduced virulence factors in vitro, while also showcasing efficacy in an in vivo burn-wound insect model, underscoring their potential for antifungal drug development
- A global systematic review has been published evaluating the use of medicinal cannabis in mental health treatment. It examines evidence for alleviating symptoms like anxiety, PTSD, and depression, while also evaluating risks—such as dependency or psychosis. The study calls for larger, controlled trials to establish clinical efficacy and standardized prescribing practices.
- Australia’s New South Wales government has acknowledged that current cannabis laws, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities, are unsustainable. Officials have signaled that reform is inevitable, likely encompassing decriminalization measures, reduced penalties for possession, and enhanced access for therapeutic use under regulated frameworks.
Recent Thai government announcements requiring medical prescriptions for cannabis purchases starting July 2025 have unsettled the local industry. The move comes after mass seizures — such as a 73 kg haul at Suvarnabhumi airport — and growing concerns over public misuse. Both domestic producers and tourism-focused businesses are reassessing operations in light of stricter policy enforcement — some surmise this could even push businesses to operate underground.
Come Meet Us in Person!
📅 The Cannabis Calendar 2025: For the month of July, we are not attending any industry events in Europe. But from August onwards, you can catch us at these must-attend events!
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