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The Global Cannabis Market 2024: Key Insights & Trends

The Global Cannabis Market 2024: Key Insights & Trends

Medical Cannabis Entrepreneurs

The global cannabis industry is experiencing dynamic changes in legalisation, market expansion, and medical cannabis accessibility. Businesses and investors must stay informed about policy shifts, emerging markets, and growth opportunities.

At Medicexum, we provide expert analysis of the medical cannabis landscape. This article explores key trends, international regulatory updates, and future growth projections shaping the cannabis sector in 2024.

1. Expanding Global Cannabis Markets

The cannabis market is forecasted to grow from $38.6 billion in 2024 to $55.3 billion by 2028, with Europe, Latin America, and Africa seeing rapid expansion.

Key Market Trends:

  • Policy Reforms: Countries like Germany, Brazil, and South Africa lead the way in legalisation and regulatory frameworks.

  • Growing Medical Cannabis Accessibility: Telemedicine services continue to enhance patient access in the UK, Germany, and Australia.

  • Increase in Global Trade: Canada, Colombia, and Portugal are ramping up medical cannabis exports.

  • Market Mergers & Acquisitions: Industry consolidation is reshaping competitive landscapes.

2. Europe: Rising as a Medical Cannabis Hub

Germany’s Market Growth

Germany is Europe’s largest medical cannabis market, recording 20.1 tonnes of imports in Q3 2024, marking a 140% year-on-year increase. Changes in regulations have simplified access to medical prescriptions and treatments.

The UK’s Expanding Sector

The UK medical cannabis industry is forecasted to grow from $255 million in 2024 to $570 million by 2028. While accessibility is improving, import restrictions and limited specialist prescribers remain challenges. Domestic production is gaining traction, led by Curaleaf and Celadon Pharmaceuticals.

Other European Developments

  • Czech Republic: Exploring a commercial cannabis market.

  • France: Extended medical cannabis trials with uncertain long-term legislation.

  • Poland: Medical cannabis market tripled in size, but new restrictions on telemedicine could slow momentum.

3. North America: Mature Yet Evolving Market

United States Developments

The US market faces ongoing challenges in federal legalisation, but several trends are notable:

  • New York & New Jersey: Rapid adult-use market expansion.

  • Florida & Pennsylvania: Leading in medical cannabis sales.

  • California & Colorado: Experiencing market saturation & price compression.

Canada’s Export Focus

Canada continues to be a major cannabis exporter, particularly to Germany, while domestic sales decline due to increased competition.

4. Latin America: A Key Export Region

Colombia & Brazil Drive International Trade

Colombia’s medical cannabis exports grew 28.6% in 2023, with Brazil emerging as its largest importer. Brazil’s recent decriminalisation of personal cultivation signals a shift towards domestic production.

Other LATAM Markets

  • Argentina: Exported 730kg of cannabis flower to Germany & Portugal.

  • Mexico: Faces regulatory uncertainty despite favourable Supreme Court rulings.

5. Africa: Building a Global Presence

South Africa’s Growing Industry

South Africa leads Africa’s medical cannabis sector with over 70 licensed production facilities. Exports to Europe and Australia are rising, though quality control remains a challenge.

Morocco’s Market Entry

Morocco issued 3,000 cultivation licenses in 2024, aiming to supply European markets. The country is transitioning from the illicit trade to regulated exports.

6. Asia: Emerging Potential

  • Japan: Legalised pharmaceutical cannabis in December 2024.

  • Thailand: Grappling with market regulation issues.

  • South Korea & China: Maintaining strict anti-cannabis policies.

7. Oceania: A Medical Cannabis Boom

Australia’s Expanding Market

Australia’s medical cannabis sector is projected to exceed $1.2 billion by 2028.

  • Telehealth clinics drive patient numbers, but government scrutiny increases.

  • Imports hit a record 42.1 tonnes in 2023, mainly from Canada.

New Zealand’s Export Growth

New Zealand relaxed export regulations in 2024, allowing international cannabis sales, particularly to Germany & Australia.

Conclusion: Industry Growth & Future Outlook

The cannabis industry is undergoing transformative change, with new legal markets, increased exports, and technological advancements shaping the future. Businesses must adapt to evolving regulations and consumer demands to remain competitive.

For expert insights into medical cannabis trends, follow Medicexum as we track the latest industry developments and market opportunities.

Cannabis Cultivation Market 2025: Growth Trends, Key Players, and Future Outlook

Cannabis Cultivation Market 2025: Growth Trends, Key Players, and Future Outlook

Medical Cannabis Entrepreneurs

The global cannabis cultivation market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by increasing legalisation, medical acceptance, and rising consumer demand. According to a recent market report, the industry is expected to grow from $179.32 billion in 2024 to $208.64 billion in 2025, marking a CAGR of 16.3%. By 2029, the market is forecasted to reach $407.91 billion, reflecting a CAGR of 18.2%.

This growth presents exciting opportunities for cannabis cultivators, investors, and businesses across the supply chain. Let’s explore the key drivers, emerging trends, and leading companies shaping the cannabis industry in 2025.

Key Factors Driving the Cannabis Cultivation Market Growth

1. Expanding Legalisation and Regulatory Changes

The global legal cannabis market is flourishing as more countries and states legalise medical and recreational cannabis. The relaxation of cannabis regulations has spurred investment in cultivation operations, leading to higher production and wider market accessibility.

2. Increasing Medical Cannabis Adoption

Medicinal cannabis is gaining acceptance as a treatment for various conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety disorders. This increasing demand for therapeutic cannabis products is driving cultivation expansion to meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers.

3. Growing Consumer Demand for Cannabis Products

With consumer attitudes shifting in favour of cannabis use, the demand for premium-quality cannabis products—such as flowers, oils, edibles, and topicals—continues to grow. According to research, 43% of young adults in the U.S. reported using cannabis in 2021, with 11% consuming it daily.

Emerging Trends in Cannabis Cultivation

1. Advanced Cultivation Technologies

The cannabis sector is embracing innovative growing techniques such as Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), hydroponics, and vertical farming to enhance yield efficiency and product consistency. These technologies help cultivators optimise production while minimising environmental impact.

2. Global Market Expansion

With Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America opening up to cannabis legalisation, many North American companies are seeking international expansion opportunities. This trend is expected to fuel strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions in the global cannabis industry.

3. Diversification of Cannabis Products

The cannabis market is moving beyond traditional dried flower sales to introduce edibles, beverages, concentrates, and wellness-focused CBD products. This diversification allows brands to cater to different consumer segments, from recreational users to medical patients.

Top Cannabis Cultivation Companies to Watch in 2025

Several leading cannabis companies are driving industry growth and innovation. Here are some of the key players in global cannabis cultivation:

  • Pacific Cannabis Growers – Specialises in large-scale, sustainable cannabis farming.
  • Atlas Growers – Focuses on premium medical cannabis production and research.
  • CannTrust – A well-established name in both the medical and recreational cannabis markets.
  • The Hydropothecary Corporation – Recognised for innovative product development and advanced cultivation techniques.
  • Better Holdings – Dedicated to producing organic, high-quality cannabis strains.

These companies are leading the way in cannabis production, innovation, and global expansion, setting the tone for the industry’s future.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Cannabis Cultivation Industry?

The cannabis industry in 2025 and beyond is set to witness continued growth, increased product diversity, and greater acceptance worldwide. As governments introduce favourable regulations and investment in R&D accelerates, we can expect higher-quality cannabis products and enhanced cultivation techniques.

With strong market projections, increasing demand, and advancing cultivation technologies, now is the time for businesses to capitalise on the booming cannabis sector.

Final Thoughts

As the global cannabis cultivation market surges past $400 billion by 2029, staying informed about industry trends, market opportunities, and key players is crucial for stakeholders.

If you’re a cannabis cultivator, investor, or entrepreneur looking to enter or expand in the market, leveraging emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and consumer demand will be key to success.

For more in-depth market insights, check out the full Cannabis Cultivation Market Report 2025 here.

Medical Cannabis Flower Specification in the UK: Regulations, Testing & Compliance

Medical Cannabis Flower Specification in the UK: Regulations, Testing & Compliance

Medical Cannabis Entrepreneurs

 

Medical cannabis has become an important therapeutic option in the UK, with strict regulations governing its quality and safety. The British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) set the microbial, chemical, and physical quality standards that medical cannabis flower must meet before it can be prescribed and dispensed to patients.

Understanding UK Medical Cannabis Regulations

In the UK, medical cannabis is regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, which classify cannabis-based products as Schedule II Controlled Drugs. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Home Office oversee its importation, production, and distribution.

The quality of medical cannabis flower is primarily assessed according to European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) standards, particularly Ph. Eur. 5.1.8 (Category B) for microbiological quality, as it applies to inhaled herbal medicinal products.

Microbiological Specifications:

Ph. Eur. 5.1.4 vs. Ph. Eur. 5.1.8B

Medical cannabis must meet stringent microbiological specifications to ensure patient safety. Two key standards apply:

Ph. Eur. 5.1.4 – Microbiological Quality of Non-Sterile Pharmaceutical Preparations

This standard applies to general non-sterile pharmaceutical products such as oral and topical medicines. It provides limits for microbial contamination but is less strict than 5.1.8B as it is not specifically designed for inhaled herbal products.

  • Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC): ≤ 10⁴ CFU/g
  • Total Yeasts and Moulds Count (TYMC): ≤ 10² CFU/g
  • Escherichia coli: Absent in 1g
  • Salmonella spp.: Absent in 10g

Ph. Eur. 5.1.8B – Microbiological Quality of Herbal Medicinal Products for Inhalation

This standard is specifically designed for herbal products that are inhaled, such as medical cannabis, and has stricter microbial limits to prevent respiratory infections.

  • Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC): ≤ 10³ CFU/g
  • Total Yeasts and Moulds Count (TYMC): ≤ 10² CFU/g
  • Escherichia coli: Absent in 1g
  • Salmonella spp.: Absent in 10g
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Absent in 1g
  • Staphylococcus aureus: Absent in 1g
  • Bile-tolerant Gram-negative bacteria (BTGN): ≤ 10² CFU/g

Key Differences Between Ph. Eur. 5.1.4 and 5.1.8B

Feature Ph. Eur. 5.1.4 Ph. Eur. 5.1.8B
Applicability Non-sterile pharmaceutical products Herbal medicinal products for inhalation
TAMC Limit ≤ 10⁴ CFU/g ≤ 10³ CFU/g
Pathogen Testing E. coli & Salmonella E. coli, Salmonella, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus
Stricter Standards? No Yes (due to inhalation risks)

Quality and Testing Standards for Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis flower must meet strict criteria across several quality points, including microbial limits, cannabinoid content, and contaminant thresholds.

Cannabinoid and Terpene Content

The potency and consistency of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids) must be accurately tested and labeled. The expected ranges are:

  • THC Content: Must be within ±10% of the declared value.
  • CBD Content: Must also remain within ±10% of the declared specification.
  • Terpenes: Profile must be tested to confirm authenticity and therapeutic potential.

Heavy Metals and Pesticides

Cannabis flower must be free from harmful contaminants, with maximum allowable limits as per Ph. Eur. guidelines:

  • Heavy Metals:
    • Arsenic (As) ≤ 1.5 ppm
    • Lead (Pb) ≤ 5.0 ppm
    • Mercury (Hg) ≤ 0.1 ppm
    • Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 0.5 ppm
  • Pesticide Residues: Must comply with stringent limits set by the European Pharmacopoeia and MHRA.

GMP Compliance and Batch Testing

Each batch of medical cannabis must undergo extensive testing before release. This includes:

  • Identity and Purity Tests
  • Quantification of Cannabinoids
  • Microbial Testing
  • Heavy Metal and Residue Testing
  • Moisture Content Analysis

Manufacturers and importers must also ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, with documentation provided to regulatory bodies before distribution.

Medical cannabis flower in the UK must comply with strict pharmaceutical-grade standards to ensure patient safety and efficacy. Understanding the differences between Ph. Eur. 5.1.4 and 5.1.8B is crucial, as inhaled products like cannabis flower require stricter microbial controls to prevent respiratory infections.