Cannabis Around the World: The ASC Green Brief
Because cannabis doesn't stop at borders — and neither do we.
You've probably already heard the big one: Thailand's doing a complete 180 on cannabis. We won't pretend it's a surprise; the writing's been on the wall for a while. But while Southeast Asia scrambles into reverse, elsewhere the world keeps shifting. Some moves are bold, others are buried in bureaucracy, but they all matter if you are interested in cannabis news.
Strap on your hiking boots! We're globe-trotting to find this week's ASC Green Brief!
Thailand: The U-Turn That Was Always Coming
Thailand has officially scrapped recreational cannabis. As of June 2025, it's medical-only, prescription-only, and strictly controlled. Thousands of dispensaries are either shutting down or trying to rebrand as clinics. Overnight, one of Asia's most progressive markets flipped the switch.
ASC take: Hopefully another U-turn is made
Germany: Still Legal, Still Stable
Despite the noise, Germany's coalition hasn't revoked the Cannabis Act yet. A formal review's due at the end of 2025, but until then, it's steady as she goes.
ASC take: Germany's not backing down. If you're in the grow game, no reason to panic, just keep watching the calendar.
Berlin: Trials Incoming, Papers at the Ready
This summer, Berlin's Kreuzberg and Neukölln districts will roll out pilot cannabis sales to local residents under strict scientific monitoring. It's regulated, controlled, and very Berlin.
ASC take: Don't expect coffeeshops on every corner, but this is the first real test of regulated retail. Data first, party later.
Germany's Medical Market: Quietly Booming
Behind the headlines, Germany's medical cannabis scene is blowing up. Imports are up. Patients are up. The market's heading toward €1 billion by year's end.
ASC take: While everyone argues about rec, medical is doing the numbers. Long game. Big upside.
THC Drinks Are Trending — And Not Just for the Taste
In the U.S., THC-infused drinks are all over shelves — the low-dose, chill alternative to booze. Legal under the 0.3% rule, they're fizzy, fun, and a regulatory grey area. Experts, predictably, are nervous.
ASC take: Trendy, yes. Sustainable? Debatable. Let's see if it lasts beyond the summer.
North America: Cannabis Crash Course
Remember when cannabis stocks were hotter than Bitcoin? Not anymore. Big players like Tilray and Curaleaf have lost billions. Overregulation, market saturation, and no new legal states have taken their toll.
ASC take: The gold rush is over. The ships are leaving the harbour. What's left is a real industry. Europe, take notes, and avoid the same mistakes.
U.S. Rescheduling: Going Nowhere Fast
Cannabis is still federally classified as a Schedule I drug. Despite political posturing and growing support, rescheduling is stalled. Again.
ASC take: This is America's favourite game: say reform, deliver gridlock. Don't expect movement until after the next election cycle.
Italy: CBD Criminalised — Yes, Really
The boot-shaped country is kicking CBD to the curb. Why? Who knows. Italy made CBD and CBG illegal this spring, despite EU law saying otherwise. Businesses are caught in the crossfire, and 20,000 jobs hang in the balance.
ASC take: The EU are probably too busy to do anything about it, but what happens to the hemp farmers?
Canada: Finally Making Life Easier (Sort Of)
Health Canada has eased up on reporting. No more logging trimmings. Seeds are to be tracked by count instead of weight. Advertising red tape has also been cut.
ASC take: Not revolutionary, just rational. Hopefully, it can now reach more people and help.
Cayman Islands: Weed In, Cruise Ports Out
In April, Cayman voters approved decriminalising personal cannabis use and at the same time shut down plans for cruise port expansion. They have got their house in order.
ASC take: Another small island making a smart move. Bigger nations should pay attention.
Don't Get Lost in News: Buy Cannabis Seeds Online
It's easy to get lost in the noise or distracted by the chaos in Thailand. But the real story's often in the margins: Berlin trials, medical market surges, low-key reforms that actually stick. We'll keep watching it all, and you keep looking for your perfect cannabis seed with our Seed Finder.