Can a U.S. cannabis company export products to Germany?

Direct export of cannabis from the U.S. to Germany is not permitted under current U.S. and German law. Germany's medical cannabis import framework permits imports from licensed cultivation operations in approved countries — Canada has been the primary supplier. U.S. operators must establish licensed operations in an approved export jurisdiction to access European markets.

Is cannabis legal in Canada nationwide?

Yes. Canada federally legalized adult-use cannabis in October 2018 under the Cannabis Act. However, retail frameworks vary significantly by province — from government-only retail to private retail with provincial licensing. Any market entry strategy must be province-specific.

What is the biggest legal risk in international cannabis investment?

Foreign ownership restrictions and permit transferability are the primary legal risks. Most jurisdictions prohibit or severely restrict foreign majority ownership of cannabis licenses. Investors often structure through local JV partners — which creates its own governance and exit risk if the relationship sours.

International Cannabis Policy Shifts

How Germany, Thailand, Canada, and emerging markets are reshaping the global cannabis regulatory map — and what that means for operators building cross-border strategies.

The Global Legalization Wave

In 2024–2026, international cannabis policy has undergone significant shifts. Operators who understood the U.S. market in 2010 face a similar inflection point globally: first movers who navigate regulatory complexity earn durable market position; late entrants pay premium acquisition prices.

Key Jurisdictions to Watch

Germany

Germany's Cannabis Act (CanG), effective April 2024, decriminalized personal possession and permitted cultivation in social clubs. A second pillar — commercial sales through licensed retail stores — remains under development. Germany's scale (84 million population, EU's largest economy) and the EU's internal market rules make it the most strategically significant European market.

Canada

Canada's federal system, now in its sixth year post-legalization, has produced a mature regulatory framework with provincial retail variation. Operators entering Canada should evaluate province-by-province retail rules, which range from government monopoly (Ontario's initial model) to private retail with provincial control.

Thailand

Thailand surprised the global industry by decriminalizing cannabis in 2022, creating a rapid but unregulated expansion. Re-regulation debates are ongoing as of 2026. Operators should track re-criminalization risk carefully before committing capital.

Emerging Markets

Colombia remains a significant cannabis export platform despite regulatory headwinds. Mexico's legalization process remains stalled legislatively. Israel's medical cannabis export program, initially promising, has faced regulatory turbulence. Each market requires current-date legal analysis.

Cross-Border Compliance Considerations

Import/Export: International cannabis commerce requires permits under the 1961 Single Convention and bilateral agreements. No country permits unrestricted export to another sovereign.
Corporate Structure: Most countries restrict foreign ownership of cannabis licenses, requiring local JV or licensing arrangements
Banking and AML: International banks apply conservative AML standards to cannabis-related transactions; correspondent banking for cannabis operators requires specialized structuring

Hoban Law Group's International Practice

Robert Hoban has advised governments, institutional capital, and cannabis operators across 30+ countries. His international practice covers market entry analysis, licensing strategy, regulatory advocacy, and cross-border transaction counsel.

[Discuss your international cannabis strategy](/consultation?source=insights&topic=international-cannabis-policy-shifts&matter_type=international) with Hoban Law Group.