The legal cannabis industry continues to be one of the most dynamic and promising sectors for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. Each year brings new markets, regulatory approvals, and opportunities for commerce, driving the global industry’s economic potential to unprecedented heights.
At the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, estimated that the combined global medical and adult-use cannabis market is worth approximately $237.8 billion, alongside a projected $456.2 billion value for the industrial hemp sector.
From Isolated Markets to International Trade
For years, legal cannabis markets operated largely in isolation, confined by national borders and regulatory restrictions. That landscape is changing rapidly. International legal imports and exports are increasing, creating a more interconnected global industry.
Germany exemplifies this shift. In Q1 2025 alone, the country imported over 37,223 metric tonnes of medical cannabis products, up 14.8% from Q4 2024 and more than 457% compared to Q1 2024. These figures reflect not only growing domestic demand but also Germany’s emergence as a hub for international cannabis trade. Other nations are experiencing similar import growth, and multinational cannabis companies are becoming increasingly common.
Investment and Regulatory Drivers
Strong regulatory developments across Europe, combined with explosive growth in key global markets and a wave of mergers and acquisitions, are attracting sophisticated investors. Competition for capital is intense, and investors now expect detailed strategies, clear compliance, and international scalability.
A panel of leading cannabis investors and operators discussed these trends at the Berlin conference. Moderated by consultant Jamie Pearson of New Holland Group, the panel included:
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Raj Grover, Founder & CEO, High Tide Inc
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Will Muecke, Co-Founder & CIO, Artemis Growth Partners
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George Bellow, Co-Founder, SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals
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David Hyde, Founder & CEO, Hyde Advisory and Investments Inc
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Margaret Brodie, CEO, Rubicon Organics
The discussion highlighted not only emerging investment opportunities but also the growing importance of global market knowledge, cross-border compliance, and strategic partnerships for success in the legal cannabis sector.
Looking Ahead
As international cannabis trade continues to expand, companies and investors who understand regional regulatory landscapes and global market trends will be best positioned to capitalize on this rapidly growing sector. For insights into how specific European markets are evolving, see our coverage of France’s potential $8.3 billion cannabis market, which illustrates both the opportunities and challenges of scaling within Europe.
