💸 The Tape

Medical cannabis in the European Union is slowly shedding decades of stigma, finding firmer ground in national healthcare systems. While the regulatory landscape varies significantly across member states, the overarching trajectory is clear: greater acceptance, expanding patient access, and burgeoning investor interest. Let’s explore the state of medical cannabis in some of the EU’s most influential countries—Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands—and consider what’s likely to fuel future growth across the continent.

Germany: The Engine of EU Cannabis Reform

Germany stands as the most advanced and influential player in the European medical cannabis space. Since legalizing medical cannabis in 2017, Germany has built the EU’s largest and most structured market. Patients can access cannabis-based medicines through prescriptions reimbursed by health insurance, and domestic cultivation was legalized to reduce dependence on imports. In early 2024, Germany partially legalized recreational use, which, although not yet creating a commercial market, signals a broader societal shift that will likely reinforce medical cannabis normalization.

United Kingdom: Access in Theory, Bottlenecks in Practice

Despite legalizing medical cannabis in 2018, the UK remains a cautionary tale in terms of implementation. While thousands of patients have received prescriptions via private clinics, the National Health Service (NHS) has approved medical cannabis in only a handful of cases. Doctors remain wary due to limited clinical trial data and bureaucratic hurdles. However, increasing public pressure and parliamentary debates suggest that more robust guidelines and access pathways could emerge over the next few years, especially with mounting real-world evidence from neighboring countries.

The Netherlands: A Pioneer Reinventing Itself

Long seen as Europe’s cannabis capital, the Netherlands is paradoxically playing catch-up when it comes to medical cannabis. Though it has permitted regulated cannabis cultivation and exports for decades, the country is only now reforming its domestic medical access policies. With its recreational pilot program underway and medical cannabis demand increasing, the Dutch are working to align their liberal social policies with a more formal medical framework. Their deep expertise in cultivation and distribution gives them a natural advantage in this evolving landscape.

What Will Drive EU Cannabis Growth?

Looking ahead, several factors will catalyze the growth of medical cannabis in the EU:

• Policy harmonization: EU-level guidance on clinical standards and import regulations could reduce fragmentation.

• Education and destigmatization: As more doctors become familiar with cannabinoid therapies, prescribing rates will rise.

• Pharmaceutical partnerships: Collaborations between biotech firms and cannabis producers will lead to better formulations and data.

• Patient advocacy: Grassroots movements and social media are pushing governments to prioritize patient access over political caution.

The next five years will be crucial as Europe navigates between caution and innovation. Medical cannabis is no longer a fringe issue—it’s a pharmaceutical frontier that the EU can no longer afford to ignore.

📈 Dog Walkers.

New York Is Starting To Get IT

What’s Going On Here: New York might soon let you pair your popcorn with a puff. State officials are floating plans to allow marijuana sales and consumption at movie theaters—potentially giving “high” cinema a whole new meaning. While booze at the box office is old news, cannabis currently stays confined to licensed dispensaries. But the Office of Cannabis Management says that could change with future event or lounge permits. This comes hot on the heels of new laws expanding cannabis farmers markets and pop-up events, part of New York’s effort to untangle its rollout woes. With $1 billion in sales already, the state seems ready to make cannabis a true blockbuster.

Why Should You Care: Cannabis and movies are a natural fit like lamb and tuna fish. This would be a huge move in the right direction for the normalization of cannabis if this actually comes to fruition. I would have to assume this would be strictly edibles and drinks which makes total sense.

VA’s Top Dog Steps Down

Whats Going On Here: Virginia’s top cannabis regulator is stepping aside just as the political smoke around recreational marijuana thickens. Jeremy Preiss, who’s been the acting head of the Cannabis Control Authority since 2022, is passing the baton to Chief Administrative Officer Jamie Patten. Preiss exits with a diplomatic nod to the future, while Patten steps in promising a steady hand focused on safety and public health. The timing is spicy—coming one day after Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed yet another bill to kickstart legal weed sales. But with legislative pressure mounting, Patten may soon find herself overseeing a budding adult-use market whether the governor’s on board or not.

Why Should You Care: Cant blame him as I’m sure hes gotten sick of the shenanigans going on with adult use in VA. Youngkin can’t be shown the door soon enough.

🗞️ The News

📺 YouTube

TDR’s Biggest Developments in Cannabis for the Week of March 24th | Trade to Black

What we will cover:

✅ Shadd Dales breaks down TDR’s biggest developments in cannabis for the week of March 24.

The episode includes on how the hemp debate is intensifying, as calls for regulation are being met with accusations of prohibition. But it’s not about banning hemp—it’s about bringing structure to a chaotic, unregulated market.

Also included is news out of New Mexico, where cannabis businesses are suing the feds after Customs and DHS seized state-legal products. The agencies argue cannabis is still Schedule I federally, but hint change could come with rescheduling to Schedule III.

Plus former Congressman Matt Gaetz is pushing for that very rescheduling, oddly crediting Trump for cannabis reform—despite Biden launching the review process.

On the medical front, a new study on cannabis and autism shows promising, though early, results with improved sleep, anxiety, and behavior.

Meanwhile, Ohio cities are fighting proposed cuts to cannabis tax revenue, calling it a broken promise to voters. New York still has no cannabis lounges, Canada just busted a $16M illicit grow, and companies like Gold Flora, Planet 13, and Tilray made headlines—some good, some not.