The global cannabis landscape is undergoing a fascinating transformation, with countries around the world taking their own unique approaches to legalization, regulation, and culture. While the United States remains tangled in federal restrictions, the international scene is evolving rapidly, as nations embrace the cultural and economic potential of regulated cannabis in new and exciting ways. From flourishing recreational markets to groundbreaking medical innovations and cross-border cannabis exchanges, the global cannabis community is alive, vibrant, and thriving.

Felipe Alberto, founder Compound Genetics

As the U.S. continues to navigate its state-by-state patchwork of cannabis laws, other countries are stepping up to lead the charge in cannabis cultivation, distribution, and innovation. Nations are implementing home cultivation laws, opening social clubs, and developing large-scale commercial production, granting consumers easier access to quality cannabis than ever before. With a fusion of traditional cannabis cultures and cutting-edge, high-tech production methods, countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond are contributing to a global cannabis network that connects enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses worldwide.

Compound Genetics, Sonoma Hills Farm, CA 2023

At the heart of this worldwide movement, Compound Genetics and Node Labs are leading the charge in crafting top-tier cannabis genetics and bringing high-quality, innovative strains to markets across the globe. Whether through the rise of craft cannabis, the resurgence of classic strains, or the blending of international genetics, these two industry powerhouses are helping to shape a diverse and dynamic market that connects cannabis culture across borders.

As local and regional cannabis regulations evolve, the international cannabis community is becoming more interconnected, offering consumers an ever-expanding selection of strains, products, and experiences. From Germany's booming medical scene and Thailand's rapidly shifting legal status, to Canada’s dominance as a global exporter and Spain’s legendary underground social clubs, the cannabis world is buzzing with new opportunities, trends, and developments.

Compound Genetics is known for its cutting-edge breeding techniques and the production of highly sought-after genetics. As they expand their influence globally, Compound’s meticulously crafted strains like Grape Gas, Gastropop, and Pave are making waves in both established and emerging cannabis markets around the world. Their focus on flavor profiles, potency, and consistency ensures that every strain they produce is of the highest quality, whether it's for medical use or recreational enjoyment. And as cannabis culture continues to evolve, Compound’s genetics are influencing the future of cannabis production in markets from North America to Germany, Israel and beyond.

Node Labs, a leader in cannabis innovation and research, is also playing a crucial role in advancing cannabis science and cultivation techniques. Specializing in the exploration of genetics and cutting-edge cultivation methods, Node Labs works with producers worldwide to optimize growing practices and improve the overall quality of cannabis. Their research is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the cannabis industry, offering solutions for everything from yield optimization to terpene enhancement. With a deep commitment to sustainability and scientific integrity, Node Labs is helping shape the next generation of cannabis cultivation and distribution on a global scale.

Lauren Avenius, CEO, Node Labs

So, whether you’re lighting up at a social club in Spain, exploring a curated dispensary in Thailand, attending the massive Mary Jane Expo in Germany, or delving into the latest breeding innovations at Node Labs, one thing is clear: the cannabis movement is going global. And with leaders like Compound Genetics and Node Labs paving the way, the future of cannabis is bright, diverse, and full of exciting possibilities.

Join us as we take you on a journey through the world of cannabis, discovering the strains, the scenes, and the special stories shaping the international cannabis revolution. From the traditional roots of classic strains to the cutting-edge genetics that will define the future, this is your passport to the evolving global cannabis community.

The Compound Team at Honeysuckle Issue 19 launch event with Iron Mike Tyson! Las Vegas, Emjays Awards Show

GERMANY

  • MEDICAL/RECREATIONAL: Outside of telegram, most Germans are getting access through the now exploding medical program. But there is also a burgeoning scene for home growers and amateur cultivators as Germans are allowed to grow 3 plants at home. After the law passed, you couldn’t find a tent or grow light in Germany. 

Recently, non-profit social clubs started to open up. Each club is limited to 500 members who can purchase up to 25 grams of cannabis per day and up to 50 grams per month. While this will be a great way for local access, members have to be German citizens. Additionally all cannabis sold at the club must be grown by the club, and there is no consumption on premises allowed. 

  • FAVORITE FLAVORS/STRAIN: While Gorilla Glue is the most consumed strain in Germany, this is due to being one of the first medically available strains. With a growing consumer base and interest in the best possible cannabis, there is increased demand for premium craft flower.  
  • WHERE/HOW TO GET IT: Pharmacies that carry both cannabis and non-cannabis products
  • WHAT’S SPECIAL: The Mary Jane Festival. Since 2016, Mary Jane Expo has been a staple of the German cannabis scene. But this last year it exploded, as it was the first cannabis expo to happen after the vote for legalization. With over 40,000 attendees, it is THE PLACE to see the quickly growing European cannabis movement. 

THAILAND

  • MEDICAL/RECREATIONAL:  Cannabis sales were pseudo-recreational for a bit, now has gone back to medical. Although access is still very easy in Thailand, this change in legal status halted a lot of progress that was being made in a newly developing industry. Cannabis extracts remain highly illegal throughout Thailand. 
  • FAVORITE FLAVORS/STRAIN: Top American genetics are prominently on display, with strains like Red Bullz and Dulce de Uva highlighted at highly curated shops like The Dispensary and Never Not High. 
  • WHERE/HOW TO GET IT:: While finding cannabis is easy, getting access to top-quality products is much more difficult. Be on the lookout for a dispensary with a highly curated menu. While sales remain relatively open across the country, be cautious about public consumption as smoking in public is a quick way to catch a fine. 
  • WHAT’S SPECIAL: While California was quick to send its pack overseas, local Thai varieties offer unique profiles not available elsewhere. We are just starting to see the first wave of genetics that combine Thai with American and European classics, for a true next generation of flavor. 

CANADA

  • MEDICAL/RECREATIONAL: With both medical and recreational markets, Canada is one of the largest exporters of cannabis globally. But like CA back in the 2000s, the best product is often staying local and getting gobbled up by the recreational market. 
  • WHERE/HOW TO GET IT: Recreational dispensaries are prominent throughout Canada, and mail-order is available across provinces. 
  • WHAT’S SPECIAL: While the large companies fell flat early on, the Canadian cannabis scene is now producing some absolute fire. Social clubs and cannabis friendly venues are now popping up and more socially accepted, with the occasional stern warning from the fire department. 

FAVORITE FLAVORS/STRAIN: While there are some legendary Canadian flavors that are still being grown, a lot of the market is dominated with hype US flavors. Mellowz #8 is available throughout Canada at rec shops, and Pink Kush is an incredibly popular strain across the country. Stay on the lookout for Roji OG and Death Bubba.

AUSTRALIA

  • MEDICAL/RECREATIONAL: Medical only, with nearly 1M patients and a growing appetite. 
  • FAVORITE FLAVORS/STRAIN: With a large medical base looking to source high-quality product, there are a few distribution companies that have focused on sourcing the best possible flower. Be on the lookout for hype US strains like Pavé S1 and Gas Truffle.
  • WHERE/HOW TO GET IT: Prescriptions are filled through the medical program, and the market is almost exclusively flower. While this is a prescription for a specific strain, patients can request specific products. 
  • WHAT’S SPECIAL: While not getting as much attention as Germany/Europe, Australia has a growing scene looking for high-quality products in both the regulated and unregulated markets. Domestic production of medical flower is still primarily from greenhouses, and most of the product in the market is imported.

ISRAEL

  • MEDICAL/RECREATIONAL: Medical only
  • FAVORITE FLAVORS/STRAINS: Israel is a more discerning consumer base, where patients on the lookout for hype strains from American companies. Compound Genetics has one of the largest representations in market, and Khalifa Kush is launching later this year. 
  • WHERE/HOW TO GET IT: While medical patients have access to cannabis pharmacies/clinics, and minor possession is generally tolerated for everyone. 
  • WHAT’S SPECIAL: With the highest rate of cannabis use in the world per capita, Israel consumes a lot of weed despite it’s relatively small number of medical patients.

SPAIN

  • MEDICAL/RECREATIONAL: Medical only, primarily for research and export.
  • FAVORITE FLAVORS/STRAIN: Grown and selected by Sativa Engineering, Red Riding Hood, a pheno of Exotic Squared, is winning awards throughout Spain. Be on the lookout for both flower and rosin.
  • WHERE/HOW TO GET IT: Social Clubs, located throughout the country. 
  • WHAT’S SPECIAL: The Social Clubs! While accessing medical cannabis is more restricted, there is a robust scene of hundreds of private social clubs that allows for easy access. While there are certain restrictions around each club, Spanish privacy laws have allowed for these clubs to operate consistently. 

Spannabis remains one of the largest European festivals, with a focus on seeds and hash from some of the top local producers. 

PORTUGAL

  • MEDICAL/RECREATIONAL: Medical only, Portugal remains primarily an export country. 
  • FAVORITE FLAVORS/STRAIN: Export Only, but most of European legal cannabis stops through Portugal distribution and packaging centers

WHERE/HOW TO GET IT: IKYK. Minor possession (less than 20g) is decriminalized, so finding access to cannabis is pretty easy. Accessing high quality flower is a bit more challenging, as the European market primarily consumes hash. 

  • WHAT’S SPECIAL: With its close proximity to Europe and favorable laws, Portugal is quickly becoming a European center of production and distribution. While the market is 99%+ export, there is a growing culture and community as Portugal a center for talent.  

MACEDONIA

  • MEDICAL/RECREATIONAL: Medical, Export Only. 
  • FAVORITE FLAVORS/STRAIN: Export only market
  • WHERE/HOW TO GET IT: You don’t! Medical is an export only market
  • WHAT’S SPECIAL: Macedonia is beginning to become a center of production, with large-scale commercial production coming online, bringing brands like Tyson 2.0 to Europe. 

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