Regulatory volatility, corporate challenges, the rise of telemedicine and the boom in the HDIC space in the US are leading to both challenges and opportunities for cannabis companies across the globe.
Delivery
This report comes in PPT.
Key findings
Regulatory ebbs and flows
Cannabis regulatory developments are usually sinuous and hard to predict. This is likely to remain so in the forecast period, especially as geopolitical conflicts and macroeconomic tensions intensify. Considering the complexities that revolve the cannabis industry, governments are unlikely to see full cannabis legalisation as a top priority in the immediate short term.
Hemp-derived intoxicating drinks riding the no/low alcohol wave
As the US alcoholic drinks space struggles, HDIC drinks have been exploring the no/low trend and positioning as hangover-free alternatives. Besides cannabis companies, traditional retailers have also embraced HDIC drinks, such as Total Wine, Target, DoorDash and Circle K. Despite the positive momentum, HDIC brands are on hold due to a likely hemp reclassification in late 2026.
Proliferation of telemedicine in cannabis
Telemedicine is a key sales propeller in medical cannabis, as observed in Germany, Australia and Brazil. It notably expands patient reach, particularly for consumers in remote areas, and contributes to the ongoing democratisation of cannabis. However, telemedicine can also pave the way for quasi-recreational consumption, which can result in regulatory and political scrutiny.
Wider cannabinoid potency spectrum
Product innovation in cannabis can touch on a range of angles and formats, but strength is amongst the most relevant features for both experienced and new users. High-potency flowers and pre-rolls are particularly attractive for “cannasseurs”, whilst low-dose edibles and beverages are key in ensuring entry-level consumers feel safe and confident when consuming cannabis.
Corporate struggles in hazy times
The recent years were challenging for cannabis companies globally. Unclear and volatile legislation, tax burdens, oversupply and price compression were some of the challenges that cannabis players faced. In this context, companies that aim for medium- to long-term results are likely to succeed, whilst those solely focusing on immediate profits might encounter difficulties.
Our expert’s view of cannabis in 2025
Key findings
Adult-use segment as the driving force behind the global legal market
Top five trends in cannabis
Top five trends uncovered
Regulatory fluctuations as an intrinsic component of the cannabis industry
US hemp redefinition and cannabis reclassification to set a new path for the industry
Thailand restricts adult-use sales and shifts its focus to the medical space
Clear legislation as the fundamental step for opportunities to rise
Structural challenges in alcoholic drinks open spaces for HDIC beverages
Dry January as an opportunity for HDIC drinks in the US
Target, one of the main US grocery retailers, enters the HDIC drinks space
A hazy period for HDIC drinks, despite significant developments in the category
The rise of telemedicine in cannabis as a double-edged sword
Telemedicine-fuelled sales position Germany amongst the top global cannabis markets
Direct-to-consumer imports lead to a surge in medical cannabis prescriptions in Brazil
Telemedicine as a disrupting channel in medical cannabis
Cannabis product strength shapes both experienced and new consumers’ choices
Organigram brings new low-dose edibles with added non-cannabis ingredients to the US
Ascend Wellness introduces infused pre-rolls and flowers in the US
Cannabinoids’ potency diversification is key to the ongoing democratisation of cannabis
An industry in which prizes are likely to come in the longer term instead
Cannabis companies in Michigan struggle amidst debts, oversupply and tax changes
A complex year for CBD and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids in Italy
Challenges in complex markets consequently open opportunities in more stable ones
Future implications
Opportunities for growth
NEW REPORT GUARANTEE
If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!