Cannabis News – March 2025

Cannabis News – March 2025

This collection highlights significant developments in cannabis policies, industry trends, and cultural shifts across the globe.

International Cannabis News

• Thailand’s Government Expands Free Cannabis Distribution (March 2025):
  Thailand’s government began distributing free cannabis plants to Thai households, marking a step toward the country’s broader push to liberalize cannabis use for medicinal purposes and potential economic benefits.
  Source: Bangkok Post
• South Africa Launches Cannabis Cooperative Initiative (March 2025):
  South Africa announced a new initiative to empower local farmers by creating cannabis cooperatives, which will help boost the legal cannabis industry and support economic growth in rural communities.
  Source: Business Insider South Africa
• The Netherlands Launches Cannabis Pilot Program for Retail Sales (March 2025):
  The Netherlands has initiated a pilot program in several cities to legally sell cannabis from licensed shops. The government hopes to monitor the effects of regulated cannabis sales on public health and the illicit market.
  Source: Dutch News
• Switzerland Plans Adult-Use Cannabis Market (March 2025):
  Switzerland announced plans to become the first European country to launch a full adult-use cannabis market, signaling a major shift in European drug policy.
  Source: Swiss Info
• Germany’s Medical Cannabis Imports Surge (2024):
  Germany’s medical cannabis imports doubled in 2024, with the majority coming from Canada and Portugal. This surge is attributed to the growth of telemedicine prescriptions.
  Source: DW
• Israel Advances Medical Cannabis Legislation (March 2025):
  Israel’s Knesset passed a bill to regulate medical cannabis use, aiming to decriminalize cannabis for over one million citizens and establish a structured medical cannabis program.
  Source: The Times of Israel
• Malaysia Opens Door to Medical Cannabis Research (March 2025):
  Malaysia’s Health Minister invited scientific evidence to support medical cannabis products, despite cannabis being classified as a dangerous drug in the country.
  Source: The Straits Times
• Switzerland Launches Adult-Use Cannabis Pilot Trials (March 2025):
  Switzerland initiated seven pilot trials to explore methods of selling and dispensing adult-use cannabis. Early results indicate a shift towards lower-risk consumption methods like vaping.
  Source: The Local Switzerland
• Kosher THC Gummies Introduced (March 2025):
  Kosher-certified THC gummies were launched just in time for Passover, reflecting the growing integration of cannabis products into cultural and religious practices.
  Source: Haaretz
• Isle of Man Politician Advocates for Cannabis Legalization (March 2025):
  Dr. Alex Allinson has called for rational debate on cannabis legalization on the Isle of Man, aiming to reform existing laws.
  Source: The Times
• Bavaria’s Reluctance Towards Cannabis Clubs (March 2025):
  Despite Germany’s partial legalization of cannabis, Bavaria has yet to approve any cannabis clubs. State ministers express concerns about public health and safety.
  Source: Welt

U.S. Cannabis News

• Connecticut Law Enforcement Advocates for Policy Changes (March 2025):
  Connecticut police officials called for changes to cannabis laws that would allow officers to stop motorists suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis.
  Source: CT Insider
• California Considers Cannabis Tax Increase (March 2025):
  Assemblymember Matt Haney proposed a bill to prevent the scheduled increase of California’s cannabis tax rate from 15% to 19%.
  Source: San Francisco Chronicle
• Trump Administration Critiques DC’s Cannabis Decriminalization (March 2025):
  The Trump White House criticized Washington D.C.’s cannabis decriminalization efforts, reigniting debates over federal and local cannabis policies.
  Source: Marijuana Moment
• Georgia Advances Medical Cannabis Legislation (March 2025):
  Georgia’s Senate passed a bill increasing the THC limit for medical cannabis from 5% to 50%, also proposing new criminal penalties for violations.
  Source: Dentons
• Ohio Considers Changes to Cannabis Cultivation Laws (March 2025):
  Ohio’s Senate passed a bill to reduce home cultivation limits from 12 to 6 plants and introduce new criminal penalties for violations.
  Source: Dentons
• Gladstone, Australia Enforces Stricter DUI Penalties (March 2025):
  In Gladstone, several individuals faced fines and driving disqualifications for drink and drug driving offenses.
  Source: Courier-Mail
• Michigan Reports Declining Cannabis Prices (February 2025):
  Michigan’s retail cannabis prices decreased by 29% in February 2025 compared to the previous year.
  Source: Cannatech Today
• Texas Moves to Ban Hemp-Derived THC Products (March 2025):
  The Texas State Senate passed a bill banning hemp-derived THC products, limiting the state’s legal hemp market to non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products.
  Source: Holland & Hart
• Bloomberg Survey Indicates Young Adults Prefer Cannabis Over Alcohol (March 2025):
  A Bloomberg Intelligence report revealed that 75% of young adults in the U.S. choose cannabis over alcohol.
  Source: Bloomberg
• Organigram Announces Rebranding to Organigram Global Inc. (March 2025):
  Cannabis company Organigram plans to change its name to Organigram Global Inc., reflecting its expanding international presence.
  Source: GlobeNewswire
• Northern College Introduces Cannabis Legalization Course (March 2025):
  Ontario’s Northern College is offering a course on Canada’s cannabis legalization, covering the history, regulatory framework, and infrastructure surrounding legal recreational cannabis use.
  Source: Northern College
• Study Advocates for Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation (March 2025):
  A study suggests that transitioning to outdoor cannabis cultivation could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 76%.
  Source: Cannatech Today