We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Are you looking forward to a happy New Year? This special episode of the Trade of Black Podcast, we’ve invited a Canadian Cannabis Industry Panel to give us perspective on the state of the great white north, this year past and looking forward into 2025. Beena Goldenberg of Organigram, Michael DeGiglio of Village Farms, and David Klein of Canopy Growth join the podcast.

It has been six years since adult rec use was legalized in Canada, and we’ll discuss the progress the Cannabis Council of Canada has made to address some of the major industry challenges including the excise tax reform adjustments to digital stamp requirements, and revisions to potency caps on edibles. These issues have hindered profitability and growth, but Beena says that industry players are increasingly presenting a united front to lobby the government.

The panel identified international markets as critical to long-term growth, particularly as the Canadian market struggles. Beena Goldenberg highlighted Germany as a key focus, noting the country’s growing medical cannabis market, which has significant potential to expand. Michael DeGiglio pointed to the Netherlands as an example of a government taking a more pragmatic approach to cannabis legalization. Unlike Canada, the Netherlands has avoided early-stage taxation, allowing the industry to develop without immediate financial pressure.

David Klein highlighted the rapid growth of the hemp-derived THC market in the United States, calling it a snapshot of what many envisioned for the broader cannabis industry a decade ago. Klein noted that hemp-derived and cannabis-derived products are chemically identical and argued that the industry should focus on expanding consumer engagement rather than debating the origins of the products. DeGiglio marks the regulatory challenges facing the US hemp market.

The Canadian panelists share their predictions for the cannabis industry in 2025, and the steps players can do to get into international markets. Regulatory momentum in the US could create some significant opportunities. Tune in for the details.