Key Takeaways:

• Some U.S. cannabis companies are expanding internationally to
  break into new markets and capitalize on global legalization
  trends.

• Strategic moves by brands like Curaleaf, Tilray, and Khalifa
  Kush highlight the opportunities — and challenges — of
  entering foreign markets.

• Success in global expansion requires navigating complex
  regulations, financial logistics, and cultural differences to build
  a competitive international presence.

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The international cannabis market is heating up, and U.S.
companies are taking notice. With legalization gaining traction
worldwide and demand surging for high-quality products, many
cannabis brands are stepping beyond domestic borders to tap into
new markets.

U.S. Cannabis Companies Going Global

Several U.S.-based cannabis companies have recently ventured
into international markets. Some examples include:

Curaleaf

Over the past year, Curaleaf International has made several
strategic moves to strengthen its global presence. In April 2024,
the company closed its acquisition of Northern Green
Canada, a vertically integrated cannabis producer with an
EU-GMP certification, enhancing Curaleaf’s reach in established
European markets like Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Earlier in 2024, Curaleaf expanded into the Czech Republic through
a supply agreement with Astrasana Pharma and acquired Can4Med, a pharmaceutical wholesaler
in Poland, solidifying its position in one of Europe’s largest
medical cannabis markets.

Tilray

Tilray has been aggressively expanding its footprint across
Europe. In January 2025, Tilray Medical secured a contract to supply Luxembourg with
high-quality cannabis, reinforcing its credibility as a trusted
supplier across the European medical market. In November 2024,
Tilray launched its first commercial medical cannabis flower grown
in Germany through its Aphria RX GmbH facility.

Khalifa Kush

The premium cannabis brand founded by multi-platinum selling
music artist Wiz Khalifa is making its first international move. In
2025, Khalifa Kush will enter the German medical cannabis market
through a strategic multi-year partnership with Berlin-based Sanity
Group and its leading medical cannabis brand, avaay Medical. The
brand’s exclusive strains will be available in more than 3,000
pharmacies throughout Germany, marking Khalifa Kush as one of the
first U.S. cannabis brands to break into the European market.

Key Considerations for Expanding Internationally

If you’re considering taking your cannabis brand global,
here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Compliance with local regulations: Each
  country has unique and evolving legal frameworks for cultivation,
  processing, distribution, and retail. Navigating these regulatory
  landscapes requires working with professionals with local knowledge
  to avoid costly legal and regulatory setbacks.

• Establishing an international infrastructure:
  Managing international operations means dealing with different
  supply chains, labor laws, and banking regulations. Working with
  professionals who are knowledgeable in cannabis and cross-border
  operations can help streamline this process and prevent unexpected
  financial burdens.

• Cultural adaptation: Marketing strategies that
  work in the U.S. may not translate well abroad. Understanding
  consumer preferences, branding expectations, and local cannabis
  consumption habits is critical to success in foreign markets.

• Tax strategy: Structuring your operations to
  minimize your foreign and domestic tax exposure is critical. Doing
  so requires working with professionals with a deep understanding of
  both the cannabis industry and international tax structuring.

• Intellectual property protection: Securing
  trademarks and patents for your brand and products in foreign
  markets is crucial to preventing unauthorized use and protecting
  your competitive advantage.

Is It Time to Take Your Brand Global?

If you’re considering international growth, now is the time
to start building the roadmap. With proper planning and strategic
partnerships, your cannabis brand can thrive in new markets and
gain a competitive edge.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.