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The widening cannabis policy gap
Despite the United States' draconian federal policies towards marijuana—which more closely resemble prohibitionist countries like Russia, rather than our Canadian or German allies—the world is embracing cannabis reform at an unprecedented pace. As American entrepreneurs wrestle with complex state-federal conflicts, 280E tax burdens, and banking restrictions, international markets are opening new pathways for legal cannabis commerce.
Despite some setbacks, cannabis liberalization is expanding worldwide. Understanding where policies stand—and where they're headed—can help cannabis entrepreneurs find their niche in international markets, even as the U.S. landscape remains relatively cumbersome.
Webinar overview
Join us on August 28 at 12:00 PM pacific for our webinar, Cannabis Without Borders: Navigating International Opportunities and Regulatory Trends, featuring Harris Sliwoski attorneys Jason Adelstone and Vince Sliwoski.
This session will take a strategic look at major global regions, highlighting emerging opportunities and potential pitfalls within different jurisdictions. Our panelists will offer practical insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and legal professionals hoping to understand the evolving global cannabis landscape. The discussion will cover current policy environments and the political dynamics influencing cannabis reform.
Cannabis policy analysis
We'll explore developments across major global regions:
- Europe's regulatory evolution
- Asia-Pacific's mixed approaches
- Latin America's medical programs
- Emerging African markets
Expect real-world examples of countries progressing with cannabis reform—and others that have stalled or backtracked.
Key policy trends in international cannabis
- Decriminalization vs. regulation – Why cannabis regulatory frameworks matter more than decriminalization alone
- Telehealth scrutiny – Why some countries are trying to restrict telehealth access for cannabis patients
- International trade considerations – The impact of drug treaties on cannabis policy in different regions, especially within the EU
- Market maturation patterns – Common themes emerging across different cannabis markets
U.S. cannabis investor advantages in international markets
International cannabis presents unique advantages and relief for U.S. investors:
" Federal Law Limitations – U.S. federal laws don't apply abroad, allowing investment in legal foreign markets
" Tax Relief – Foreign cannabis operations aren't subject to Section 280E, enabling ordinary business deductions
How the U.S. could join the global medical cannabis market
We'll also explore how a simple DEA regulatory amendment could allow U.S. cannabis exports to medical markets worldwide—and potentially spark the growth of a similar domestic program.
Why this matters now
The global cannabis industry is at an inflection point. While the U.S. clings to federal prohibition—even with potential Schedule III changes—international cannabis markets are rapidly evolving. For U.S. stakeholders, this presents opportunities to participate in regulated cannabis without the heavy domestic burdens.
This webinar will offer a practical overview of global cannabis trends and explain why international markets are increasingly attractive for U.S. businesses and investors.
Join us
Date: August 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM PT
Format: Live interactive webinar with Q&A
Whether you're exploring international expansion, seeking diversification, or tracking global cannabis reform, this session will offer actionable guidance from legal practitioners who work directly with international cannabis businesses and investors.