Cannabis Industry Faces Milestones and Setbacks in 2025
The cannabis industry in 2025 saw major shifts, with federal rescheduling in the U.S. and Germany leading European legalization efforts
Key Points
- 1President Trump initiated cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III in December 2025
- 2High Times celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special edition and Cannabis Cups
- 3Congress re-criminalized intoxicating hemp products, impacting the hemp industry
- 4California's cannabis scene thrived with new strains and concentrate popularity
- 5Germany emerged as a leader in European cannabis legalization efforts
The cannabis industry experienced significant developments in 2025, marked by both progress and challenges. The year saw the United States taking a considerable step towards cannabis reform with President Trump signing an executive order on December 18 to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This move, while not full legalization, indicates a shift in federal policy that could have far-reaching implications for the industry
High Times, a cornerstone of cannabis culture, celebrated a resurgence in 2025 under the leadership of Javier Hasse. The publication released a special 50th anniversary edition, featuring archival content and new interviews with cultural icons like Bob Marley. Additionally, the revival of their Cannabis Cups highlighted the ongoing enthusiasm and innovation within the cannabis community
The year also witnessed the re-criminalization of certain hemp products by Congress, which was part of the legislation ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. This legislative change has been viewed as a setback for the hemp industry, which had been gaining momentum in recent years. However, the cannabis market continued to evolve, with new strains and products capturing consumer interest
In California, the cannabis scene thrived with notable achievements in competitions like the Zalympix Winner’s Flight, where Wizard Trees' Zangbanger strain emerged victorious. The growing popularity of cannabis concentrates and infused products reflected a shift in consumer preferences, with live rosin pens and dabs gaining traction in various markets. This trend aligns with a broader decline in alcohol consumption, as more Americans turn to cannabis as an alternative
Internationally, Germany emerged as a leader in cannabis legalization, hosting significant events like Mary Jane Berlin, which attracted 65,000 attendees. This positions Germany as a key player in the European cannabis market, overshadowing traditional cannabis-friendly countries like the Netherlands and Spain. The global cannabis landscape continues to evolve, with countries like Thailand experiencing regulatory setbacks, reminding industry stakeholders of the ongoing challenges in achieving widespread legalization