Canadian Cannabis Producers Expand Exports

LOS ANGELES- Canada’s licensed cannabis sector continues its move toward international markets, driven by strong global demand, especially for medical cannabis. During the 2023–24 fiscal year, Canada exported approximately CA$218 million of medical cannabis for commercial and scientific use, marking a significant waypoint in the industry’s evolution. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 16 metric tonnes were shipped to Germany, accounting for nearly half of the country’s imported supply.

European jurisdictions—including Germany, Australia, Israel, Poland, Switzerland, and Portugal—are actively courting Canadian suppliers due to their strong regulatory compliance and established production infrastructure . With the domestic Canadian market reaching saturation and incurring high excise taxes, firms are favoring lower-taxed, higher-margin foreign sales. Many Canadian producers have obtained EU-GMP and equivalent certifications, such as WHO-aligned Good Agricultural Practices, to meet international regulatory standards .

Notable companies like Aurora Cannabis and Canopy Growth maintain export channels and in-market operations. Aurora’s fourth-quarter Canadian medical revenue rose nearly 50% to C$67.8 million, even as its overall international sales are projected to decline temporarily . Meanwhile, Canopy Growth operates subsidiaries and partnerships across Europe, including Spectrum Therapeutics in Germany and operations in Spain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Latin America.

Despite positive growth trends, Canadian exporters face trade-related hurdles such as proposed tariffs in Israel reaching up to 165%, although such measures have been delayed. Industry analysts highlight that early entry into emerging markets offers a competitive advantage as regulations evolve and local suppliers remain limited.