Welcome to the latest edition of “Last week in Weed,” catching you up on the latest breaking news and industry developments in the world of cannabis.
Here’s what you may have missed over the last week:
Sunderstorm Pushes KANHA Into Europe and Australia
California’s Sunderstorm is accelerating its international ambitions, announcing a slate of strategic partnerships to expand its flagship KANHA brand across Europe and Australia. The company has partnered with North Macedonia-based New Garden Pharma, alongside Germany’s California’s Medical GmbH, FuGu Holdings in Australia, and Grow Group UK, to scale pharmaceutical-grade flower and edibles for highly regulated medical markets. The expansion builds on KANHA’s prior entries into Thailand and Japan and positions the brand deeper into the EU-GMP supply chain.
Through New Garden Pharma’s EU-GMP facility in Skopje, Sunderstorm will manufacture medical-grade edibles tailored for Europe and Australia while commercializing premium cannabis flower. “KANHA is becoming one of the first truly global cannabis brands by entering some of the world’s most advanced and highly regulated medical markets,” said Cameron Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Sunderstorm. With Europe’s medical market projected to grow from roughly $3 billion in 2025 to more than $13 billion by 2034, the move signals how aggressively U.S. operators are targeting international demand.
Federal Regulators Signal Next Steps on Cannabis Rescheduling Implementation
Following the recent shift of cannabis to Schedule III, federal agencies are beginning to outline what implementation could look like for research institutions and pharmaceutical pathways. Early guidance suggests expanded clinical research access and potential tax relief implications for operators previously constrained by 280E. Industry groups are now pressing regulators for clarity on interstate commerce and FDA oversight timelines.
While the rescheduling decision marks a historic policy shift, the operational details remain unsettled. Banking access, DEA rulemaking, and FDA frameworks are all under review. Trade associations have urged Congress to codify reforms rather than rely solely on administrative interpretation. The coming months will determine whether Schedule III delivers immediate financial relief or a slower regulatory recalibration.
Germany Reports Record Medical Cannabis Imports as Demand Climbs
Germany’s medical cannabis imports hit a new high this month, reflecting sustained patient growth and the country’s expanding prescriber base. Industry analysts point to streamlined telemedicine access and evolving reimbursement structures as key demand drivers. Imports from Canada, Portugal, and emerging EU suppliers continue to increase, reshaping supply chain dynamics across the bloc.
With Germany serving as Europe’s largest regulated market, suppliers are racing to secure EU-GMP certification and reliable distribution partnerships. The surge reinforces why U.S. brands like KANHA are positioning early for entry into German pharmacies. As regulatory normalization continues, Germany remains the gateway market for global expansion strategies.
Multi-State Operators Post Mixed Earnings Amid Margin Pressure
Several leading multi-state operators released quarterly earnings this week, painting a mixed financial picture. Revenue growth remains uneven across mature markets, while price compression continues to weigh on wholesale margins. Operators cited operational efficiencies, store optimization, and disciplined capital spending as priorities for 2026.
Despite federal rescheduling momentum, executives emphasized that state-level realities still define profitability. Mature markets such as California and Colorado remain highly competitive, while emerging states offer stronger pricing stability. Investors appear cautiously optimistic, but balance sheet discipline remains the industry’s defining theme this quarter.
UK Expands Access to Medical Cannabis Through Private Clinics
Private medical clinics in the United Kingdom reported a significant uptick in cannabis prescriptions over the past week, driven by growing physician familiarity and broader product availability. Importers and distributors are responding with expanded portfolios that include new flower formats and oil formulations designed for chronic pain and neurological conditions.
The growth underscores the UK’s steady shift from niche access to a more structured medical framework. Companies such as Grow Group UK are expanding supply partnerships to meet demand, including new imports from Thailand and Europe. For global brands entering regulated markets, the UK remains a proving ground for compliance, physician education, and long-term patient retention strategies.
