2024 was a whirlwind year for the cannabis industry. While many moves were made to improve access to cannabis, moves were also made to try and restrict access.
After Ohio voters passed an adult-use legalization measure at the end of 2023, a variety of people and organizations stepped up to defend the initiative from efforts to gut it by legislators.
In Louisiana, Gov. Landry signed legislation that removes jail time and reduces penalties for possessing cannabis paraphernalia to a fine. Meanwhile, two different House committees passed bills to set up a regulatory system for legalization, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.
Now that 2024 is finally over, many are looking ahead to 2025 in hopes that the incoming president, who has previously voiced his support for marijuana legalization, will help to move the industry forward.
Cannabis Regulator spoke with different industry professionals to see what predictions they have for 2025.
Rescheduling cannabis
Cannabis rescheduling has been top of mind for everyone in the industry ever since the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officially recommended that marijuana be reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) back in August 2024.
“If we reschedule cannabis in 2025, the industry will look completely different in 2026,” says Nohtal Partansky, founder and CEO of Sorting Robotics. “Rescheduling will legitimize the industry and cause an influx of capital into the space.”
However, marijuana rescheduling isn’t looking good ever since administrative law judge John Mulrooney postponed the start of hearings on federal cannabis rescheduling by at least three months on January 13.
As long as states continue to drive cannabis reform and progress, they can help propel the industry forward.
“For decades, they’ve successfully developed viable, compliant programs that facilitate cannabis commerce and enable compliant money movement, including banking,” notes Green Check founder and CEO Kevin Hart. “States didn’t wait for Washington in the past, and they’re unlikely to wait for federal action moving forward.”

A global medical cannabis explosion
2025 is already experiencing a global medical cannabis explosion, according to Michael Sassano, CEO of Somai Pharmaceuticals. “Every country in the EU is either already in the process of opening cannabis access or debating changes,” he says.
According to Sassano, the major changes in 2025 regarding cannabis will most likely be:
- Germany will hit 1 billion euros in sales
- U.S. will reschedule as well as pass SAFE banking
- Spain will ratify a framework of medical cannabis after three years of debate
- France will open up from an experimental cannabis program to a full nationalized program
- Czech, Ireland and Denmark will all open up prescriptions to GP’s for medical cannabis as well as increase indications of use to ailments like pain
- Japan will legalize CBD
- Thailand will hard code cannabis access into their laws
- The Philippines will open cannabis access
Agreeing with Sassano is Josh Schmidt, vice president of business development at Sluggers, who also predicts that international cannabis trade will flourish.
“Countries like Thailand, Macedonia, Czechia and others will lead the way in exporting medical cannabis and hemp Delta 8 products to meet global demand,” he says. “This evolution marks a pivotal shift toward a more interconnected, accessible and dynamic cannabis landscape.”
Continued innovation with cannabis beverages
Cannabis beverages are experiencing a steady revenue increase year over year as consumers continuously look for alcohol alternatives.
“The hemp beverage industry will continue to grow,” predicts hemp beverage brand Cantrip CEO Adam Terry. “New states will adopt regulations for hemp products, especially in the beverage sector. We will also see a much more widespread acceptance by distributors and retailers of hemp beverages.”
Hometown Hero VP of sales, Ryan Oquin, also thinks the beverage industry will offer continued innovation. “ I expect to see more hemp and marijuana companies offering beverages in different sizes and strengths,” he says.

SAFE Banking and other federal reforms
The SAFE Banking Act (Secure and Fair Enforcement) is another bill that is yet to be passed. First introduced in 2023, the bill aims to provide protections for federally regulated financial institutions that serve state-sanctioned marijuana businesses.
Currently, many financial institutions do not provide services to state-sanctioned marijuana businesses due to the federal classification of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance.
“Persistent pressure from businesses, investors and legislators could push the long-stalled SAFE Banking Act through Congress,” says David Craig, CMO of Illicit Gardens. “By 2025, the U.S. cannabis sector may finally have more streamlined access to financial services, reducing cash-on-hand issues and normalizing business operations.”
But after being delayed for over a year, many are doubtful of the SAFE Banking Act’s passing. However, The Panther Group’s COO Michael Teller mentions that a potential interest rate cut could offer the industry significant financial relief.
“Should rates decrease, two key benefits could emerge, including cheaper debt and improved investor lending,” he says. “Current debt rates are in the mid-to-low teens, but with a potential rate cut, borrowing costs could fall to the mid-to-high single digits by the end of 2025. This would enable companies to access more affordable capital, refinance older, costly debt and secure growth capital.”