For the last 12 months (roughly late January 2025 —> late January 2026) global cannabis policies haven’t all followed the same direction. Wherever there has been increased access to cannabis, the opposite has occurred in other parts of the world, as “grey market” cannabis has grown faster than regulation. The key take away for UK readers is that there is now more structure to the global cannabis landscape, with more defined possession limits, more tightly controlled supply chains and more enforcement against previously tolerated loopholes.
Europe: more defined personal-use limits and more “regulated access” models
A number of European countries have focused on establishing defined limits (of possession, grow or access via regulated channels) instead of opening up large scale commercial retail overnight.
Changes:
- Czechia established a new law in July 2025 that came into effect in January 2026 allowing for very limited home cultivation (3 plants) and defined possession limits (higher at home, lower in public).
- Germany continued to roll out its adult-use framework based on possession/home grow and cultivation associations (“clubs”) with tight rules (18+ age checks, limits for 18–21-year-olds, monthly caps etc.).
Significance for “what’s next” in Europe:
- More countries will test phased legalisation (first personal use, then supply models),
- Heavier focus on public health guardrails (limits on age, THC caps for young adults, membership controls etc.).
UK: still not “legalised,” but small changes in practice
The UK has not introduced adult-use legalisation, but there has been movement regarding the way medical cannabis is being managed in practice.
Key development:
In January 2026, the UK’s National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) approved formal police guidance on medical cannabis for officers in England and Wales — something patients had been calling for since medical cannabis was legalised in 2018.
Asia: Thailand has pivoted from loose control to tighter control
Thailand is an excellent example of policy “snap-back” after a rapidly expanding market.
Change:
In 2025, Thailand restricted the purchase of cannabis to prescription/medical access, attempting to stem the tide of recreational use after decriminalisation had created a booming, lightly regulated cannabis market.
US: federal-level momentum has shifted again
Although, US State Laws differ, the main narrative was at the Federal Level: Rescheduling discussions have become more tangible and political.
Change:
In December 2025, the White House released an Executive Order directing Agencies to expedite rescheduling Marijuana (to Schedule III), primarily framed as facilitating Medical Research Access — without fully Legalising at the Federal Level.
Hemp/CBD: the trend to crack down on “loophole” products
One of the fastest changing arenas isn’t “weed” as most people know it — it is the Intoxicating Hemp-Derived THC Products.
Developing Trend:
Governments and Cities are increasingly taking action against Delta-8 / “hemp THC” products sold outside of Regulated Cannabis Systems, especially when concerns about Youth Exposure exist.
Italy, in 2025, put stricter regulations on hemp flowers (treating them more like narcotics) — which has also led to ongoing debate and interest at the EU-Level.
The Bottom Line
Global cannabis policy did not just “Legalise More” — it Standardised More:
- defined limits (possession/home grow),
- controlled Supply Pathways (clubs/pilots/medical),
- strict response to Unregulated Hemp THC.
If you want to keep track of what impacts UK Consumers Most, look to see how the phased models in Europe and the increasing push to regulate (or restrict) hemp-derived intoxicants — because these debates often cross borders quickly.
Read more in our blog.