Which Countries Lead Cannabis Exports?
American cannabis producers have begun exporting seeds and other products, and the effects of the increased trade will be seen in the coming years. Regulation is the main obstacle to international exports, but which are the top cannabis exporting countries and what challenges do they face?
Canada
Since full legalization in 2018, Canada has become the leading North American cannabis exporter. In 2023, it shipped 79.3 tons of dry cannabis, while in the first six months of 2024, it exported 68 tons. Medical cannabis oil is also a key product, with approximately 2,800 gallons exported in the first half of 2024. Exports are worth over $200 million annually. The main destination markets are Australia, Israel, Germany, Argentina, the United Kingdom and the United States. However, competition from Mexico and a possible international opening of the US market are a challenge.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the largest producers and exporters of legal cannabis for medical and scientific uses. In 2021, it accounted for 43% of global production, with 329 tonnes destined for research and medicine. However, there is a shortage of cannabis-based medicines domestically, forcing many families to look abroad, especially in the Netherlands.
Morocco
According to the UN, Morocco is the world's leading producer of marijuana, with the heart of production in the Rif. Since 2021, the government has regulated cultivation for medical and industrial purposes, clashing with local criminal networks. The country exports around 20% of the world's hashish (40,000 tonnes per year), generating up to 10% of GDP. Over a million people in the Rif depend on cannabis. Morocco sent its first legal shipments to Switzerland in 2024, and exports to Europe are expected to generate more than $500 million annually.
Paraguay
In February 2025, Paraguay completed its first legal shipment of industrial cannabis to Europe. The country’s cannabis market is expected to reach $33.94 million by the end of the year. It is the world’s largest producer of cannabis concentrates, which are sold at low prices to South America, Canada, the US and Australia, often with quality and contamination issues.
India
Despite cannabis being illegal since 1985, India is the world’s largest consumer and leading producer of charas, a highly sought-after type of hashish. Regularly exported to the Netherlands, charas is among the most expensive products on the hashish market, with the country competing directly with Morocco and Afghanistan.
Lebanon
Lebanon’s cannabis revenue is expected to reach $25.85 million in 2025. The country has begun regulating medical cannabis, attracting foreign investment. Lebanon has an ideal climate and high-quality genetics, contributing 6% of global hashish production. However, regional conflicts remain the main obstacle to the development of the sector.
Major challenges for global cannabis trade
Despite the growth of the cannabis market in many parts of the world, international cannabis trade still faces numerous obstacles. From rigid regulations to competition with the black market to geopolitical conflicts, several factors are slowing down the development of an industry that could generate huge profits on a global scale.
Restrictive regulation: a brake on even the strongest markets
One of the main problems hindering the global cannabis trade is the lack of clear and uniform regulations between countries. The United States is a prime example: despite boasting the world’s largest legal market, with states like California generating billions of dollars in sales, federal restrictions prevent exports and even interstate trade. This leads to paradoxical situations, where large quantities of legally grown cannabis are destroyed every year due to lack of commercial outlets. Even in Canada, which has a robust export industry, similar waste occurs. However, more and more countries are starting to recognize the economic opportunities offered by cannabis, pushing for more open regulation and favoring international trade.
Black market and transition to legality: a complex process
Another significant obstacle is the black market, which is still dominant in many countries. Decades of prohibition have favored the emergence of well-established criminal networks, which control the production and distribution of cannabis. The transition to a legal market
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Liz Filmer
