Global Cannabis Policies in 2025 Focus on Culture and Accessories Over Plant

In 2025, a notable shift in cannabis regulation occurred worldwide, with governments targeting the cultural and accessory aspects of cannabis rather than the plant itself. This strategic pivot saw countries like India, Spain, and the United States implementing measures that indirectly affect cannabis consumption by controlling its paraphernalia and imagery. This trend reflects a broader strategy to regulate cannabis by influencing how it is perceived and accessed, rather than outright banning it

In India, the state of Gujarat took a significant step by banning the storage, sale, and distribution of rolling papers and pre-rolled cones. This move, framed as a public health measure to curb youth usage, specifically targets tools associated with cannabis consumption. Although not a direct ban on cannabis, it exemplifies a moral panic approach, removing items that facilitate cannabis use rather than addressing the behavior directly

Spain's region of Galicia introduced a law aimed at protecting minors, which includes stringent restrictions on promoting cannabis-related imagery in public spaces. This legislation imposes severe penalties on those distributing cannabis-themed merchandise, highlighting a shift towards policing the symbols associated with cannabis rather than the substance itself. The disproportionate nature of these penalties underscores a growing focus on cultural representation in cannabis regulation

In the United States, a quiet yet impactful change occurred with the FY2026 Agriculture appropriations act, which redefined the federal definition of hemp. This reclassification imposes new restrictions on hemp-derived products, affecting a booming market that had expanded since the 2018 Farm Bill. The change was embedded in a larger legislative package, illustrating a subtle yet significant regulatory shift that impacts the hemp industry

Countries like Ireland and Italy also followed suit by targeting specific cannabinoids and hemp flowers, respectively. Ireland fast-tracked the classification of HHC and similar compounds as controlled substances, while Italy imposed new restrictions on hemp flowers, sparking legal debates at the EU level. These actions reflect a broader attempt by governments to close loopholes and exert control over emerging cannabis-related markets

Thailand's regulatory changes further exemplify this global trend. After initial steps towards decriminalization, the country reclassified cannabis flower as a controlled herb, imposing new restrictions on its sale and advertising. This move represents a shift towards administrative control rather than aggressive enforcement, echoing past tactics used in the United States during the late 20th century. Together, these global efforts highlight a consistent pattern of regulating cannabis by controlling its visible and cultural aspects