The Americas remain a critical focal point in global cannabis reform. Home to some of the largest producers, exporters, and patient populations, the region is a complex testing ground for medical cannabis policy.
At the 2025 Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit (GCRS), three key themes emerged around how the region is navigating medical cannabis as both a healthcare solution and a commercial industry.
1. Regulation is Fragmented and Inflexible
Across the Americas, medical cannabis regulation is fragmented and its inflexibility is impeding progress. Canada has a federally regulated system where medical cannabis is dispensed by mail via licensed producers instead of pharmacies. The model offers access to a wide range of products, but it presents barriers for vulnerable patients, especially those without consistent access to healthcare providers or technology. Many doctors have redirected patients to recreational outlets, leaving gaps in clinical guidance.
The picture in the US is vastly different as the lack of a unified federal framework leaves states creating their own policies. Some states have attempted to move towards commercialized models while staying compliant with federal guidance, but in many cases, this has led to inconsistent quality standards and limited patient protections.
Latin America adds yet another layer of complexity, with countries across the region taking varied regulatory approaches. For example, Colombia has prioritized exports but remains highly regulated, with very low domestic patient access (less than 0.002% of the population has access).
In all of these cases, it’s ultimately the patient that suffers. But some countries in Latin America have taken a more patient-centric model, including Brazil, which also simplified the rules for non-psychoactive products. Meanwhile, Argentina has been focusing on patient self-cultivation.
The lack of coherence across the Americas and beyond limits market access and creates significant barriers for companies — especially those in the Global South, as exporters face complex certification processes and logistical obstacles.
The panel also discussed how existing regulatory systems are being retrofitted to accommodate cannabis as a commodity, but this is far from ideal. Models originally built for pharmaceuticals or shaped by prohibition are proving too rigid for a product as multifaceted as cannabis.
2. Reform Must Be Pragmatic, Inclusive and Patient-centric
One of the panel’s strongest messages was that medical cannabis reform must be grounded in practicality. The alternative is stagnation, which is seen in countries that attempt to over-regulate. As mentioned, some apply strict pharmaceutical frameworks to all cannabis products and as a result, patient numbers remain flat, innovation slows, and companies struggle to stay viable.
Reform must focus on improving patient access, enabling domestic industry growth, and allowing for regulatory systems that adapt to evidence and experience. Pragmatic models — those that balance oversight with flexibility — are more likely to support real-world usage and sustainable growth.
The panel emphasized how reform is not one-size-fits-all. Localized systems are required, which must be informed by global best practices. They must serve domestic populations, encourage participation from a broader array of global producers, and stay responsive to cultural, political and economic realities.
3. Stakeholder Alignment Is Key to Unlocking the Industry’s Potential
For cannabis markets to reach their potential, regulators, policymakers, and industry players must work together. This requires international cooperation, streamlined compliance pathways, and inclusive policy development.
Policymakers should enable dialogue between exporting and importing countries to reduce trade friction. Regulators must engage with a broad set of stakeholders, including industry, indigenous communities, patients, and physicians to ensure that policy reflects diverse needs. For industry players, there’s a growing need for proactive participation in policy consultations.
Takeaways for Brokers and Insurance Professionals
Fragmentation is stalling progress, over-regulation is hampering impact, and only through collaboration and pragmatism can the region unlock the full benefits of cannabis as medicine.
Companies operating in this complex regulatory environment need specialized coverage founded on a deep understanding of their exposures. Relm provides these solutions to the sector’s innovators. Contact us today to learn more, and download the full Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit White Paper from Artemis Growth Partners here.
