The cannabis market continues to experience unprecedented global growth, against the backdrop of an evolving regulatory landscape. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global cannabis market size was valued at USD 43.72 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at an astounding CAGR of 34.03%, reaching USD 444.34 billion by 2030. Such meteoric growth has spurred a surge of expansion initiatives beyond the U.S. and into regions like Europe, Latin America, Africa, and even China. Below is a compilation of influential leaders in the international cannabis arena that are instrumental in shaping the industry’s trajectory.
Global Cannabis Landscape and Growth Prospects
The European market presents significant opportunities for investment and operations, with Germany at the forefront despite ongoing regulatory delays. Conversely, Switzerland’s liberal laws and existing adult-use program have made it an attractive base for cannabis operations. Meanwhile, Latin America has emerged as a source of high-quality biomass and products for global distribution. Notably, with the resurgence of hemp as a viable alternative to navigate legal THC restrictions, China is increasingly becoming a coveted market for industry players.
The African continent continues to be a key exporter of biomass for global cannabis operations, translating into a positive economic impact. As the industry anticipates an era of liberalization and unleashed potential, the illustrious roster of international cannabis executives listed below is poised to play a pivotal role in steering the global rollout.
Profiles of Influential Figures in the Global Cannabis Space
Dean Gainsley (UK) Commercial Director GROW
With over two decades of portfolio management experience and a decade-long stint in the financial division of a major agricultural firm, Gainsley boasts a seasoned track record as an angel investor in emerging industries and advisor to early-stage companies.
Under Gainsley’s stewardship, GROW (GROW Group PLC) has ascended to become the UK’s largest distributor of medical cannabis, with a burgeoning footprint in Germany and Australia. Notably, GROW achieved a major industry milestone in 2019 as the first company to execute bulk imports of medical cannabis into the UK.
GROW’s robust UK presence accounts for a substantial 35% share of the country’s medical cannabis sales by both volume and value across wholesale and retail pharmacy segments. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes flower, oils, capsules, and vape cartridges, emblematic of its multi-faceted market presence.
Irwin D. Simon (US) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TILRAY, Inc. (TLRY)
Exhibiting a rich executive legacy spanning over three decades, Simon’s expertise in steering industry-leading consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies is undeniable. TILRAY Brands, Inc. (TLRY) operates as a global cannabis-lifestyle and CPG juggernaut, with established footprints in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America. Noteworthy is Tilray’s trailblazing work in cannabis research, cultivation, and distribution, enabling support for over 20 brands across 20+ countries, featuring a comprehensive product array spanning cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and alcoholic beverages.
Of significance is Simon’s position as one of Canada’s top ten highest-paid CEOs, commanding an annual salary exceeding $15M, a testament to his leadership clout and financial acumen that continues to propel Tilray’s global ascendancy.
Jade Green (US) Founder Jade Green Consulting / CannaMLS
At the helm of Jade Green Consulting, industry luminary Jade Green spearheads an elite professional advisory firm tailored for international business prerogatives. Renowned for its subject matter expertise, the consultancy is instrumental in enabling clients to navigate global commercial interests across dynamic sectors such as fintech and life sciences. Jade Green’s brainchild, CannaMLS, stands out as the premier turnkey platform for U.S. dispensaries to procure licenses and real estate with unparalleled ease.
Cynthia Salarizadeh (US) Founder and CEO of Asha Media Group (AMG)
Asha Media Group, steered by the visionary Cynthia Salarizadeh, wields global influence through its array of international clients dispersed across the supply chain in regions spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. AMG’s heralded MediaSphere PR & Marketing AI technology platform stands as a testament to Salarizadeh’s acumen in leveraging cutting-edge tools to power the firm’s strategic initiatives.
Salarizadeh’s profound impact extends beyond her business domain, as she plays a pivotal role as a mega-connector at industry events across multiple continents. Notably, her entrepreneurial repertoire includes the founding of luxury cannabis-infused beverage brand House of Saka, further underscoring her multifaceted prowess in the cannabis space.
Dr. Chanda Macias (US/Germany/Canada) CEO of National Holistic Healthcare, Chairwoman of Women Grow
Dr. Chanda Macias, MBA, assumes the leadership mantle at National Holistic Healthcare, an august medical cannabis cultivator, processor, and dispenser in the United States, vertically expanding into Germany as Deutschland Holistic GmbH. Dr. Macias’ unwavering focus on delivering accessible medical cannabis healthcare solutions is emblematic of her 15+ years of dedicated expertise in the field, commencing from her seminal tenure at the flagship medical cannabis dispensary, National Holistic™ Healing Center in Washington D.C.
Underpinning Dr. Macias’ towering influence is her pivotal role as vice chair of the National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR) Board, spotlighting her impassioned advocacy for common-sense federal legislation, tax equity, and financial services reform. As Chairwoman of the Board of Managers and CEO of Women Grow, she continues to drive the organization’s mission of fostering connectivity, collaboration,
