Record amounts of Canadian cannabis seized as smuggling to Europe soars

The legalization of cannabis in Canada has led to an unexpected surge in smuggling to Europe, with Belgian customs seizing a record 21 tonnes of Canadian cannabis in 2025, surpassing the amount illegally exported from any other country. This alarming trend highlights the unintended consequences of Canada's cannabis legalization, raising concerns about the international market dynamics and the effectiveness of border controls. As more countries consider similar legalizations, this situation underscores the need for stringent regulations and international cooperation to manage the global cannabis trade responsibly.