Influx of European cannabis seed companies in the US increases

The DEA’s 2022 regulatory decision which categorised cannabis seeds with less than 0.3% THC are legally hemp—set off a chain reaction in the market. Over the past three years, European seed companies have been maneuvering to take full advantage of this regulatory shift, and now, their expansion into the U.S. seems to be reaching full throttle.

Where there’s a seed, there’s a hope

Companies like Blimburn, ILGM, and Zamnesia are setting up shop in Trump’s America as we speak, no longer bound by customs headaches or legal grey areas. They’re bringing decades of breeding expertise, massive seed banks, and global distribution networks, and they’re not wasting time. For years, the legal status of cannabis seeds in the U.S. was a mess. Even though seeds don’t contain THC in any meaningful amount, they were still classified the same as fully grown cannabis plants under federal law. That meant importing, selling, or even mailing seeds across state lines was risky business. Then in 2022, the DEA stepped in and clarified that cannabis seeds with less than 0.3% THC fall under the definition of hemp,  but what does that mean for the local medical cannabis scene ? Well, it means that selling seeds is legal on a federal level, no matter where they come from.

European Competitors Ante Up

 For a while, many companies took a wait-and-see approach, unsure how aggressively they could move into the U.S. without encountering pushback. But as the demand for home cultivation skyrocketed and enforcement remained focused elsewhere, the real wave of European expansion started gaining traction in 2024 and into 2025. That’s why we’re only now seeing companies like Blimburn and Zamnesia launching full-scale U.S. operations.

According to Data Bridge Market Research, the U.S. cannabis seed market achieved a value of $567.76 million in 2022 and analysts predict it will expand at a 17.2% compound annual growth rate until it reaches $2.02 billion by 2030. The combination of legal changes together with home cultivation practices creates an excellent chance for European seed leaders including Blimburn Seeds, Royal Queen Seeds, ILGM and Zamnesia.

Since entering the U.S. market, Blimburn Seeds has become one of the main European seed providers operating in the United States. Officially launching its dedicated U.S. e-commerce platform in January 2025, the DEA’s clarification allowed Blimburn to legally and openly distribute its seeds across state lines, eliminating the previous barriers that kept their products in legal limbo. No longer needing workaround solutions, the company could streamline operations, focus on branding, and provide U.S. customers with direct access to their genetics. As expected, all numbers indicate a resounding success—global annual sales between 12 and 15 million seeds, with a staggering 8 million of those sold in the U.S., generating close to €8 million ($8.24 million) in revenue. According to GlobeNewswire, CEO Sergio Martinez made it clear that Blimburn isn’t just here for a quick play, stating : “We’re excited to launch this new website alongside the announcement of our new California operations and the expansion of our NYC warehouse to bring Blimburn’s legacy of quality and innovation directly to our U.S. customers.”

What could go wrong ?

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has already sent shockwaves through several industries, and the cannabis market is no exception. While the DEA’s 2022 ruling paved the way for European seed companies to establish themselves in the U.S., the current administration could introduce new hurdles. Over the past month, regulatory uncertainty has grown, leaving many wondering: Will the federal government crack down on cannabis-related businesses, or will market forces push forward despite political headwinds?

One major concern is the potential tightening of federal cannabis policies. While Trump's previous term largely allowed state-led cannabis policies to flourish, his stance on federal cannabis reform has been inconsistent. If his administration decides to reinterpret the 2022 DEA ruling or introduce stricter enforcement measures, European seed companies may once again face barriers to legally operating in the U.S. This could include increased scrutiny on cross-border trade, making it harder for European genetics to enter the market.

Another weak point lies in the potential rollback of state-level cannabis policies. While federal law still prohibits cannabis cultivation in most states, many have crafted their own legal frameworks allowing home growers to flourish. If a more conservative approach to cannabis regulation emerges, states may be pressured to limit or even ban home cultivation, directly impacting the demand for cannabis seeds. European seed companies, which have been expanding aggressively based on the assumption of continued homegrow legalization, could find themselves in an unpredictable landscape.

Author: Daniel Ciurea

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