MikeSassa

Green Rush Partners (Dir) Somai Pharmaceuticals (Founder, Chairman & interim CEO) Expertise: Global Cannabis, EU-GMP, Pharma Strategy

[mikesassa]

For almost two decades (and for many, even longer), the idea of U.S. rescheduling was more of a concept and a direction than a reality. But the bold move by the current US administration is a seismic shift that will resonate for months as the industry awaits rules and plots its new direction.

While there is still progress to be made in regulatory frameworks globally, rescheduling represents the fourth and final pillar of a prediction I’ve been making since 2020: the "global medical cannabis explosion" is here:

https://cannareporter.eu/en/2026/07/06/US-cannabis-reclassification-boosts-global-medical-cannabis-market/

[mikesassa]

Europe Is the 51st State for MSOs: The Next Growth Engine Has Arrived - Cannabis Intelligence Platform

U.S. Multi-State Operators (MSOs) are rapidly learning that to sustain this newfound institutional momentum, they desperately need a new ave

Most U.S. executives raise the same objections: We have enough issues at home. We have other growth opportunities in the US. We don’t have the knowledge to expand overseas. Valid points, but while U.S. operators debate the hurdles, European medical cannabis markets are racing toward a multi-billion-dollar future. The global medical cannabis market is on track to exceed $2.5 billion in annual sales, and it will surpass Canada in total size within a few short years. Any market sitting at $2.5 billion and heading straight for $5 billion is one no MSO board can afford to ignore.

[mikesassa]

European Cannabis Merger Mania: The Global Conversation Has Begun

A byline by Michael Sassano Europe has officially become a hotbed…

Europe has officially become a hotbed of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 2026. If the market was already warming up, the U.S. just poured gasoline on the fire with its move to reschedule cannabis to an internationally recognized medical standard. Global markets like Germany have finally entered a phase of stability and moderate regulatory certainty as leading countries prove that sensible cannabis rules actually work.

The numbers we are seeing are significant enough to draw the full attention of the largest U.S. and Canadian operators, who are all desperately looking for their next major growth phase. One thing is absolutely certain: this is only the beginning, and there will be a very limited number of seats at the table.

[mikesassa]

Success of German Cannabis: Politics Meets Hard Truths

A byline by Michael Sassano Germany is now the undisputed heavyweight…

Germany is now the undisputed heavyweight in the global EU cannabis market, and there is very little standing in its way of becoming a multi-billion-euro powerhouse. Even the usual friction of bad politics and dirty lobbying doesn’t stand a chance against the sheer momentum of the industry’s success. Adding fuel to the debate, with one swift move, the USA acknowledging cannabis as medicine by moving it to Schedule III has set a de-facto international standard that Germany had already pioneered. All politics and lobby efforts were muted with common-sense policies; Germany bucked the trend once and it will do it again because the facts are impossible to ignore.

[mikesassa]

Thailand has a tradition entrenched in cannabis and a deep sense of community, but we are currently witnessing a fast and furious evolution that is as painful as it is rapid. The Thai cannabis community is blessed with a booming internal market, yet the sheer volume of flower being produced far outweighs what local and global markets can actually absorb. And with more supply on the way, the global cannabis world is watching:

https://cannareporter.eu/en/2026/04/30/Cannabis-in-Thailand-in-2026%3A-from-mild-to-wild./

[mikesassa]

Portugal is the EU Cannabis Leader: But the Lead is Being Threatened

Portugal has long been a pioneer and undisputed leader in the European Union (EU) cannabis markets. It is home to the biggest names in the s

Portugal has long been the pioneer and undisputed leader in the EU cannabis markets. We are home to the biggest names in the game—Curaleaf, Tilray, Somai—plus 65 other groups, with more on the way. The reason for this dominance is clear: excellence in pharmaceutical regulations. Portuguese regulators have been the gold standard, understanding cannabis exports and pharmaceutical distribution better than almost anyone globally.

Portugal is a powerhouse because we accept imports from nearly all legal markets and export to the world. This isn't an accident; it’s a reflection of a long tradition where pharmaceutical manufacturing accounts for more than 7% of our GDP. But right now, our lead is being chipped away because we are "throwing the baby out with the bathwater".

[mikesassa]

Boom! The Age of EU-GMP Medical Cannabis is Here: The Global Race is On - Cannabis Intelligence Platform

By Michael Sassano, Founder, Chairman GR and Interim CEO of SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals

For two decades, the fight to acknowledge cannabis as a legitimate medicine in the USA has stumbled through a lobbying and bureaucratic minefield. But the landscape has shifted permanently. While recent Trump executive actions don’t fully “legalize” the plant recreationally, they send a thunderous message: the FDA will officially acknowledge cannabis as a medicine.

[mikesassa]

It’s time for Australia to enter thenext phase of adolescence and startbuilding for the long term - SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals

Australia isn’t in a race to the bottom on price, but in a race for operational efficiency, argues SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals chairman Michael Sa

Australia isn’t in a race to the bottom on price, but in a race for operational efficiency, argues SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals chairman Michael Sassano. And while the business environment may seem tough, the signs are there for the local market be a great one.

Australia is one of the most rapidly changing cannabis markets on the planet. If you blink, you may just miss the pivots.

For those of us who have lived through the evolution of other developing markets, what’s happening in Australia is a clear signal of a “great market”.

We are entering Australia 3.0 – a phase that is calmer, enjoys sustained growth, and sees new demographics entering the market, to find healing.

It’s time to move past the “trial by fire” and start building for the long term.

[mikesassa]

The Problem of Consistency in Local and Global Cannabis Branding

A byline by Michael Sassano Establishing a consistent cannabis product brand…

Establishing a consistent cannabis product brand is a complicated task. The cannabis industry will always be home to mainstream local brands, craft local brands, large global brands, and craft global brands all co-existing in the same space. The good news is there is room for everyone. The bad news is that supply line issues and the resulting lack of consistency plague the global cannabis industry, affecting players of every size. 

When it comes to cannabis branding, it’s not enough to just carry the name from country to country. Owning the quality is the key to success.

[mikesassa]

EU-certified medical vaporizers enter the market: setting a new regulatory standard.

The race for relevance in the global cannabis community has taken a new turn with the introduction of medically registered batteries and car

The race for relevance in the global cannabis community has taken a new turn with the introduction of medically registered handheld vape batteries and cartridges. Only a few cannabis markets, such as Australia and the U.K., have clearly accepted non-medically certified oil vaporizer equipment, and to some extent Germany has as well. The rest of the global medical cannabis markets have not reached that far in their acceptance of non-medical vaporizer units, with the exception of a few daring compound pharmacists in Poland and other small adventurous groups.

[mikesassa]

Spain Takes a Major Step Toward Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabis Regulation: A New Standard for Europe

A byline by Michael Sassano Spain’s Royal Decree on Medicinal Cannabis…

This new regulatory framework in Spain signals a decisive move toward recognizing cannabis extracts as a legitimate therapeutic agent, managed with the same rigor as any other pharmaceutical product. The implementation of this decree is a major milestone, not just for Spanish patients but for the entire European Union, as it sets a highly credible standard for the future of cannabinoid therapeutics.

[mikesassa]

Is Portugal Losing Its Role as Europe’s Cannabis Gateway?

Portugal’s role in Europe’s cannabis supply chain is under pressure as rising GMP capacity and regulatory delays push producers away.

Industry executives, including SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals CEO Michael Sassano, warned that these delays could undermine Portugal’s status as Europe’s primary processing and export hub unless Infarmed streamlines oversight and restores market confidence.

[mikesassa]

Global Cannabis See-Saw: Surging Demand Meets Tightening Regulations

A byline by Michael Sassano The global cannabis industry has experienced…

The global cannabis industry has experienced both great success and significant challenges in 2025. Volumes are surging and new countries are coming online, signaling market expansion. However, a „dark cloud“ hangs over these numbers as regulators in key selling markets—such as the U.K., Germany, and Australia—and exporting countries like Portugal adjust to the increased volumes and seek greater control. A real tug-of-war has emerged, with successful legal cannabis strategies being met by attempts at new regulation to address the fast advancements in the sector. Cannabis entrepreneurs are facing sleepless nights trying to keep up with the changing landscape and the need to meet surging demand.

[mikesassa]

Global Cannabis Playbook Emerges Amid U.S. Uncertainty

International cannabis regulations advance as the U.S. lags. Can American operators adapt in time?

“It takes roughly two and a half years to get through validation, batches, stability testing, and then regulatory approval for sales to multiple markets,” said Somai Chief Executive Officer Michael Sassano. “Without it, you can’t export to other countries.”

[mikesassa]

Taking Cannabis Global: Inside Somai Pharmaceuticals' Multi-Country Strategy - Cannabis Industry Journal

In an industry defined by local operators struggling to stay afloat and confined within their borders, Michael Sassano, founder and CEO of S

In an industry defined by local operators struggling to stay afloat and confined within their borders, Michael Sassano, founder and CEO of Somai Pharmaceuticals, has created a blueprint for scaling cannabis worldwide with pharmaceutical discipline and regulatory agility. With headquarters in Lisbon and operations in 12 countries today, Somai is preparing to reach 18 by year’s end.

[mikesassa]

"For the third year in a row, Trulieve makes my top pick due to its focused expansion and continued dominant anchor position in Florida and scale up the East Coast," says Michael Sassano, founder of Somai Pharmaceuticals and an early investor in the cannabis industry.

https://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/best-marijuana-stock-and-etfs

[mikesassa]

EU-GMP Cannabis Gummies Face Uphill Battle Against Low-Quality Market Flood

The new age of cannabis dosing with gummies is sweeping the…

Gummies represent a paradigm shift in cannabis consumption, appealing to demographics, like new consumers, that traditional smoking and oral drops do not entice. Gummies are tasty, and everything from vitamins to herbal supplements comes in a delicious chewable format. These single-dose, socially acceptable products have created a paradigm shift as consumers increasingly share stories that begin with “that one time I took a gummy” without the stigma attached to other cannabis consumption methods. Gummies are making cannabis taste good again.