Big Tobacco Is Moving on Cannabis, the Global Strategy Is Unfolding, and Deepak Anand Reveals Where’s Next

The Dime

Big Tobacco knows cigarettes are dead.
They’re sitting on cash, looking for growth — and cannabis is the obvious move.

They’re no longer silently watching from the sidelines. They’re investing, expanding — some through public acquisitions, others through quieter plays. But one thing is clear: it’s no secret anymore. Big Tobacco is here, leveraging its resources to capture market share quickly, while cannabis companies continue to struggle.

And on the other side of the coin? The global unlock continues.
With U.S. operators mostly stuck within national borders, Canadian companies are finally getting the green light to activate dormant facilities and feed growing EU demand. Companies like Curaleaf are thriving in the international arena — and it’s just getting started.

This week, we sit down with global cannabis strategist Deepak Anand to break down:

• Tobacco’s positioning — and what they’re likely eyeing next
• Which U.S. companies Deepak expects to head overseas
• Which international markets are heating up next

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Landscape

03:05 Deepak's Journey into Cannabis Consulting

06:11 Understanding CPG Companies' Entry into Cannabis

08:58 Market Dynamics and Regulatory Challenges

11:48 Consolidation Trends in the Cannabis Industry

15:09 The Booming German Cannabis Market

18:06 International Expansion and MSO Strategies

21:02 Future Outlook for Cannabis Companies

26:23 Emerging Opportunities in the Australian Cannabis Market

29:12 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in International Markets

30:51 The Evolving Landscape of Recreational Cannabis

34:05 Strategic Moves by Tobacco Companies in Cannabis

36:35 Crafting Tailored Strategies for Cannabis Clients

40:00 International Perspectives on U.S. Cannabis Policies

42:26 Insights from the GCRS Event in Washington, DC

Guest Links:

• https://x.com/_deepakanand
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananddeepaks/

About Deepak Anand

Advisory Board Member at CB Company, MJBiz, Lift Events & Experiences, ASTM International, Cannabinoid Research & Development Global (CRDG) Network; Cannabis Industry Management Advisor at ASDA Consultancy Services; Vice Chairman Of The Board at Medical Cannabis Canada; Strategic Advisor at CanMar; Adjunct Instructor at Osgoode Professional Development

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