Curaleaf Holdings and Tilray Brands continue to strengthen their international medical cannabis businesses, following separate expansion announcements in Europe and Latin America. While the companies unveiled their updates a few days apart, both moves highlight how established operators are targeting regulated medical markets outside North America as governments continue to formalize patient access.
Curaleaf disclosed on July 13th that it had become the first company to register standardized cannabis preparations under Spain’s new medical cannabis framework. A few days earlier, on July 9th, Tilray Medical announced the commercial launch of its first medical cannabis product in Panama, extending its presence across Latin America.
The announcements come as investors increasingly look beyond mature North American markets and focus on companies capable of generating growth through international medical cannabis programs.
Curaleaf secures first registrations under Spain’s new framework
Curaleaf said Spain’s Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) approved the registration of two standardized cannabis preparations developed by the company’s Spanish manufacturing subsidiary. The approvals cover one THC-dominant formulation and one CBD-dominant formulation.
According to Curaleaf, the registrations allow the company to supply standardized preparations through the regulatory pathway established under Spain’s new framework. The registrations received the official identifiers CAN-1 and CAN-2, which the company says makes it the first business to complete the process under Spain’s newly implemented regulatory system.
Spain adopted Royal Decree 903/2025 after approval by the Council of Ministers in October 2025. The framework established national standards governing the medical use of cannabis in Spain, providing a formal route for patients to obtain cannabis-based medicines through the country’s healthcare system.
The latest approval builds on Curaleaf’s existing operations in the country. Its Alicante facility includes an EU-GMP-certified manufacturing site and research laboratory. In 2020, subsidiary Medalchemy became the first company licensed by AEMPS to process medicinal cannabis derivatives for commercial distribution.
Chief Executive Officer Boris Jordan described the registrations as an important milestone for both the company and Spain’s emerging medical cannabis market, pointing to Curaleaf’s long-term investment in research, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.
The standardized preparations are expected to reach patients through hospital pharmacies once implementation of the new framework progresses and healthcare providers begin prescribing products under the updated system.
Tilray Medical launches first product in Panama
Tilray Medical’s expansion focuses on another developing medical cannabis market.
The company announced the commercial launch of Tilray Oral Solution CBD100 in Panama, following shipment of the product from its EU-GMP-certified manufacturing facilities in Portugal through its joint venture with Solana Life Group.
Patients with qualifying medical conditions will be able to obtain the oral CBD solution through Farmacias Arrocha, one of Panama’s largest pharmacy chains, upon presenting a valid medical prescription.
The launch follows Panama’s gradual implementation of its medical cannabis legislation. Law 242, enacted in 2021, established the country’s legal framework for medical cannabis. More recently, the Ministry of Health introduced additional regulations, including Resolution No. 0406 and the Medical Cannabis Users and Authorized Caregivers Identification System (SIUCMAA), creating procedures for physician authorization and patient registration.
Tilray said its Portuguese production platform serves as a strategic export hub supplying pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products to regulated international markets. The Panama rollout also strengthens the company’s presence across Latin America, where several countries continue developing medical cannabis regulations.
Rajnish Ohri, President of International at Tilray Brands, said the company intends to continue working alongside healthcare professionals, regulators, pharmacists, and patients as additional international markets establish regulated access to cannabinoid medicines.
International strategy remains central to both companies
Although Curaleaf and Tilray operate different business models, both announcements reinforce a common strategy centered on expanding access through tightly regulated healthcare systems.
Curaleaf continues to invest in European infrastructure, manufacturing, and regulatory approvals, which could position the company as one of the earliest suppliers in newly opening markets. Spain’s nearly 50 million residents represent one of Europe’s largest potential medical cannabis markets, although patient access will depend on how quickly hospitals and healthcare providers implement the new framework.
Tilray, meanwhile, has focused heavily on exporting EU-GMP-certified products from Portugal into international medical markets. The company’s medical cannabis division now serves patients in more than 20 countries across Europe, Australia, Canada, and Latin America, with Panama becoming another destination in its global distribution network.
Rita Ferreira
Rita is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience, having worked with globally renowned platforms, including Forbes and Miister CBD. Her deep knowledge of hemp-related businesses and passion for delivering accurate and concise information distinguish her in the industry. Rita's contributions empower individuals and companies to navigate the complexities of the cannabis world, and her work remains a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of its potential.
