It's been a big year for cannabis, so let's roll up, rack the rig, eat an edible or whatever it is you do to get the Green in you. And check out the year gone by. We've had further legalisation, raids on factories, more social clubs, and grow lamps used by football clubs. 2024 has been a strange year in many ways, and this year in cannabis has been no different.
Strap on your best slipper socks, fill your cup with cocoa and let's go as we check out 2024 as it enters the rearview.
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
USA
Where better to start our review than the centre of the universe? Despite what the news tells us, the election was not all about Trump; cannabis won in Nebraska, which became the 39th state to legalise medical cannabis. However, North and South Dakota said no to the Green when they rejected the chance to legalise cannabis. Elsewhere in the US, the FDA approved a trial to investigate the potential benefits of dried THC flowers on veterans who have PTSD. And the DEA has got the ball rolling on reclassifying cannabis from scheduled class one to class three. Watch this 2025-shaped space; more changes are ahead.
ASC USA Pick: White Runtz Fast Flowering
Runtz became an instant classic on its inception and continues to dominate breeding lines well into the 2020s. White Runtz is the perfect choice to bridge the gap between 24 and 25. It's 70% Indica / 20% Ruderalis / 10% Sativa and is White Runtz x Uncirculated OG Autocross. In an age where we think we know everything, White Runtz is full of surprises.
The Netherlands
Often cited as the home of legal cannabis. The Netherlands has lagged behind in recent years in terms of progressive laws. That changed at the end of 2023 when the Dutch initiated a pilot scheme to regulate cannabis production and supply, starting in Breda and Tilburg. Following the relative success in those cities, it was expanded in 2024 to include 8 more cities, with the notable exception of Amsterdam.
ASC Dutch Pick: Sour Marmalade, Lady Sativa Genetics
It might seem odd to pick a British breeder (albeit Amsterdam-based) as the Dutch pick for 2024, but Lady Sativa Genetics has agreed to supply strains for the legal cannabis scheme mentioned above. So, feast your eyes on this hybrid strain that will take around 9/10 weeks to flower. The Sour Diesel / Marmalade cross will be legally available next year.
UK
Now, to a less enlightened place regarding cannabis laws. The UK is always a mixed bag. It has a vibrant underground scene, it's one of the biggest exporters of cannabis, andmedical prescriptions are available, but it's still illegal for recreation. 2024 saw vast amounts of cannabis confiscated by Police, including one raid dubbed the largest-ever drug smuggling operation. It's not all doom and gloom, though. Crewe Alexandra FC has benefited from one particular raid of a cannabis factory. Local Police have donated LED lamps to help maintain the pitch at Crewe.
ASC UK Pick: Cannabis is still illegal in the UK, but the underground scene is thriving. So, let's go with the OG underground classic: Exodus Cheese. Exodus Cheese is one of the best cheese hybrids on the market. The Exodus Cheese is the original clone selected in the UK from the Skunk strain and feminised by Green House Seeds. Let's drop some seeds in the grass at Crewe.
Malta
In Malta, you can join a cannabis social club where members can connect, cultivate and distribute amongst themselves in the clubs. Members can get as much as 7 grams a day, limited to a total of 50 grams per month.
ASC Malta Pick: Amnesia
Easy win for this one. We want something ideal for growing in Malta. It's a crowd-pleaser, a cup winner, and Amnesia. A top-favourite in the coffee shops of Amsterdam, this potent Sativa-dominant hybrid has a fresh herbal aroma with hints of citrus.
South Africa
It's more complex than the clubs in Malta and elsewhere. Dagga Private Members clubs became a thing in 2024. The clubs see members access cannabis in private settings. They currently operate in a legal grey area and are deemed to be a means to an end while cannabis policy is developed.
ASC South Africa Pick: Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a classic variety suitable for all conditions. It's fruity, tough and resinous as hell.
Germany
Of course, you've probably heard about the most significant shift in European cannabis policy ever. If not, 2024 was the year that saw the Cannabis Contract Bill enacted into law. Stoners decided in Germany to get high legally. Users can hold up to 25 grams and join non-profit social clubs with up to 500 members. However, not everyone in Germany is up for getting high. The German Medical Association urges the next German Government to reverse legalisation, citing health concerns and negative societal impacts. We say they should shut up, roll up and let it go! The majority of Germans are happy about it, including the Police, who, during Euro 2024, urged English football fans to smoke weed instead of drinking beer. Pass the duchy to the England fan.
ASC German Pick: Future #1
The Germans love potent strains, and this one has up to 30% THC. Pretty anything from Anesia Seeds will knock your socks off.
Australia
There have been so many requests for medical cannabis in Queensland in 2024 that there are urgent calls for more stringent regulation.
ASC Pick for Australia: Sativa Dream
It's hot in Australia, so we're told. So why not grow a sativa? Or even Sativa Dream by Kannabia.
Thailand
The prime minister of Thailand, the first country in Asia to legalise cannabis, said that he wants to outlaw the drug again amid concerns about the lack of regulation. Cannabis advocates and entrepreneurs have opposed a radical rollback, claiming it would damage the economy. Legal cannabis has fueled Thailand's tourism and farming sectors and spawned thousands of cannabis retails ranging from shops and trucks to market stalls all over the country.
ASC Thailand Pick: Purple Thai
It is as stunning as the beaches of Thailand, only purple. Check out this showstopping in time to pop it for 2025.
2024 at The Amsterdam Seed Center
It's been an excellent year for Amsterdam Seed Center. We've visited more expos than ever and met more new friends than we can count on two hundred pairs of hands. Whatever 2024 brought you. We hope you can all be happy and healthy in 2025. And enjoy your best year yet from growing cannabis.