‘The DEA Ruling Was A Game-Changer’: Why This European Cannabis Giant Is Betting On The American Seeds Market
“Ever since the DEA clarified that cannabis seeds are federally legal, we knew it was time to come to the U.S.,” says Nick Avé, general manager at Zamnesia, during an exclusive interview at MJBizCon in Las Vegas. For the pioneering European smart shop, this decision marked a significant milestone in its evolution from a European online store into a powerhouse of natural wellness products.
The DEA’s clarification on cannabis seeds provided a pivotal turning point for companies like Zamnesia. Previously, cannabis seeds existed in a legal grey area, overshadowed by other facets of the industry. The ruling confirmed that seeds with less than 0.3% THC are classified as hemp, allowing for their sale and distribution across the U.S., regardless of whether they originate from hemp or marijuana plants.
This development comes at an ideal time. In 2022, the U.S. cannabis seed market was valued at $567.76 million and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2%, reaching $2.02 billion by 2030, according to Data Bridge Market Research. Similarly, New Frontier Data estimates that the home-grow market could nearly quadruple to $4 billion by the end of the decade. This growing sector is fueled by increased legalization, with many states supporting home cultivation as part of their recreational and medical cannabis frameworks. In 2022, an estimated 6% of U.S. cannabis consumers grew their own flower, producing 11 million pounds of dried cannabis—a figure expected to rise to 15 million pounds by 2030.
Recognizing these trends, Zamnesia has focused its U.S. strategy on home-growing and cannabis seeds, products already central to its European operations—a tendency seen across the industry, as European seed companies quietly take over the American market.
“The U.S. market is just as big, if not bigger, than Europe,” says Avé. With operations headquartered in North Carolina, the company is distributing seeds across most states while avoiding those with less favorable regulatory environments. “We’re selling nationally, except for a couple of states where the laws are less clear.”
Inside A Smart Shop Revolution
For Avé, Zamnesia’s U.S. expansion represents the latest chapter in a personal journey intertwined with the company’s growth. He joined Zamnesia 12 years ago, …