Catalyst BC Global Cannabis, Hemp, Psilocybin, and Natural Medicine Consulting Services Global Directory

Catalyst BC is a global leader in consulting for the cannabis, hemp, psilocybin, and natural medicine industries. We provide expert services in licensing, compliance, facility design, and market entry across the United States, Europe, South America, and beyond.

Catalyst BC specializes in cannabis, hemp, psilocybin, and natural medicine business consulting services, supporting entrepreneurs, investors, and operators in legalized markets across the United States, Europe, South America, and beyond. As legalization continues to evolve both domestically and internationally, our team remains at the forefront, providing highly personalized and region-specific consulting solutions. Whether navigating complex regulatory frameworks, optimizing operations, or securing licensing, Catalyst BC tailors its expertise to the unique requirements of each market, ensuring businesses achieve sustainable success in this rapidly expanding industry.

United States Legalization FAQs

As of March 2025, cannabis legalization in the U.S. remains a mix of state and federal policies:

State-Level Legalization

Recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C., while medical cannabis is legal in 38 states (Cover Cannabis). Some states, such as Texas, are actively considering legalization measures, with nearly 20 bills introduced to expand THC and marijuana regulations (MySanAntonio).

Federal Rescheduling Efforts

In 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This change would acknowledge its accepted medical use and lower potential for abuse. As of 2025, the DEA has begun the rulemaking process, but formal rescheduling has not yet been finalized (Wikipedia).

Industry and Enforcement Updates

With federal cannabis reforms stalled, major cannabis companies like Trulieve, Curaleaf, and Green Thumb have pivoted to hemp-based THC beverages, which are now legally available in 36 states (MarketWatch). Meanwhile, enforcement efforts have ramped up in New York, where authorities have shut down 207 illegal cannabis stores as the number of licensed dispensaries reaches 307 (MarketWatch).

Conclusion

While state-level legalization continues to expand, federal rescheduling remains in progress, and cannabis businesses are adapting to the shifting regulatory landscape through alternative product strategies and compliance efforts.

As of March 2025, hemp remains federally legal in the United States, but state regulations vary:

Federal Status: The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% THC. The bill’s provisions, initially set to expire in 2023, have been extended through late 2025 without changes, maintaining hemp’s legal status. National Law Review

State Regulations: Some states are reevaluating hemp policies. In Texas, lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 3, which proposes banning nearly all forms of THC, including certain hemp-derived products. This has sparked debate among consumers and business owners concerned about market impacts and access to natural health options. Statesman

Industry Adaptations: Major cannabis companies, such as Trulieve, Curaleaf, and Green Thumb, have introduced hemp-based THC beverages. These products serve as alternative revenue streams amid stalled federal cannabis reforms and are available online in 36 states. MarketWatch

As of March 2025, psilocybin legalization varies across the United States:

State-Level Legalization: Colorado has implemented a voter-approved program allowing licensed facilitators to conduct therapeutic sessions using psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms.” This positions Colorado as a leader in state-level psychedelic regulation. stateline.org

Legislative Trends: Since the start of the 2025 legislative session, over three dozen psychedelics-related bills have been introduced across more than a dozen states, indicating a surge in interest toward psychedelic policy reform. psychedelicalpha.com

As of March 2025, the legalization of natural medicines, including psychedelics, is evolving:

State Initiatives: States like Oregon and Colorado have taken the lead in legalizing certain psychedelics for therapeutic use. Oregon’s Measure 109 allows regulated psilocybin services, and Colorado’s Proposition 122 permits the use of natural psychedelics in therapeutic settings. dlapiper.com

Federal Status: Despite state-level reforms, many psychedelics remain classified as Schedule I substances federally, indicating no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, state actions may influence future federal policies.  dlapiper.com

Legislative Developments: The 2025 legislative session has seen a significant increase in psychedelics-related bills across various states, reflecting a growing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of these substances.  psychedelicalpha.com

Conclusion: The legal landscape for natural medicines, including psychedelics, is rapidly changing, with states leading reforms and potential federal policy shifts on the horizon.

Charming European canal with small boats and picturesque housing, symbolizing cannabis consulting services in Western Europe.

Europe

Austria
Belgium
England
France
Germany
Ireland
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Monaco
Netherlands
Northern Ireland
Portugal
Scotland
Switzerland
Wales

Europe Legalization FAQs

As of March 2025, the legal status of cannabis varies across European countries:

France: Despite having the highest cannabis consumption rate in Europe, cannabis remains illegal. However, discussions about potential legalization have intensified due to financial considerations and public health debates. theguardian.com

Netherlands: The sale of cannabis is tolerated in licensed ‘coffee shops’ under strict conditions, although its possession, sale, or production is technically against the law. government.nl

Italy: The government has implemented measures to ban the production, transport, and trade of cannabis flowers, including non-psychotropic industrial hemp, aiming to curb recreational drug use. This move has faced opposition from hemp cultivators concerned about economic impacts. Financial Times

Conclusion: Cannabis legalization in Europe remains a complex and evolving issue, with each country adopting distinct policies based on cultural, economic, and political factors.

As of March 2025, hemp cultivation and usage policies differ across European nations:

Italy: The government has moved to ban the production, transport, and trade of cannabis flowers, including non-psychotropic industrial hemp, to combat recreational drug use. This decision has been met with resistance from hemp producers concerned about its impact on the industry. Financial Times

France: While specific policies on hemp are not detailed, the country’s high cannabis consumption rate has sparked discussions on broader cannabis policy reforms, which could influence hemp regulations. theguardian.com

Conclusion: Hemp legalization in Europe is subject to national regulations, with some countries embracing its industrial potential and others imposing restrictions due to associations with recreational cannabis use.

As of March 2025, the legal status of psilocybin varies across Europe:

Netherlands: While psilocybin mushrooms are illegal, the sale of psilocybin-containing truffles is permitted, leading to a growing trend in microdosing among professionals seeking cognitive enhancements. The Times

Other European Countries: Psilocybin remains illegal in most parts of the EU, with no significant legislative changes reported. The Times

Conclusion: Psilocybin legalization in Europe is limited, with the Netherlands offering a unique exception through the legal sale of psilocybin truffles, while other countries maintain prohibitive stances.

As of March 2025, the legalization of natural medicines, including psychedelics, varies across Europe:

Netherlands: The sale of psilocybin-containing truffles is legal, reflecting a more permissive approach to certain natural psychedelics. The Times

Other European Countries: Many nations maintain strict controls over psychedelics, with limited legal avenues for natural medicine therapies involving these substances.

Conclusion: The legal landscape for natural medicines, including psychedelics, in Europe is diverse, with the Netherlands adopting more lenient policies compared to stricter regulations in other countries.

Lush South American landscape with a white cow laying in the grass and a black cow roaming, symbolizing growth opportunities in the cannabis market.

South America

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • French Guiana
  • Guyana
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Suriname
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela

South America Legalization FAQs

As of March 2025, cannabis legalization in South America varies by country:

Brazil: Recreational cannabis remains illegal. However, a November 2024 court ruling legalized hemp cultivation for medicinal purposes, with expectations of expanding to industrial uses. reuters.com

Uruguay: Uruguay continues to be a pioneer, having fully legalized cannabis for recreational use since 2013, with a regulated market in place.

Conclusion: South America presents a mixed landscape for cannabis legalization, with countries like Uruguay fully legalizing and regulating its use, while others like Brazil maintain prohibitions but allow certain medicinal applications.

As of March 2025, hemp legalization in South America varies:

Brazil: A court ruling in November 2024 legalized hemp cultivation for medicinal purposes, with plans to expand into industrial applications. The agricultural research agency Embrapa has initiated a 12-year program to study cannabis cultivation, indicating growing institutional support. reuters.com

Paraguay: Paraguay permits hemp cultivation for industrial and medicinal purposes, contributing to its agricultural sector.

Conclusion: Hemp legalization in South America is progressing, with countries like Brazil and Paraguay embracing its cultivation for medicinal and industrial uses.

As of March 2025, the legal status of psilocybin in South America varies:

Brazil: Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as illegal substances. However, the fungal species themselves are not regulated, leading to a legal gray area regarding their use and possession. Wikipedia

Other Countries: Specific information on psilocybin legalization in other South American countries is limited, suggesting that it remains largely illegal across the continent.

Conclusion: Psilocybin legalization in South America is minimal, with Brazil presenting a unique legal ambiguity, while other nations maintain strict prohibitions.

As of March 2025, the legal status of natural medicines, including psychedelics, varies across South America:

Brazil: The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) oversees the regulation of controlled substances, including psychedelics. Under Ministry of Health Ordinance No 344/1998, substances are classified based on their therapeutic potential and risk profile. Most psychedelics are listed as narcotic (Lists A1 and A2) or psychotropic (Lists A3, B1, B2), indicating strict control and prohibition for general use. Chambers Practice Guides

Colombia: According to Law 30 of 1986, which regulates the use of psychoactive substances, most psychedelics, including LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline, are prohibited for recreational use. However, certain indigenous practices involving natural psychedelics like ayahuasca may be permitted under cultural exceptions. Chambers Practice Guides

Peru: Ayahuasca, a traditional brew containing DMT, is legal and recognized as part of the national cultural heritage, allowing for its use in traditional and ceremonial contexts. Wikipedia

Argentina: Psychedelics, including psilocybin and LSD, remain illegal. There is limited evidence of any legal exemptions or recognized traditional uses.

Chile: DMT is a controlled substance, making ayahuasca illegal. However, enforcement may vary, and some traditional use persists. Wikipedia

Ecuador: While DMT is controlled, ayahuasca use is legal and culturally significant among indigenous communities. Wikipedia

Bolivia: There is limited information on the legal status of psychedelics; traditional use of natural substances may exist but lacks formal recognition.

Uruguay: Known for progressive drug policies, Uruguay has not extended legalization to psychedelics, which remain controlled substances.

Paraguay: Psychedelics are illegal, with no known exemptions for traditional or medical use.

Venezuela: Strict drug laws classify psychedelics as illegal, with severe penalties for possession and use.

Suriname and Guyana: Specific information is scarce, but psychedelics are generally illegal under national drug laws.

Conclusion: The legal landscape for natural medicines, including psychedelics, in South America is diverse. While countries like Brazil and Colombia maintain strict prohibitions, others like Peru and Ecuador recognize traditional uses of substances like ayahuasca. Individuals should consult local laws and regulations before engaging in activities involving these substances.

Close-up view of a professional in a lab coat inspecting cannabis growth and taking notes.

Expanding into other countries

Contact us to inquire if we can support your business in a state or country not represented above.

We are excited and eager to support cannabis professionals from around the world and would like to consider your business.

Cannabis, Hemp, Psilocybin, and Natural Medicine Consulting FAQs

Catalyst BC specializes in licensing, compliance, and operational consulting for highly regulated industries, including cannabis, hemp, psilocybin, and natural medicine. Our team of industry experts provides customized regulatory guidance based on your location, ensuring your business remains compliant with evolving laws while maximizing operational efficiency. Whether you’re applying for a license, expanding operations, or seeking to maintain compliance, Catalyst BC offers tailored solutions to meet your needs.

Catalyst BC works with a broad range of businesses, including cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, testing labs, research institutions, and investment groups. Whether you are launching a startup or scaling an existing operation, our expertise spans the entire supply chain, from facility design and buildout to operational optimization and go-to-market strategies.

Yes! Catalyst BC has successfully secured over 57 licenses across multiple jurisdictions. We provide comprehensive license acquisition services, including application writing, regulatory strategy, business planning, and compliance consulting. Our team ensures you submit a compelling, fully compliant application that maximizes your chances of approval.

Through operational optimization, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making, Catalyst BC helps businesses streamline workflows, reduce costs, and increase profitability. Our team implements best practices for facility design, inventory management, quality control, and workforce efficiency to ensure you meet regulatory standards while achieving financial success.

Yes! Catalyst BC operates across the United States, Europe, South America, and beyond, helping businesses navigate the unique regulatory landscapes of different countries. Whether you’re looking to enter a new market, expand your operations, or ensure compliance with international standards, we offer global expertise with a localized approach.

Contact Us

Enough about us. We want to hear more about you, your project, and your vision! Get in touch with a real live person today. Don’t worry, we don’t have a long, confusing phone menu, and your email isn’t going to the abyss, we promise. At Catalyst, we provide the service and support we’d want to experience ourselves!

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