Australia’s legal cannabis industry has experienced dramatic growth in imports, exports, and domestic production over the past four years, according to new data released by the Office of Drug Control (ODC).
(Photo credit: GETTY Images).
The latest figures provide a detailed snapshot of how the country is sourcing, producing, and stockpiling marijuana to meet rising demand at home and abroad.
Imports have risen sharply, with Australia bringing in just over 7,300 kilograms of cannabis in 2021 compared to more than 77,000 kilograms in 2024. Canada has consistently been the largest supplier, shipping over 62,000 kilograms last year alone. Other key sources included South Africa, Denmark, New Zealand, and Thailand.
Exports, while much smaller than imports, have also grown steadily. In 2021, Australia exported just over 1,400 kilograms, with Germany and the United Kingdom as the primary destinations. By 2024, exports climbed to more than 3,300 kilograms, with New Zealand emerging as the second-largest market after Germany.
Domestic production has expanded alongside these international movements. Australian producers grew 16,700 kilograms in 2021, with output more than doubling to 41,328 kilograms by 2024. Stockpiles of domestically cultivated marijuana also reached record levels, climbing from under 18,000 kilograms in 2021 to over 38,000 kilograms at the end of 2024. Imported stock held in the country was recorded at 18,101 kilograms last year.
The ODC noted that data for 2025 will not be available until late 2026, but the trends highlight Australia’s rapidly maturing cannabis sector.
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