Skip to main content
cannabis plant bud cannabis plant bud

Discussing Advanced Cannabis Cultivation Technologies

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Science.

Advanced cannabis cultivation has come a long way in recent years. Humans have cultivated the cannabis plant for centuries. However, much of it was outdoors under the sun without the use of technology.

In recent decades, cannabis cultivators have produced crops indoors or in greenhouses at an increasing rate, largely out of necessity due to global prohibition policies. The rise of the legal cannabis industry has been paralleled by an increased use of cultivation technology, as well as advances in that technology. It is truly exciting times for the legal cannabis cultivation sector.

Long gone are the days of simply yielding a cannabis harvest. Successful cultivation is more methodical than ever, with commercial cultivators having to produce harvests at scale in a cost-effective manner, all while being mindful of yielding crops that are compliant with market regulations and capable of being used in an ever-expanding list of end products for patients and consumers.

At the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, a panel moderated by Quinn Shiskin, President of McIntyre Creek Cannabis Inc., discussed advanced cannabis cultivation technologies. Mr. Shiskin was joined by:

  • Franz Josef Sima, Horticulture Service Specialist in the EMEA Region for Fluence
  • Albert Eppinga, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Founder of BC Cann
  • Max Majot, Technical Manager and Cultivation Expert at Royal Queen Seeds
  • Rui Soares, Founder and CEO of Paralab
  • Mikhail Sagal, President of TSRgrow

Technological innovation is reshaping cannabis cultivation, from automated systems to AI-driven analytics. This panel explored how tech solutions can boost yields, improve quality, and reduce costs. Panelists also discussed modern ways of energy storage, innovations in cultivation lighting, and high-efficiency cannabis cultivation techniques. You can watch the panel in the embedded video below:

kyiv ukraine flag kyiv ukraine flag

Ukraine Approves Country’s First Medical Cannabis Product Import Permit

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Ukraine’s emerging legal medical cannabis industry continues to make strides, with a recent example being the nation’s first-ever approval of a medical cannabis product import permit. The permit’s approval was announced by the State Service of Ukraine on Medicine and Drugs Control.

“On June 2, 2025, the State Medical Service issued the first permit for the right to import medical cannabis substances into the territory of Ukraine.” the government stated in a news release (translated from Ukrainian to English). “The permit was issued for a substance that is registered in Ukraine and included in the State Register of Medicinal Products of Ukraine.”

The import permit announcement comes after Ukraine launched the country’s largest industrial hemp processing plant last month. The Ma’Ryzhany Hemp Company’s new facility is located in the Ma’Ryzhany industrial park in the Zhytomyr region and is estimated to be capable of processing up to 14,000 tons of hemp annually.

“Developing our own processing is one of the key tasks of the government’s policy “Made in Ukraine” and part of the national economic idea. We must change the structure of the economy from raw materials to high-tech and increase the production of goods with high added value.” Ukraine’s Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko stated, according to a government press release (translated from Ukrainian to English).

“Restoring the primary processing of hemp trust is one of the key elements for the further revival of industrial hemp, which once made Ukraine a powerful player in the global textile market. The presence of its own domestic raw materials is difficult to overestimate – it is the basis of price competitiveness. In addition, industrial hemp is not just a raw material for textiles, but an ecological and renewable resource for dozens of other industries. And the reconstruction of the textile chain is only the beginning of the great industrial potential that “Ma’Ryzhany Hemp Company” is laying today,” stated Ma’Ryzhany Hemp Company Director Andriy Mykytiv.

The goal of the industrial park where the new hemp processing facility is located is “to attract businesses working with industrial hemp processing products and create over 700 new jobs. The work of the park will also stimulate farmers to grow industrial hemp in the Zhytomyr region and contribute to the development of a sustainable industrial hemp ecosystem in Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s new industrial hemp processing plant is designed to produce long fiber for textiles and technical fabrics, short fiber for paper, nonwovens, and insulation, and raw material for bioplastics, building materials, and animal bedding.

According to local reporting by UNN, “the eHemp electronic system has been operating in Ukraine since March 10. 38 entities have been registered, 16 of which have sown 1,251 hectares of hemp.”

During a recent presentation at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, leading international cannabis industry economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provided data demonstrating that the value of the global industrial hemp industry could be as much as $456.2 billion.

money dollars currency money dollars currency

Global Cannabis Market Projected To Reach $173.68 Billion By 2032

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

The spread of cannabis policy and regulatory modernization around the globe is paralleled by the exponential growth of the legal cannabis industry, as evidenced by a recent market projection by analysts at PR Echo.

Cannabis is currently legal for medical use to some degree in a majority of nations around the world, many of which have operating medical cannabis industries. Additionally, cannabis for adult use is now permitted in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, South Africa, and soon the Czech Republic.

Two dozen states in the U.S. have also adopted recreational legalization, and regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland. All of that reform is adding to the economic potential of the worldwide cannabis industry.

“The global cannabis industry is experiencing strong growth, driven by changing consumer habits, evolving regulations, and advances in product innovation. The market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decade, with forecasts indicating a rapid increase in both size and value.” writes PR Echo.

“The global cannabis market, valued at $49.8 billion in 2024, is expected to reach $173.68 billion by 2032, growing at a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.9% between 2025 and 2032.” the analysts also wrote. “This growth will be driven by the increasing acceptance of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, as well as the growing legalization of cannabis in various countries and regions.”

PR Echo notes that North America currently accounts for a significant share of the total legal market and that the region “is expected to maintain its leading position throughout the forecast period, primarily due to the ongoing legalization of cannabis in the United States and Canada.”

The market analysis predicts that Europe will be the fastest-growing region for the legal cannabis industry for the foreseeable future, and that “Europe is emerging as a major player in the global cannabis industry,” noting that “rising demand for medical cannabis products and advances in scientific research are further driving this growth.”

The expansion of the legal global cannabis industry is entirely dependent upon cannabis advocates’ ability to successfully pursue policy and regulatory modernization where it doesn’t already exist, and to prevent the regression of modernized laws and industry regulations where they are already implemented.

computer online internet laptop computer online internet laptop

German Survey: 70% In Favor Of Prescribing Cannabis Via Online Questionnaire

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Germany’s medical cannabis industry is booming, thanks in large part to the rise of telemedicine. Telemedicine involves a potential medical cannabis patient using an online platform to seek approval for medical cannabis rather than going to a physical doctor’s office. It is a more convenient option for many patients, particularly those in rural areas and/or individuals with mobility issues.

Recent medical cannabis product import data demonstrates how fast Germany’s medical cannabis industry is growing. In the first quarter of 2025, Germany imported over 37.223 metric tonnes of medical cannabis products, a 457% increase compared to the same period from the prior year.

Medical cannabis telemedicine has become a popular target for lawmakers in Germany who are opposed to modernized medical cannabis policies, with many of those lawmakers expressing a desire to abolish the concept.

The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) recently conducted a survey asking, “What is your opinion on the possibility of obtaining prescription drugs by completing an online questionnaire?” The survey was conducted from May 26, 2025, to June 2, 2025.

“The majority of respondents support the option of obtaining prescription drugs via an online questionnaire. The survey responses were as follows: 49% support this procedure for both cannabis and other prescription drugs. 21% support it exclusively for cannabis.” BvCW stated in its recent newsletter (translated from German to English).

“Overall, 70% are in favor of prescribing cannabis via online questionnaire. 9% expressed a partly positive, partly critical attitude. 16% reject the approach in principle – regardless of the drug. 2.5% either rejected it only for cannabis or were undecided. No one expressed support exclusively for other drugs.” BvCW also wrote.

The survey was conducted following a major court decision in Germany, in which the North Rhine Chamber of Pharmacists successfully pursued a lawsuit in the Cologne Regional Court against a pharmacist who worked with a telemedicine platform.

“The AKNR considers the entire business model in this form to be illegal and has issued a warning to a pharmacist whom it believes to be the operator of the platform, a claim he denies. Among other things, the chamber sees this as impermissible advertising for remote treatment: According to Section 9 of the German Medicines Advertising Act (HWG), advertising for such treatment is only permitted in exceptional cases if, according to generally accepted professional standards, personal contact with the patient being treated is not necessary.” reported Pharmazeutische Zeitung in its local coverage (translated from German to English).

“However, the questionnaire is not a communication medium, and remote treatment is ruled out for the prescription of medical cannabis anyway, as it does not meet recognized professional standards.” the outlet also reported.

Germany’s Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) previously indicated that she intends to restrict online medical cannabis prescriptions, but as BvCW pointed out in their newsletter, “whether providers based abroad can be effectively stopped remains open.”

earth space sunrise globe global international world worldwide earth space sunrise globe global international world worldwide

Exploring Global Cannabis Industry Horizons

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

The emerging legal cannabis industry continues to be the most exciting space for entrepreneurs and investors around the world. Every passing year seems to result in new markets either launching or new jurisdictions being approved for some form of cannabis commerce, adding to the industry’s economic potential.

At the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, estimated that the potential global medical and adult-use cannabis market is roughly $237.8 billion, in addition to his projected value of the global industrial hemp industry of $456.2 billion.

For many years, the emerging legal cannabis industry was a network of siloed markets, each operating only within its own borders. However, that has changed in recent years with the industry experiencing a larger volume of international legal imports and exports.

Germany is arguably the best example of this, with the legal industry having imported over 37.223 metric tonnes of medical cannabis products in just the first quarter of 2025 alone. To put that figure into perspective, the total imports for Q1 2025 increased by roughly 14.8% compared to the Q4 2024 total (32.419 metric tonnes), which was itself a record at the time.

Q1 2025’s import total in Germany is an increase of over 457% compared to the same period one year ago. Germany imported 8.143 metric tonnes of medical cannabis products in Q1 2024. Other nations are also importing larger amounts of legal cannabis products, and multinational cannabis companies are becoming more common as time goes by.

Significant regulatory developments in Europe, explosive growth in key global markets, and recent M&A/investment transactions are fueling increased investor interest in global cannabis. As investors enter/re-enter the space, their expectations are increasingly more sophisticated, and competition for investment capital remains intense.

A panel of top cannabis investors and operators recently explored new global cannabis industry opportunities at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin. The panel was moderated by leading international consultant Jamie Pearson of New Holland Group. Ms. Pearson was joined by:

  • Raj Grover, Founder, President, and CEO of High Tide Inc
  • Will Muecke, Co-Founder, Chief Investment Officer of Artemis Growth Partners
  • George Bellow, Co-Founder of SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals
  • David Hyde, Founder and CEO of Hyde Advisory and Investments Inc
  • Margaret Brodie, CEO of Rubicon Organics

You can view the panel discussion in the embedded video below:

cannabis joints flower buds cannabis joints flower buds

Lawmakers Approve Ban On ‘Cannabis Light’ In Italy

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The legal saga for low-THC cannabis products in Italy has taken another turn, with lawmakers in the European nation officially adopting a measure earlier today that bans certain hemp-derived products, often referred to as ‘cannabis light.’

A ‘security decree’ measure received final passage by Italy’s Senate today by a vote of 109-69. In addition to the ban on cannabis light, the measure also involved several other provisions championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition government, including the introduction of 14 new crimes.

“It bans the trade of “cannabis light”, or hemp, which unlike marijuana has no mind-altering qualities, infuriating local entrepreneurs who say the move will cost thousands of jobs and imperil millions of euros of investments.” reported Reuters in its original coverage.

“Meloni’s coalition won elections decisively in September 2022 and is still riding high in polls after promising to get tough on law and order.” the outlet also reported.

All processing, distribution, trade, and transport of ‘cultivated hemp inflorescences’ is now prohibited under Italian law, although industry and policy advocates are pointing out that the new law is in direct conflict with European Union policies.

The newly approved measure comes after a recent court decision in which a cannabis light entrepreneur in Italy was acquitted by a Parma court of charges stemming from the seizure of 650 kilograms of hemp flowers and 19 liters of oil. The acquittal was rendered after a six-year court battle.

According to a recent economic report, Italy’s cannabis light industry employs over 20,000 people and provides a significant boost to Italy’s economy.

“The light cannabis sector has a direct economic impact of almost one billion euros, with another additional billion of indirect impact, and the creation of 22 thousand full-time jobs.” reported Dolce Vita in its original coverage.

finance banking funding fundraising financials finance banking funding fundraising financials

U.S. Cannabis Industry Capital Is Tighter, But Still Flowing

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The emerging legal cannabis industry in the United States continues to mature and evolve, and that is particularly evident when it comes to businesses raising capital. Investors are being more strategic than ever when it comes to funding cannabis companies in the U.S., and that, in turn, is resulting in industry operators having to update their approaches and strategies.

Fortunately, cannabis industry capital is still flowing in the U.S., albeit in a more competitive environment. It is more important than ever for cannabis startups and established companies to perform adequate due diligence, craft pitches that resonate with investors, and network effectively.

Attending worthwhile conferences is a must these days, and the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is a great opportunity for members of the United States cannabis space. The event is taking place on June 8th-10th, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, at the Marriott Magnificent Mile. Top industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors will gather to learn about the new fundraising landscape, build meaningful industry relationships, and ultimately get deals done.

The United States cannabis industry is continuing to increase in size and potential. Leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, estimates that legal cannabis sales in the U.S. topped $30 billion in 2024. That figure does not include sales involving hemp-derived cannabinoids. Whitney projects that legal sales will top $34 billion in 2025, a roughly 13.1% increase compared to 2024.

“Even in today’s environment, capital is getting deployed. It’s just happening differently,” says Javier Hasse, strategic advisor at Benzinga. “Founders are pivoting, investors are more strategic, and new deal structures are emerging. This year’s conference will bring those conversations to the forefront and help the entire ecosystem adjust and thrive.”

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference will feature:

  • 2,000+ attendees
  • 120+ speakers across business, investment, branding, and policy
  • 3,000+ meetings booked in advance
  • 40+ curated networking tables
  • A buzzing 7th-floor exhibit hall where deals and conversations happen nonstop
  • Hundreds of investors in the room, from early-stage VCs to institutional firms

The event is packed with expert speakers and presenters, including (but not limited to):

  • Kim Rivers (Trulieve)
  • George Archos & Aaron Miles (Summer)
  • Charlie Bachtell (Cresco Labs)
  • Beena Goldenberg (Organigram Global)
  • Vic Mensa (93 Boyz)
  • Matt Hawkins (Entourage Effect Capital)
  • Christelle Gedeon (Canopy Growth)
  • Kristi Palmer (Kiva Confections)
  • Tim Seymour (CNBC / Seymour Asset Management)
  • Cameron Forni (Adaptaphoria)
  • Paul Weaver (Boston Beer Co. – TeaPot)
  • Dan Ahrens (AdvisorShares)
  • Brady Cobb (Sunburn Cannabis)
  • Dr. Chanda Macias (Women Grow)
  • Ricardo Baca (Grasslands)
  • Rachelle Gordon (GreenState)
  • Rachel Wright, CPA (Verdant Strategies / 420 CPA)
  • Leah Heise, Irina Dashevsky, Gary Santo, Samantha Gleit, Cy Scott, and many more

To enhance the conference experience and help effectively map out their plans, a new conference app was launched. It includes the following features, which are built for business:

  • Access and message the full attendee list
  • Book meetings directly
  • Build custom schedules
  • Receive real-time updates
  • Enter raffles for prizes (winners announced at the closing party)

Through partnerships with organizations like Women Grow and BIPOCann, Benzinga provides earned opportunities for women and minority-owned cannabis businesses to access stage time, exhibit space, and investor connections.

“Benzinga has opened the doors of access for our community, and we are ready to drive innovation and growth.” stated Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow.

The conference will also involve a closing night afterparty titled ‘The Final Spark’ on June 10th from 9 pm to after midnight. The afterparty, to be held at the Tunnel Treehouse Rooftop and hosted by Dickinson Write, gives attendees one last chance to close deals with a skyline view of Chicago.

To find out more about the conference and to book your tickets before the event sells out, go to: www.benzinga.com/cannabis-conference

European Cannabis Pilot Projects ICBC Berlin 2025 Panel European Cannabis Pilot Projects ICBC Berlin 2025 Panel

European Cannabis Pilot Projects

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Certain European markets are home to a unique public policy and commerce concept known as pilot trials. These research-based projects permit regional adult-use cannabis commerce at a local level to help lawmakers and regulators gather data and information to be better informed when crafting national laws and industry policies.

Current European Union agreements prohibit national commerce models like what is found in the Western Hemisphere, however, EU agreements do permit recreational commerce projects for public health research purposes. Pilot trials are currently operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and soon, trials are expected to launch in Germany.

In the embedded video below, you can watch a recent presentation from the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin about European cannabis pilots. The panel was moderated by leading cannabis policy expert and attorney Kai-Friedrich Niermann, Founder of KFN+ Law Office. The panel also included:

  • Daniel S. Hübner, Senior Science Manager at the Cannabis Research Lab Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
  • Finn A. Hänsel, Managing Director and a Founder of Sanity Group
  • Deepak Anand, Principal at ASDA Consultancy Services

Until EU agreements are modernized, cannabis pilot trials will continue to serve as an important legal commerce concept for EU member nations to consider.

munich germany munich germany

Examining Germany’s Evolving Legal Cannabis Industry

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Germany continues to be the continental leader for Europe’s emerging legal cannabis industry. Legal sales of medical cannabis products started in Germany in 2017, and the country’s medical sector has since become an international juggernaut and a top market for medical cannabis exports.

In the first quarter of 2025, Germany imported over 37.223 metric tonnes of medical cannabis products. To put that figure into perspective, the total imports for Q1 2025 increased by roughly 14.8% compared to the Q4 2024 total (32.419 metric tonnes), which was itself a record at the time.

Q1 2025’s import total is an increase of over 457% compared to the same period one year ago. Germany imported 8.143 metric tonnes of medical cannabis products in Q1 2024. The updated import numbers bring the total amount of legally imported medical cannabis products to Germany during the last 12 months to 101.9 metric tonnes.

Around 2,500 of Germany’s 17,000 pharmacies now offer medical cannabis. According to the most recent data from the German Federal Association of Cannabis Cultivation Associations (BCAv), a total of 215 cultivation association applications have been approved out of 626 submissions nationwide.

Business is booming in Germany, although the political and regulatory landscape overseeing Germany’s emerging industry continues to evolve. A panel of leading experts from multiple sectors of Germany’s industry recently participated in a discussion about strategies and approaches for adapting to recent changes in Germany, and what industry members should anticipate in the coming years.

The panel was moderated by Dirk Heitepriem, President and Chairman of the German Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW). Mr. Heitepriem was joined by:

  • Lisa Haag, Founder of MJ_Universe
  • Timo Bongartz, CEO of CANNAVIGIA
  • Marijn Roersch van der Hoogte, Co-Founder of Hemp-Impact.com and Co-Founder and VP of BvCW
  • Henry Wieker, Board Member of BvCW and Coordinator of BCAv
  • Sita Schubert, EUMCA’s General Secretary

The discussion, which was held at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin last month, provided valuable insights to help industry members navigate the future of cannabis in Germany. See the embedded video below containing the panel presentation.

increasing chart increasing chart

German Medical Cannabis Imports Increased Over 457% In One Year

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Germany’s legal medical cannabis industry continues to expand at a staggering rate, as demonstrated by new medical cannabis import numbers. In the first quarter of 2025, Germany imported over 37.223 metric tonnes of medical cannabis products.

To put that figure into perspective, the total imports for Q1 2025 increased by roughly 14.8% compared to the Q4 2024 total (32.419 metric tonnes), which was itself a record at the time. Q1 2025’s import total is an increase of over 457% compared to the same period one year ago. Germany imported 8.143 metric tonnes of medical cannabis products in Q1 2024.

Alfredo Pascual, CFA, Executive Director at Seed Innovations Ltd (LON: SEED), posted the updated statistics on his LinkedIn page earlier today:

germany medical cannabis imports q1 2025

The updated import numbers bring the total amount of legally imported medical cannabis products to Germany during the last 12 months to 101.9 metric tonnes. Demand for medical cannabis continues to increase in Germany, with no slowdown currently in sight.

“A conservative projection, assuming Q1 2025 levels persist through Q2-Q4, would result in ~150 tonnes imported for the full year. However, given the consistent strong quarterly growth observed recently, the actual CY 2025 import volume could be significantly higher.” wrote Alfredo Pascual in his social media post.

“The primary downside risk is the ongoing political discussion in Germany regarding potential restrictions on online medical cannabis prescriptions, which could influence patient access and market development.” Pascual also wrote.

Canada remained the top source for imported medical cannabis products to Germany at 16.1 tonnes during Q1 2025. Portugal was the second leading source for medical cannabis imports during that timeframe at 12.1 tonnes, and Denmark was third at 2.6 tonnes.

passport travel tourism passport travel tourism

Cannabis And Hemp Tourism Is A Growth Engine

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

The concept of people traveling to faraway destinations to enjoy consuming food and wine is not a new thing. Television shows are dedicated to the activity, and massive subsectors of the tourism industry are built around the concept. The same is proving to be true for cannabis and hemp tourism at an increasing rate.

A multi-year survey conducted by MMGY Travel Intelligence discovered that the cannabis travel audience in the United States alone includes roughly 72 million Americans, or 37% of the active leisure travel audience in the United States.

“Half of these interested travelers would consider visiting a cannabis shop, and a quarter of them are not regular cannabis users but are open to such experiences while traveling.” reported Travel Age West about the survey results.

In 2023, inbound tourism spending in Europe was an estimated 645 billion euros. At the intersection of these industries – cannabis, hemp, and travel – are opportunities for growth and creative differentiation.

Medical tourism, leisure travel, events, and business travel, including group meetings and conferences, are all part of it. Cannabis travel expert Brian Applegarth of Applegarth Strategies recently moderated a panel dedicated to cannabis and hemp tourism at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin. Mr. Applegarth was joined by:

  • Mara Gordon – Co-Founder, Aunt Zelda’s, Octopi Wellness, Zelira Therapeutics
  • Jim Zielinski – General Manager, The Bulldog Hotel
  • Cristina Sánchez – Full Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Complutense University
  • Ivan Ross Vrána – Managing Partner, Diplomat Consulting
  • Teddy Cabugos – President, Director, Sunstone Winery

Below is an embedded video of the ninety-minute presentation and panel discussion unpacking the tourism opportunities for cannabis and hemp businesses and brands in the European market.

european union flag german germany flag european union flag german germany flag

The German Medical Cannabis Industry Is The Main European Market Driver

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Germany first legalized medical cannabis in 2017, and its distribution model involves permitting legal sales at registered pharmacies. Germany’s medical cannabis industry has become the largest legal market in Europe, boosting the nation’s pharmacy sector in the process. Since the launch of initial sales, safe access to medical cannabis via Germany’s pharmacies has increased dramatically, as demonstrated by statistics that were included in a recent newsletter by the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW).

“Patients can order cannabis online with a private prescription and have it delivered to their home. Nationwide, around 2,500 of the 17,000 pharmacies now offer medical cannabis,” BvCW stated (translated from German to English). “The industry’s revenue is now estimated at around half a billion euros.”

A major contributing factor to Germany’s recent medical cannabis industry growth was the enactment of the CanG law in April 2024, which removed cannabis from the nation’s Narcotics List. The rise of telemedicine has also contributed to the medical cannabis industry’s growth in Germany. A recent newsletter by leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provides some reliable market data regarding the current estimated number of medical cannabis patients in Germany.

“There has been a consistent number of between 200k – 300k medical patients.” Beau Whitney writes. “As a result of this new innovation, there is now an additional 500k – 600k self-paying consumers participating in the legal market.”

“When combined with 100k cultivation association members, there is approximately 800k legal consumers in the German market right now. For perspective, 800k consumers represents between 10% and 20% of the total market, while the supply and capacity at the end of 2024 represented nearly 15% of all of the supply that the market needs.” Whitney stated.

At the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, a team of experts from Germany’s emerging medical cannabis industry examined how the nation’s medical market is the main overall market driver in Europe. The panel was moderated by Canadian medical cannabis pioneer Alex Revich and included:

  • Torsten Greif, CEO, Four 20 Pharma
  • Benedikt Sons, Co-Founder and CEO, Cansativa Group
  • Matthias Fischer, Founder and Managing Director, Canymed, CCO, Grünhorn
  • Dr. rer. nat. Adrian Fischer, Physician and Natural Scientist, Co-Founder and Managing Director, DEMECAN

Below is an embedded video of the panel discussion:

hemp cord string fiber textiles hemp cord string fiber textiles

Hemp Fiber May Be A Viable Cotton-Compatible Textile Input

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Science.

The hemp fiber industry holds tremendous economic potential. According to a recent market projection by MarkNtel Advisors, “the global hemp fiber market stood at USD 11 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 36 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 22%.”

“The surge in hemp fiber adoption reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior, policy frameworks, and material science innovation. Hemp’s fast growth rate, minimal pesticide requirements, and carbon sequestration properties are positioning it as a bio-based solution for climate-conscious industries.” MarkNtel Advisors stated.

One logistical issue that is holding the hemp fiber sector back, to some degree, is limited infrastructure. In the wider textile industry, hemp is largely seen as a niche material input requiring specialized machinery to create end products. However, a recent study is providing new insight into hemp’s potential as a cotton-compatible textile input.

A team of researchers affiliated with Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech (Spain) and Dresden University of Technology (Germany) recently conducted a study examining non-textile hemp by using mechanical-chemical cottonization. The results of the study were published in the academic journal Cellulose.

“The raw material used was an agricultural residue that is mainly employed for paper manufacturing. These fibers were subjected to an alkaline chemical treatment followed by an oxidizing treatment (H2O2) to reduce non-cellulosic components.” the researchers stated about their methodology. “Subsequently, a mechanical process was carried out to increase fiber elementarization and obtain suitable slivers for spinning.”

“The potential of open-end rotor spinning was evaluated for both the 100% treated hemp and blends of 25% hemp/75% cotton. The selection criteria included a low reduction of the degree of cellulose polymerization, a low mass loss during the process, an appropriate tensile strength of the resulting yarns, an absence of breakage during spinning, and a low twist.” the researchers also wrote.

Below is a graphical abstract provided in the researchers’ article listed on Springer Nature:

industrial hemp cottonization mechanical and chemical treatments

“The hemp treated with a high level of H2O2 stabilizer, according to the established experimental design for the oxidizing process, exhibited superior performance when blended with cotton and spun with a count of 40 tex and a twist coefficient (αm) of 170. These outcomes are of industrial interest for the production of fine yarns because they can be easily implemented using existing machinery devoted to processing cotton.” the researchers determined.

“Furthermore, it contributes to the circular economy within the textile industry by adding value to a waste material that can serve as an alternative source of more environmentally friendly cellulosic fibers.” the researchers concluded.

The results of this recent study come at a time when Europe’s industrial hemp industry potential is being researched at an increasing rate. For example, a team of researchers affiliated with the University of Göttingen recently examined industrial hemp from the perspective of its prospects as a sustainable crop for modern agriculture in Germany.

“Industrial hemp offers promising prospects for agriculture. Its ecological advantages, such as improved soil structure and CO2 sequestration, as well as the economic potential offered by dual-use land and low or no need for pesticides, make it a sustainable addition to crop rotation.” the researchers concluded. “With the right strategy, industrial hemp can make a valuable contribution to sustainable agriculture, especially when economies of scale, stable sales contracts, and effective integration into crop rotation systems are considered.”

The University of Göttingen’s findings built on other recent hemp-focused sustainability research, including a study led by researchers affiliated with the University of Banja Luka, the University of Belgrade, and the University of Niš, which found that raw hemp can be used as an effective and eco-friendly alternative for removing toxic dye chemicals from wastewater.

During a recent presentation at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, leading international cannabis industry economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provided data demonstrating that the value of the global industrial hemp industry could be as much as $456.2 billion.

International cannabis business conference berlin 2025 expo floor International cannabis business conference berlin 2025 expo floor

Excitement Level At ICBC Berlin Demonstrates Surging Interest In The Global Industry

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Entertainment, Policy, Science.

On April 29th-30th, 2025, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) held its flagship event at the Estrel Berlin, Germany’s largest hotel and conference center. The event was nothing short of electric, and it was ICBC’s biggest and best event to date.

Interest in the emerging global cannabis industry, particularly in Germany and Europe, is experiencing exponential growth right now, and that was evident throughout ICBC’s two-day conference in Berlin. Roughly 5,000 people attended the conference, with over 80 countries and every major legal market represented. Below is an embedded after-movie video of the conference, providing a visual recap:

One readily apparent fact at the conference was that Europe has now become the top focus of industry members across the world, particularly for industry members wanting to gain a meaningful footprint in Germany’s market. As leading European policy and legal expert Peter Homberg of gunnercooke pointed out in his keynote presentation, imports of medical cannabis products to Germany nearly quadrupled in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter.

The expansion of Germany’s legal industry in recent years was accelerated in April 2024 with the adoption of the nation’s CanG law, which legalized personal cannabis cultivation, possession, and consumption by adults. The CanG law also permits adult-use cannabis associations to operate, with 211 associations having already received approval.

Arguably, the most significant component of Germany’s CanG law was the removal of cannabis from the nation’s Narcotics List. The declassification of cannabis dramatically improved Germany’s medical cannabis industry. Germany’s medical cannabis patient base is increasing in size with every passing day, as proven by the fact that more than 1 out of every 7 of the nation’s pharmacies now sell medical cannabis products.

A common theme throughout ICBC Berlin was the parallels and interplay of the Western Hemisphere’s legal markets and Europe’s emerging markets. What Europe is currently experiencing is reminiscent in various ways of what happened in North America starting in 2012 with the initial adoption of state-level legalization in the U.S. The ‘green rush’ in the U.S. and Canada provides lessons that entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry service providers in the Eastern Hemisphere can learn from.

Kicking off ICBC Berlin 2025 was a keynote presentation by Charlie Bachtell, CEO and Founder of Cresco Labs. Charlie Bachtell has served as Cresco Labs’ [CSE:CL] Chief Executive Officer since February 2015 after co-founding the company in 2013. Cresco Labs operates in several U.S. markets, and the insight that Mr. Bachtell provided in his presentation was invaluable for attendees.

Following Bachtell’s presentation was a keynote address by gunnercooke’s Peter Homberg. Mr. Homberg examined the current state of Germany’s industry and political landscape, including the fresh announcement of the appointments of incoming German Minister of Health Nina Warken and Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture Alois Rainer. Both incoming ministers will play a major role in shaping what happens next for Germany’s emerging industry, and with it, the wider European cannabis economy. Mr. Homberg’s thorough presentation on day 1 of ICBC Berlin 2025 could not have been more timely.

Another timely presentation was a panel discussion focusing on European pilot projects. Pilot projects are currently operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland and are also part of Germany’s legalization model. The panel was moderated by German policy expert Kai-Friedrich Niermann, Founder of KFN+ Law Office. Joining Mr. Niermann was:

  • Paul-Lukas Good, President, Swiss Cannabis Research Association
  • Daniel S. Hübner, Senior Science Manager, Cannabis Research Lab Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
  • Finn A. Hänsel, Managing Director, Sanity Group
  • Deepak Anand, Principal, ASDA Consultancy Services

Current European Union agreements prohibit national commerce models like those found in the Western Hemisphere. However, EU agreements do permit regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials for public health research purposes, and the panel of leading experts analyzed current and future European pilot trials.

The next panel, moderated by Jamie Pearson, President of New Holland Group, focused on investing in the evolving global cannabis industry. Ms. Pearson was joined on the panel by:

  • Raj Grover, CEO, High Tide Inc.
  • Will Muecke, Co-Founder, Artemis Growth Partners
  • George Bellow, Co-Founder, SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals
  • David Hyde, CEO, Hyde Advisory & Investments Inc.
  • Margaret Brodie, CEO, Rubicon Organics

Effectively investing in the emerging global cannabis industry is more complex than ever, and the panel’s insights were invaluable. Additional day 1 panels and presentations included such topics as:

  • Medical cannabis in Germany
  • Germany’s evolving cannabis industry
  • Advanced cultivation technologies
  • The latest trends and innovations in cannabis logistics
  • German cannabis industry data
  • Establishing international brands
  • Unlocking new markets
  • Cannabis research
  • The evolving industrial hemp industry

The first day of ICBC Berlin’s curriculum was followed by an intimate VIP after-party headlined by none other than cannabis industry and culture icon DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill and Soul Assassins. ICBC events are known for combining industry, policy, and entertainment, and the 2025 event in Berlin was no exception. DJ Muggs put on a show for the VIP crowd that will be talked about for years to come.

Day 2 of ICBC Berlin started with a keynote presentation by Dr. jur. Can Ansay, CEO of DR. ANSAY LTD. Dr. Ansay is a notable figure in Germany’s medical cannabis sector and the founder of the popular telemedicine platform DrAnsay.com. He examined safe access to medical cannabis in Germany and discussed changes and trends in Europe’s largest medical cannabis market.

Following the day 2 keynote address, the following topics were discussed at length by panels of leading experts:

  • Forming strategic partnerships
  • Industry compliance strategies
  • Cannabis and hemp tourism
  • Genetics
  • Opportunities in emerging markets
  • Compliant cannabinoid importation in Japan’s evolving market
  • Evolving consumer preferences
  • Digital innovation, programmed automation, and virtual trends
  • Cannabis extraction
  • GMP compliance
  • Cannabis packaging

The International Cannabis Business Conference has served as the top gathering place for the emerging global cannabis industry for over a decade, with ICBC events being held in several countries on multiple continents.

ICBC Berlin is the largest cannabis B2B event in the Eastern Hemisphere, and will continue to provide the best opportunity for members of the worldwide cannabis industry to learn, network, and explore potentially lucrative collaborations.

To find out more about upcoming ICBC events, go to: Internationalcbc.com

calculator pen tablet taxes finances financial tax calculator pen tablet taxes finances financial tax

Calls For Cannabis Excise Tax Reform Intensify In Canada

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Taxing cannabis commerce can be a delicate thing. On one hand, a major argument in favor of cannabis policy modernization is that it will generate public revenue for governments that allow legal cannabis sales. But on the other hand, taxing cannabis commerce too much can hinder the industry’s ability to reach its full potential and displace the unregulated market.

Canada legalized adult-use cannabis sales in 2018, and according to a new report, the current excise tax model in Canada “is unsustainable and must be restructured to reflect the economic realities of the industry.”

Deloitte, a multinational professional services entity, recently published a report titled ‘The Impact of the Cannabis Excise Tax,’ in which the authors call for overhauling Canada’s current approach to applying cannabis excise taxes. The recommendations from Deloitte in their report are being echoed by the Cannabis Council of Canada.

“Canada likes to position itself as a global leader in legal cannabis – but since legalization in 2018, the federal government has failed this industry and the tens of thousands of hardworking Canadians it supports,” said Paul McCarthy, President of the Cannabis Council of Canada. “With a new government in office, it’s time for a fresh approach. The cannabis industry deserves the same attention and support as any sector of our economy.”

“Canada’s cannabis industry is a major driver of economic growth – since legalization it has contributed over $43 billion to the national GDP, with approximately $7.4 billion contributed in 2024 alone. To keep that momentum going, key policy changes are needed to ensure the industry can grow, compete and innovate.” the Council stated in a press release.

“The current excise taxation framework is completely misaligned with today’s market realities. When it was introduced in 2018, cannabis sold for approximately $10 per gram. Today, producers are receiving as little as $3 per gram – yet the excise tax remains the greater of 10% of the product’s value or $1 per gram.” the Council also stated.

The Cannabis Council of Canada is urging the nation’s government to eliminate the $1 per gram floor and replace it with a 10% ad valorem rate, which the Council points out was proposed by the Standing Committee on Finance in 2024.

investing investor dollar dollars currency money finances financial banking investing investor dollar dollars currency money finances financial banking

Why U.S. MSOs Are Looking To Invest In Germany And Europe

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

For many years, the emerging legal cannabis industry in the United States has operated in siloed markets, with each jurisdiction having its own laws and regulations. While that is still largely the case from a public policy standpoint, in recent years, larger cannabis companies in the U.S. have expanded to multiple state-level markets.

Multistate operators (MSOs), as they are known, are gaining a larger market share of the cannabis industry in the U.S., with Cresco Labs being one of the most prominent and successful MSOs. Led by CEO Charlie Bachtell, Cresco Labs is a publicly traded, vertically integrated MSO that produces the U.S. industry’s #1 portfolio of cannabis brands. The company also operates licensed dispensaries under the Sunnyside brand.

Mr. Bachtell was named one of Chicago’s most visionary and accomplished business leaders in the Chicago Titan 100 Awards and received the Captains of the Industry Award from the American Trade Association for Cannabis Hemp. Through his leadership of Cresco Labs, the company has been recognized as a Best-Led American Company by Inc. Magazine. Currently, Mr. Bachtell is the Chairman of the National Cannabis Roundtable and is also an adjunct professor at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law, teaching a course on legal and regulatory issues in the cannabis industry.

Charlie Bachtell provided the keynote address at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, focusing on the topic of why U.S. MSOs are looking to invest in Germany and Europe. The cannabis industry is going global, and multistate operators in the U.S. are increasingly identifying expansion opportunities in Europe. Below is an embedded video of Mr. Batchtell’s insightful presentation.

hemp plant hemp plant

Ukraine Launches Nation’s Largest Industrial Hemp Processing Plant

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Hemp harvests have to be processed before they are incorporated into finished products and shipped to the markets where they will eventually be sold, with some limited exceptions. A nation’s hemp industry will never reach its full potential without proper processing facilities.

With that in mind, Ukraine’s emerging industrial hemp industry passed a major milestone with the recent launch of the nation’s largest hemp processing plant. The Ma’Ryzhany Hemp Company’s new facility is located in the Ma’Ryzhany industrial park in the Zhytomyr region and is estimated to be capable of processing up to 14,000 tons of hemp annually.

“Developing our own processing is one of the key tasks of the government’s policy “Made in Ukraine” and part of the national economic idea. We must change the structure of the economy from raw materials to high-tech and increase the production of goods with high added value.” Ukraine’s Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko stated, according to a government press release (translated from Ukrainian to English).

“Restoring the primary processing of hemp trust is one of the key elements for the further revival of industrial hemp, which once made Ukraine a powerful player in the global textile market. The presence of its own domestic raw materials is difficult to overestimate – it is the basis of price competitiveness. In addition, industrial hemp is not just a raw material for textiles, but an ecological and renewable resource for dozens of other industries. And the reconstruction of the textile chain is only the beginning of the great industrial potential that “Ma’Ryzhany Hemp Company” is laying today,” stated Ma’Ryzhany Hemp Company Director Andriy Mykytiv.

The goal of the industrial park where the new hemp processing facility is located is “to attract businesses working with industrial hemp processing products and create over 700 new jobs. The work of the park will also stimulate farmers to grow industrial hemp in the Zhytomyr region and contribute to the development of a sustainable industrial hemp ecosystem in Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s new industrial hemp processing plant is designed to produce long fiber for textiles and technical fabrics, short fiber for paper, nonwovens, and insulation, and raw material for bioplastics, building materials, and animal bedding.

The launch of the facility comes at a time when Europe’s industrial hemp industry potential is being researched at an increasing rate. For example, a team of researchers affiliated with the University of Göttingen recently examined industrial hemp from the perspective of its prospects as a sustainable crop for modern agriculture in Germany.

“Industrial hemp offers promising prospects for agriculture. Its ecological advantages, such as improved soil structure and CO2 sequestration, as well as the economic potential offered by dual-use land and low or no need for pesticides, make it a sustainable addition to crop rotation.” the researchers concluded. “With the right strategy, industrial hemp can make a valuable contribution to sustainable agriculture, especially when economies of scale, stable sales contracts, and effective integration into crop rotation systems are considered.”

The University of Göttingen’s findings built on other recent hemp-focused sustainability research, including a study led by researchers affiliated with the University of Banja Luka, the University of Belgrade, and the University of Niš, which found that raw hemp can be used as an effective and eco-friendly alternative for removing toxic dye chemicals from wastewater.

During a recent presentation at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, leading international cannabis industry economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provided data demonstrating that the value of the global industrial hemp industry could be as much as $456.2 billion.

lebanon flags lebanon flags

Legalization In Lebanon ‘Could Generate $1-3 Billion Annually’

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

A 2019 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that Lebanon was the third largest source for ‘cannabis resin’ worldwide, only behind Morocco and Afghanistan. The UNODC estimated that roughly 6% of all the cannabis resin on earth originates in Lebanon.

Two historical measures largely govern cannabis activity in Lebanon. The first came in 1998, when Lebanon passed law 673/1998, which criminalized the use of illicit drugs and scheduled cannabis as a “very dangerous substance with no medical use.”

The second occurred in 2020, when Lebanon became the first country in the region to somewhat liberalize its cannabis policies by permitting limited cannabis farming. As time has gone on, the measure approved in 2020 has proven to be largely symbolic, with the nation’s cabinet refraining from implementing decrees to establish a regulatory authority.

“In April 2020, after decades of discussions and controversy, the Lebanese parliament voted a law legalizing the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Although the law leaves several unanswered questions and awaits implementation, the symbolic nature of this step in recognizing a positive role of cannabis in the local economy is significant on a regional level.” wrote a team of researchers affiliated with various health and academic institutions based in Lebanon.

“The social experiment taking place in Lebanon is fraught with risks, given the unstable political situation and chronic economic challenges. The reactions to the law have been mixed with several scientific bodies such as the Lebanese Psychiatric Society criticizing the absence of proper consultation of stakeholders.” the researchers also wrote.

With Lebanon’s economy struggling, discussions have turned toward exploring new ways to generate revenue and boost the nation’s economy. Talk of implementing the previously approved medical cannabis production measure has emerged as a result.

“If cannabis cultivation were legalized and properly regulated, Lebanon could generate between $1 billion and $3 billion annually in state revenue, according to Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani.” reported LBC International.

“That would amount to roughly one-quarter to one-half of the state’s projected revenue for 2024. In that case, cannabis could become a major source of income, more effective than other alternatives that often result in higher taxes and fees for citizens without tangible returns.” the outlet also reported.

A report presented by leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin estimates that the potential global medical and adult-use cannabis market is roughly $237.8 billion. Separately, Whitney projects that the potential value of the global industrial hemp industry could be as much as $456.2 billion.

brazil flag brazil flag

How Many Medical Cannabis Patients Does Brazil’s Industry Serve?

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

As it currently stands, dozens of countries around the world have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures, with legalization models ranging from cannabidiol-only laws for patients suffering from a very limited list of approved conditions to national models that permit robust medical cannabis commerce for a wide range of conditions.

Brazil has an operating medical cannabis program, and it’s fairly large. In its recent coverage of Brazil’s emerging legal medical cannabis industry, Sechat provided insight into the size of the nation’s industry and patient base.

“The medical cannabis market in Brazil is undergoing a transformation. In 2024, the sector generated R$853 million and served 672,000 patients in more than 80% of Brazilian municipalities.” Sechat reported (translated from Portuguese to English).

“Of these, 315,000 use products imported via Anvisa’s RDC 660, 208,000 use medicines registered under RDC 327, and 147,000 are served through associations.” the outlet also stated.

In 2023, Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice rendered a landmark ruling that recognized the legal right to cultivate low-THC (up to 0.3%) cannabis in the South American nation. The Court’s decision was the result of an industry-based lawsuit.

At the time of the decision, the Superior Court of Justice determined that ANVISA (Brazil’s Health Regulatory Agency) and the Ministry of Agriculture must establish and publish rules and provisions to regulate low-THC (hemp) commercial production. The Court set a May 19th deadline, however, that deadline will reportedly not be met.

“In a sudden and unexplained move, Brazil’s health agency this week suspended the process to regulate the cultivation of industrial hemp, ignoring a deadline set by the country’s highest court.” reported Hemp Today earlier this week.

In the meantime, Brazil’s medical cannabis patients and industry members will continue to wait for the nation’s government to provide clarity and a greater level of certainty via established regulations.

To put the size of Brazil’s legal medical cannabis patient base into perspective, Germany is currently estimated to have between 700,000 and 900,000 legal medical cannabis patients. Brazil’s estimated total population is roughly 221 million people, whereas Germany’s estimated total population is roughly 83 million people.

canada flag canada flag

Changes Coming To Ontario Cannabis Stores

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Changes are coming to Ontario’s emerging retail cannabis industry. The Ford government is reportedly loosening cannabis store restrictions that have historically forced brick-and-mortar retailers to cover their shop windows.

“As part of its 2025 budget, the province announced it is planning to amend those rules to allow cannabis stores to operate with transparent windows, like any other high street shop.” reported Global News in its local coverage. “The move is one the industry has lobbied for and welcomed after it was announced in the budget.”

“To increase the comfort, security and safety of both customers and employees of licensed cannabis retail stores, changes are being made to allow stores to improve their outside visibility,” stated the government, according to Global News‘ reporting. “These changes are intended to support legitimate local businesses by enhancing transparency and fostering a more welcoming environment for consumers, while still protecting youth from exposure to cannabis.”

Requiring non-transparent windows negatively impacts cannabis retailers in various ways. Foot traffic in the area doesn’t result in potential customers coming in to make purchases like it typically does for stores in other industries that have transparent windows. After all, ‘window appeal’ is predicated on customers being able to see through windows.

As touched on in Global News‘ coverage, not being able to see through windows creates safety issues for cannabis retail staff and the store’s customers. Obviously, people with nefarious intent can still cause public safety issues even if windows are transparent. However, it helps mitigate potential issues to some degree to have better visibility and see if trouble is heading in the direction of the store.

Ontario will not be the first Canadian jurisdiction to make the regulatory retail change. Both Alberta and British Columbia have already permitted cannabis retailers to remove coverings from store windows. In addition to changes to store window regulations, Ontario is expected to place a special logo on domestic cannabis products to make consumers aware that the products were ‘made in Ontario.’

toronto ontario canada toronto ontario canada

The World Continues To Learn From Canada’s Modernized Cannabis Industry

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

When Canada became the second country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure in 2018, it was a historic moment for both Canada and the larger international cannabis industry. Uruguay may have legalized recreational cannabis before Canada; however, Canadian legalization has proven to be more significant in many ways.

Whereas Uruguay limits legal adult-use cannabis sales to residents through limited commerce channels, Canada’s recreational commerce model permits sales to anyone of legal age via a multitude of purchasing options. Canada remains the top jurisdiction for cannabis industry and policy research, years after modernized adult-use policies were implemented.

Canada’s emerging legal cannabis industry goes well beyond the nation’s borders, with Canada serving as a major source for cannabis exports to other legal markets around the globe. As the international cannabis industry continues to transition from a patchwork of largely siloed markets to a more harmonized global industry, Canada’s legal market is more important than ever.

Every large national and international industry is built on partnerships and relationships, and lucrative collaborations require effective networking. Additionally, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, regulators, and industry service providers have to remain in a constant state of learning and evolving. After all, the cannabis industry and policy landscape are constantly shifting, and people and entities must always stay ahead of the curve if they want to succeed.

With that in mind, two timely events are coming up at the end of this month that everyone serious about the cannabis industry should consider attending. The first is the CannaVision Global Executive Summit taking place on May 26th, 2025, at the Pearson Conference Center in Ontario.

CannaVision is an exclusive event designed for leaders and decision-makers in the cannabis space to engage in high-level discussions, to network, and to collaborate with other executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts in the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in strategic talks, panel discussions, and case studies addressing the latest trends, regulations, market developments, and investment opportunities in the global cannabis market.

Following the CannaVision Global Executive Summit will be the iconic Grow Up Industry Gala Awards, which is also taking place on May 26th, 2025. The Awards Gala, which is now in its 6th year, is one of the most anticipated events on the annual international cannabis industry calendar, where industry pioneers, innovators, and trailblazers gather to celebrate the year’s achievements and the people who made them possible.

The two-day Grow Up Conference and Expo, Canada’s largest and premier cannabis event, will be held on May 27th and 28th, 2025. The event is in its 11th year, and this year’s installment will be bigger and better than ever. With so much going on in Canada’s industry and the wider international cannabis industry, the two-day Grow Up Conference and Expo is a must-attend for anyone wanting to gain a meaningful spot in the most exciting industry on the planet.

A wide range of important topics will be discussed via the event’s numerous presentations, all of which will be led by some of the true experts in the cannabis space. You can see a list of the event’s speakers and schedule at this link here.

The Grow Up Conference is a privately owned Canadian company since 2017, focusing on cultivation, brands, and retail. Event attendees will be surrounded by industry professionals to network with and explore potential collaborations. A limited number of tickets, exhibitor spots, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Lock in your spot now before it is too late. You can find out more at: growupconference.com.

grow up toronto 2025

medical cannabis plants indoor garden medical cannabis plants indoor garden medical cannabis plants indoor garden

South African Province To Prioritize Cannabis Industry Job Creation

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

South Africa’s government released updated employment data yesterday, with the official unemployment rate increasing by 1.0 percentage point from 31.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025.

In response to the high unemployment rate, a province in South Africa is launching an initiative seeking to create new jobs in the nation’s emerging legal cannabis industry. South Africa legalized cannabis last year for adult use in private settings. Medical cannabis use was already legal in South Africa before the legalization of recreational cannabis.

“With grim employment statistics released yesterday, a new cannabis initiative in KwaZulu-Natal aims to unlock job opportunities, especially in rural parts of the province.” reported IOL in its local coverage. “The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) has recently detailed its plans for the sector, including a partnership aimed at piloting a Shared Cannabis Processing Facility.”

According to Edtea’s website, “The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs is mandated to oversee the socio-economic transformation in the province.”

“This project is critical, with at least one municipality, the Okhahlamba (Bergville) Municipality, hinging its hopes on it to address unemployment and boost the municipality’s budget. The central focus of the project is processing cannabis into various products.” IOL also reported.

South Africa is on a short list of countries that have adopted national adult-use cannabis legalization measures, along with Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany. Back in March of this year, the Department of Health in South Africa announced a complete ban on cannabis and hemp-derived ‘foodstuffs.’

The announcement was met with considerable outcry from the public and members of South Africa’s emerging legal cannabis industry, resulting in the ban being rescinded. Earlier this month, South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that the government department he oversees will publish draft regulations for the sale of cannabis-infused foods soon.

“The initial ban faced significant criticism from experts and industry leaders, particularly for prohibiting cannabis derivatives like hemp, which were not illegal.” reported Business Insider Africa in its local coverage. “Following intervention from President Cyril Ramaphosa, the controversial regulations which have been condemned for lacking public consultation, were ultimately rescinded.”

At the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany, leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, presented data in which he estimated the potential global medical and adult-use cannabis market to be worth roughly $237.8 billion. Only time will tell how much of that market potential South Africa will be able to tap into.

cannabis flower nug bud cannabis flower nug bud

How Many Legal Medical Cannabis Patients Does Germany Have?

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

A common question related to Germany’s emerging legal cannabis industry that I see asked online, and hear in person, relates to how many medical cannabis patients the nation’s market serves. The answer to the question ‘how many German medical cannabis patients are there?’ is not as straightforward as some may think due to how the nation’s medical cannabis industry operates.

Medical cannabis is dispensed by German pharmacies, and patients have the option to self-pay or to be reimbursed by insurance companies. Reimbursements are easier to track because of the paper trail that such transactions create. Self-pay transactions are trickier. However, a recent newsletter by leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provides some reliable data.

In Beau Whitney’s newsletter, Whitney Wire, he describes how Germany has traditionally had a strong legal medical cannabis market. Even before the adoption of the nation’s CanG law in April 2024, which removed cannabis from Germany’s Narcotics List, Germany was already home to the largest legal medical cannabis market in Europe.

But after the CanG law’s adoption, safe access greatly improved for German medical cannabis patients, and thanks in large part to the rise of medical cannabis telemedicine, Germany’s legal patient base has increased exponentially.

“There has been a consistent number of between 200k – 300k medical patients.” Beau Whitney writes. “As a result of this new innovation, there is now an additional 500k – 600k self-paying consumers participating in the legal market.”

“When combined with 100k cultivation association members, there is approximately 800k legal consumers in the German market right now. For perspective, 800k consumers represents between 10% and 20% of the total market, while the supply and capacity at the end of 2024 represented nearly 15% of all of the supply that the market needs.” Whitney stated.

beau whitney international cannabis business conference 2025

(caption: Leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney presenting at ICBC Berlin 2025)

According to the most recent data published on BCAv’s website, 215 cultivation association applications have been approved so far, out of 626 submitted applications. It is worth noting that not all of the approved cultivation associations are fully operational right now. Presumably, some are in the early stages of launching after receiving approval.

In addition to medical cannabis patients making legal purchases through German pharmacies and/or joining member-based cultivation associations, many adult cannabis consumers in Germany are cultivating their own cannabis in their private residences. Starting on April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate up to three plants in their private residences.

The results of a new scientific study, led by Dr. Mira Lehberger and Prof. Dr. Kai Sparke from the Department of Horticultural Economics at Geisenheim University, provide insight into how popular home cultivation is in Germany post-legalization.

The scientific study involved a survey, conducted in December 2024, of 1,500 adults. Study participants were selected from “an existing panel to ensure representation of all age groups and regions of origin (both federal states and urban/rural)” according to initial reporting by Deutscher Hanfverband (DHV), and subjects were divided ‘roughly equally’ between men and women.

Below are key findings from the study:

  • 47% of survey respondents expressed support for legal home cultivation
  • 46.3% indicated agreement with the statement “The legalization of private cannabis cultivation reduces illegal activities in Germany.”
  • 44% of participants see legal home cultivation as ‘an opportunity for better quality control’
  • 41.1% see legal home cultivation as ‘an opportunity for greater sustainability’
  • One in ten participants indicated that they had already legally cultivated cannabis post-legalization
  • 11% of participants who had not cultivated cannabis ‘could imagine’ doing so in the future
  • A majority of participants who stated they had cultivated legal cannabis were male (58.5%)

“Growing supplies and seeds were purchased both online and in-store, but specialized online retailers were used most frequently.” stated DHV in its local reporting.

German growing supplies and seeds purchase data

According to DHV’s coverage of the study’s findings, “The median cultivation costs were €30 per plant and €1 per gram of cannabis, which are significantly lower than the prices of cannabis on the black market or medical cannabis in pharmacies.”

A previous YouGov poll in Germany found that 7% of poll participants had already purchased cannabis seeds or cuttings/clones at the time of the polling (May 2024). In addition to the 7% of poll participants indicating that they had already purchased cannabis genetics for their home gardens, another 11% of poll participants responded that they planned to purchase cannabis genetics in the future.

To further economist Beau Whitney’s point mentioned earlier in this article, most of Germany’s cannabis consumer base still relies on the unregulated market. According to data published by Statistisches Bundesamt, Germany’s total population was 84,669,326 at the end of 2023 (the most recent data available). Of that, an estimated 83.1% of the population was of legal cannabis age (18+), or roughly 70.36 million people.

Now, take into consideration data from Germany’s Epidemiological Addiction Survey, which found that roughly 8.8% of Germany’s population reported consuming cannabis at least once within the last year. Applying that percentage to the number of adults in Germany, the total potential legal cannabis consumer base in Germany is nearly 6.2 million people, and that is likely a low-end estimate because presumably some amount of consumers refrained from admitting to the government that they are cannabis consumers out of fear of persecution.

The math is clear – Germany’s legal cannabis market is just scraping the surface from the perspective of gaining potential market share. Until EU agreements are modernized to allow Germany to implement a robust legal commerce model like in Canada, and equally important, domestic German lawmakers adopt such a model when allowed to, the unregulated market will continue to thrive in Germany.

One of the professed goals of German legalization is to sufficiently combat the unregulated market to boost public health outcomes. As demonstrated by a recent data analysis from Canada’s market, consumers and patients will transition to a regulated market when given consistent options to do so, assuming the market provides the types of products that they want.

However, as long as legal purchasing options and product types remain limited in Germany, the European nation will continue to fail at achieving its stated cannabis public policy goals.

toronto ontario canada toronto ontario canada

Analysis Finds Legal Canadian Cannabis Has Largely Displaced Unregulated Market

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

A major goal of every jurisdiction that has modernized its cannabis policies to permit adult-use cannabis activity is to help combat the unregulated market, including in Canada, where lawmakers adopted a national recreational cannabis legalization measure in 2018.

Since 2018, Canada has served as the largest legal national adult-use cannabis market and remains the only country on earth where anyone of legal age can make purchases of recreational cannabis products, regardless of their residential status. Uruguay, which adopted national legalization in 2013, still restricts legal adult-use cannabis sales to residents only.

A team of investigators affiliated with academic and research institutions based in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom recently analyzed data from Canada’s legal cannabis market and determined that Canadian legalization has resulted in the legal industry largely displacing the nation’s unregulated market.

The researchers’ findings were published in the academic publication International Journal of Drug Policy.

“The current analysis used ‘demand-side’ methods to estimate the size of the Canadian cannabis market using data from two sources.” the researchers stated about their study’s methodology. “First, data from the Canadian Community Health Survey were used to estimate the number of Canadians who use cannabis.”

“Second, data on cannabis expenditures from legal versus illegal sources were analyzed from 5656 past 12-month consumers aged 16–100 who completed national surveys conducted in 2022 as part of the International Cannabis Policy Study.” the researchers also stated.

In a regulated cannabis commerce system, cannabis producers, product manufacturers, and retailers must adhere to certain standards, including stringent testing, which ensures that consumables are fit for human use. The same is not true of the unregulated cannabis market, which creates potential public health outcome issues when patients and consumers make their purchases through unregulated sources.

Additionally, unregulated cannabis sales do not generate revenue for public coffers, and profits from such sales often support organized criminal enterprises, which further adds to the potential for public issues that can affect all members of society. With that in mind, the more market share that a legal, regulated cannabis commerce system can gain, the more it benefits all members of the jurisdiction’s society.

“In the 12-month period ending in September 2022, total cannabis expenditures in Canada were estimated at $6.72 billion dollars, including $5.23 billion from legal sources and $1.49 billion from illegal sources for an estimated legal market capture of 78 %.” the researchers stated about the legal Canadian market’s share of the nation’s cannabis purchases.

“In 2022, dried flower accounted for 55 % of total legal expenditures and an additional 2 % was spent on plants and seeds. Concentrates accounted for 12 % of legal expenditures, followed by oral liquids (11 %), vaping liquids (10 %), and edibles (8 %, excluding drinks).” the researchers also stated.

“The findings provide evidence of substantial transition in expenditures from the illegal to the legal market in the five years since legalization of non-medical cannabis in Canada.” the researchers concluded.

Findings from this data analysis provide valuable insight for lawmakers and regulators in other jurisdictions who desire to effectively combat the unregulated market in their areas, including in European jurisdictions where national adult-use commerce models like Canada’s remain prohibited due to current European Union agreements.

cannabis plant bud field outdoor cannabis plant bud field outdoor

Australia’s Legal Cannabis Growers Urge Support Of Nation’s Producers

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Australia’s legal cannabis farmers are banding together and warning the nation’s government of looming “catastrophic failures” and a “bleak reality” for the emerging Australian medicinal cannabis industry. The Australian Cannabis Cultivators Guild, which represents a reported 80% of the nation’s legal medical cannabis producers, is urging Australian lawmakers to reform the nation’s regulations.

The newly formed organization is demanding that the Australian government prioritize domestic producers, stating that Australia’s legal medical cannabis cultivators are at a disadvantage and unable to compete with cheaper imported medical cannabis products due to a rigorous and expensive licensing process.

“Without change, we expect to see catastrophic failures across local cultivators, resulting in bankruptcies which will impact Australian supply in the long term,” the guild wrote, according to local coverage by ABC.

According to a Guild member named Cade Turland, the director at Hale Farm in Tasmania, as reported by ABC, “Australian farmers pay about $50,000 annually to maintain their medicinal cannabis licences, including costs like random and routine inspections, which were between $4,800 and $12,800.”

The Therapeutic Goods Administration, which oversees Australia’s medical cannabis industry, has no fees for a licence or permit to import medicinal cannabis, according to ABC‘s local reporting. Over 61% of medical cannabis products in Australia were imported in 2023.

Data from Australia’s government listed Canada as the top source for medical cannabis product imports between 2021 and 2023, with Australia importing 34,005 kilograms of medical cannabis from Canada in 2023. The next closest nation was South Africa at 1,804 kilograms.

Below is a table containing historical Australian government medical cannabis import data broken down by year and originating country:

Australia Cannabis Import Data

By comparison, Australia’s legal medical cannabis producers only exported 1,426 kilograms in 2021, 1,510 kilograms in 2022, and 2,066 kilograms in 2023. In 2023, the most recent year for which government data is available, Australia’s domestic medical cannabis growers produced a total of 26,593 kilograms.

A recent rise in imports from Thailand is further exacerbating the market imbalance, according to Cade Turland of Hale Farm.

“The reality is, the Canadian market is buffered from the global markets because you don’t allow imports,” stated Turland, according to initial reporting by StratCann. “We are the dumping ground of the entire world. We have products here from countries where our wages are ten times higher. We can’t compete with Thailand because their general labour costs are much lower.”

“We’ve definitely come a long way quality-wise, but in the beginning, the reality is we would not have been able to serve Australian patients without Canadian imports. However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that we’re not dealing with a level playing field because of that import ruling on the Canadian side. Australia hasn’t had that luxury.” Turland continued. “But the issues we’re seeing now with countries like Thailand flooding the market, that’s the real concern for us. We’re fine with Canada because it’s been there all along, and you guys ask a fair price for a fair product, but this increased pressure from Thailand’s market is doubling down on how difficult it is to survive here in Australia.”

industrial-hemp-plant-field industrial-hemp-plant-field

Industrial Hemp’s Market Potential Is Nearly Double Consumable Cannabis’ Potential

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

One of the most insightful moments for me at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin occurred during leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney’s presentation. Mr. Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provided a keynote address at the event in which he examined a multitude of important industry data points.

As part of his presentation, Beau Whitney compared the market potential of industrial hemp to the market potential for the medical and adult-use cannabis consumables sectors. Industrial hemp has historically been, and continues to be, an important source of material for several large industries.

Whitney listed several major industries that currently rely on industrial hemp as a source material, or that may in the future, including the automotive industry, textiles, building materials, batteries, shopping bags, cutlery equipment, health supplements, skin care, energy drinks, and animal feed.

Industrial hemp can also be used for many other purposes, including such things as bioremediation efforts. However, relying on just the previously mentioned large industries and combining hemp’s potential industry share of each of them, Mr. Whitney projected that the value of the global industrial hemp industry could be $456.2 billion.

Whitney compared that market potential to his estimated potential global market value for medical and adult-use cannabis consumables, as seen in the image below:

beau whitney economics hemp opportunities international cannabis business conference berlin 2025

As you can see, Beau Whitney’s estimate for the potential global medical and adult-use cannabis market is roughly $237.8 billion, and the market potential for industrial hemp is about 192% greater in comparison.

Whitney’s presentation slide references the increasing opportunities for industrial hemp in Europe, and many other regions of the world are also experiencing an increase in industrial hemp industry opportunities.

“A new era has begun for Kazakhstan’s agricultural and industrial policy, as the government officially approved the cultivation of industrial hemp and launched a pilot initiative that aims to encourage wider adoption among farmers and manufacturers.” Hemp Today recently reported on the Central Asia nation.

“A source of great anxiety for the cannabis sector, the regulation of hemp cultivation will be published by May 19, confirmed a member of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock,” reported Sechat in recent days regarding Brazil’s efforts to boost its domestic industrial hemp industry in South America (translated from Portuguese to English).

On the African continent, Botswana continues to take steps to build its industrial hemp industry, with the nation’s Director of Institute of Energy and Technology Development, Charity Kennedy, recently touting the ‘job creation and environmental healing’ potential of a thriving domestic industrial hemp industry, and that industrial hemp can benefit the nation’s ‘engineering, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, mining rehabilitation, pharmaceuticals, and climate-smart innovations’ industries.

cannabis butter cannabutter edibles cannabis butter cannabutter edibles

South Africa To Release New Cannabis Food Regulations After Backlash

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

South Africa is on a short list of countries that have adopted national adult-use cannabis legalization measures, along with Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany. Courts in other nations have rendered decisions providing consumers and patients some level of protection, however, the previously mentioned list contains the only countries to pass national recreational legalization measures that go beyond low-THC.

Back in March of this year, the Department of Health in South Africa announced a complete ban on cannabis and hemp-derived ‘foodstuffs.’ The announcement was met with considerable outcry from the public and members of South Africa’s emerging legal cannabis industry, resulting in the ban being rescinded.

This week, South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi reportedly announced that the government department he oversees will publish draft regulations for the sale of cannabis-infused foods soon.

“The initial ban faced significant criticism from experts and industry leaders, particularly for prohibiting cannabis derivatives like hemp, which were not illegal.” reported Business Insider Africa in its local coverage. “Following intervention from President Cyril Ramaphosa, the controversial regulations which have been condemned for lacking public consultation, were ultimately rescinded.”

It is unclear at this time what the new regulations will specifically contain. South Africa’s President signed a limited adult-use cannabis legalization measure into law back in May 2024.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (“CfPPA”). The CfPPA regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in a private setting.” The President’s office stated in a press release at the time.

“The consequent regulatory reform enabled by the CfPPA will, amongst others, entirely remove cannabis from the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. This will further enable amendment of the Schedules to the Medicines and Related Substances Act and provide for targeted regulatory reform of the Plant Breeders Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act, as well as other pieces of legislation that require amendment to allow for the industrialisation of the cannabis sector.” the press release also stated.

Back in 2018, South Africa’s Constitutional Court issued a landmark ruling that deemed cannabis prohibition as it pertained to adult individuals to be unconstitutional. The 2018 decision stemmed from a lower court decision in the Western Cape in March 2017, which determined that a ban on cannabis use by adults at home was unconstitutional.

The 2018 decision in South Africa left many unknowns, including how much cannabis a person could cultivate and possess in a private setting. The Court largely punted many policy decisions to lawmakers, with the lawmaking and regulatory processes experiencing several delays before South Africa’s President signed the legalization measure into law roughly one year ago.

european union flag german germany flag european union flag german germany flag

Robust Legal Sales Are Vital For Achieving Europe’s Cannabis Goals

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The current level of excitement and interest in Europe’s emerging legal cannabis market is remarkable in many ways, as is the interesting public policy model that has developed in Europe in recent years. Whereas current European Union agreements prohibit nationwide adult-use cannabis sales like what is found in Uruguay and Canada, the EU does permit research-based cannabis policies that focus on boosting public health outcomes.

The first European nation to adopt a national adult-use legalization measure was Malta in 2021. Malta’s legalization model is built on allowing adults to cultivate, possess, and consume a personal amount of cannabis in addition to permitting regulated cultivation associations to operate. Malta was followed by Luxembourg in 2023, with Luxembourg adopting a more restrictive model that only permits personal cultivation and possession.

Germany ushered in the next evolution in European cannabis legalization by adopting the historic CanG law in 2024. Germany’s two-pillared approach incorporates personal cultivation and possession freedoms, cultivation associations, and the launch of regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. The Netherlands and Switzerland also have pilot trials; however, adult-use activity outside of the parameters of the trials remains prohibited in those nations.

In the lead up to Germany adopting the CanG law, German policymakers pushed hard to get the European Union’s permission to let Germany adopt a more comprehensive sales model like what is in place in Canada. In many ways, Germany was not only lobbying on its own behalf, but also on behalf of other European nations that wish to follow in Germany’s policy modernization footsteps.

Unfortunately, the European Union refrained from granting permission for national recreational sales in Germany, thereby limiting the chances of success for Germany and other EU member nations in reaching their cannabis policy goals.

In my ongoing discussions with top European legal cannabis expert Peter Homberg of gunnercooke, he often points out that there are three goals of German cannabis policy modernization efforts. The three goals, which Mr. Homberg touched on in his keynote address on day 1 of the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, also extend to other EU markets (paraphrased below):

  1. To protect children.
  2. To boost public health outcomes.
  3. To hinder the unregulated market.

As I have previously stated, the first two items on the above list flow from the third, and success can only be achieved by recognizing the reality that consumers and patients are going to purchase and consume cannabis products, and they must be afforded the legal options to do so. Home cultivation will help alleviate consumer and patient reliance on unregulated sources to a degree, and the same is true for cultivation associations.

However, both of those components of current European legalization models can only go so far. Some amount of consumers and patients will still turn to the unregulated market, either because they do not have the means to cultivate their cannabis at home, or they do not have a sufficient cultivation association option in their area. Even if they do have the ability to cultivate cannabis at home and join a cultivation association, there will no doubt be times when they need to bridge a supply gap.

If they can’t make a legal purchase from a delivery service or brick and mortar, their only option is to turn to the unregulated market. Historical data is clear – most consumers and patients in that situation will not go without, despite what cannabis opponents and certain policymakers would lead people to believe. Until consumers and patients have legal options to purchase the type of cannabis that they prefer, via channels that they prefer, they will continue to turn to the unregulated market, and European cannabis policy modernization goals will never be fully achieved.

Consumers and patients across Europe need to keep the pressure on their policymakers to modernize national laws and EU agreements. They need to educate everyone they can about the harms of cannabis prohibition and the benefits of modernized cannabis policies. Everyone needs to know that cannabis prohibition is a failed public policy, and it harms all members of society, whether they consume cannabis or not. When limited public resources are wasted enforcing failed cannabis prohibition, everyone loses, including taxpayers and members of the criminal justice system.

Individual nations in Europe need to band together and modernize European Union agreements. Additionally, in Germany specifically, domestic policymakers need to allow regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials to proceed. As I previously mentioned, pilot trials are already operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and no major issues have been reported. The same will be true in Germany when pilot trials are launched. There is no valid excuse for the continued pilot trial foot-dragging in Germany.

The European Union and European Commission need to recognize that humans are going to consume cannabis, whether it is legal to do so or not. It is clearly better for public health outcomes, taxpayers, local economies, and the criminal justice system when consumers and patients make their cannabis purchases from regulated sources instead of from criminal operations.

European cannabis prohibition has been in place for decades, and it has done nothing to lower consumption rates. All it has done is enrich the unregulated market, much of which is controlled by organized criminal enterprises that do not care about children and public health outcomes. It is beyond time for a more sensible, reality-based public policy approach.

medical cannabis imports exports medical cannabis imports exports medical cannabis imports exports

Portugal’s Cannabis Exports Have Nearly Tripled

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

The legal medical cannabis industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, particularly in Europe. One country that is witnessing substantial growth of its emerging medical cannabis industry is Portugal, where cannabis exports are booming.

“According to data provided to ECO by the National Authority for Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed), sales abroad totalled 32,558 kilos, covering cultivation, manufacturing and wholesale trade activities.” reported The Portugal News in its local coverage (translated to English).

“Germany, Spain, Poland, the United Kingdom and Australia were the top five destinations for medical cannabis exports last year. With this year-on-year growth of 172%, which made the volume exceed 65 tons in 2019, the country consolidated its status as the largest European exporter and second in the world, a ranking in which it appears behind only Canada.” the outlet also reported.

One factor that people should have on their radars is the rise of domestic medical cannabis production in major markets, particularly in Germany. As part of the nation’s 2024 CanG law, caps on domestic medical cannabis production were removed in Germany.

It will take time for domestic production to significantly ramp up in Germany, which is Europe’s largest legal medical cannabis market, but once it does, it could impact imports from other countries such as Portugal.

Cannabis is now legal in some form, whether it be for medical use, adult use, or in the form of industrial hemp, in over 115 countries. According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

helios medical cannabis pharmacy munich germany helios medical cannabis pharmacy munich germany helios medical cannabis pharmacy munich germany

More Than 1 Out Of Every 7 German Pharmacies Offers Medical Cannabis

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Germany has served as the largest legal medical cannabis market in Europe for several years, with cannabis pharmacies being the foundation of Germany’s emerging industry. Legal medical cannabis sales first launched in German pharmacies in 2017.

Since the launch of initial sales, safe access to medical cannabis via Germany’s pharmacies has increased dramatically, as demonstrated by statistics that were included in the German Cannabis Business Association’s (BvCW) most recent newsletter.

“Patients can order cannabis online with a private prescription and have it delivered to their home. Nationwide, around 2,500 of the 17,000 pharmacies now offer medical cannabis,” BvCW stated (translated from German to English). “The industry’s revenue is now estimated at around half a billion euros.”

Having recently traveled to Berlin, Germany, for the International Cannabis Business Conference Week, I witnessed the level of excitement and interest that has engulfed Germany’s emerging medical cannabis industry. Industry members worldwide are clamoring to try to get into the growing German market, and to a lesser extent, other European markets.

Leading international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provided a keynote presentation at the International Cannabis Business Conference in which he highlighted cannabis product import data that helps quantify the level of international interest in Germany’s market:

beau whitney international cannabis business conference 2025

As large as Germany’s medical cannabis industry is becoming, it is still in the early stages by many measures. Consider the fact that many medical cannabis product sales found in other legal markets, most notably edibles, are not currently permitted in Germany. Only cannabis flower and extracts are being sold in the legal German market.

Cannabis edibles are particularly popular with patients and consumers who would otherwise not consume cannabis. Many consumers and patients prefer edibles and other consumables because they are smokeless cannabis delivery methods.

Typically, when you read about ‘increases in cannabis consumption’ following cannabis policy reform enactment, the increase is due to older individuals who have either never consumed cannabis or are coming back to it after a long hiatus, and their cannabis products of choice are often edibles, drinks, and/or topicals.

To get an idea of what Germany’s industry is currently missing out on when it comes to product variety and availability, consider sales data from the United States. According to a recent article by Honeysuckle Magazine, only 41% of products sold in the U.S. on the cannabis holiday April 20th were for cannabis flower.

Vape products were responsible for 27% of national sales on 4/20, edibles made up 14% of sales, pre-rolls were 10% of sales, and extracts were 6% of sales. The remaining sales were presumably for topical products.

Below is another data chart that Mr. Whitney shared during his presentation in Berlin, which contains the total addressable market for Germany and other European markets. As you can see, the previously cited half a billion euro estimation for Germany’s current industry, referenced earlier in this article, is a mere fraction of the true potential of Germany’s cannabis industry:

beau whitney international cannabis business conference 2025 global market overview

One of the professed goals of German cannabis policy modernization efforts is to sufficiently combat the nation’s unregulated cannabis market to boost public health outcomes. The only way that goal will be achieved is by lawmakers in Europe’s largest market instituting a robust commerce system that allows consumers and patients to legally access the cannabis products that they want to purchase.

Until that happens, the unregulated market in Germany will continue to thrive, the nation will continue to miss out on the economic boost that a sufficient legal market yields, and public health outcomes will pay the price, with consumers and patients making their purchases of untested products from unregulated sources.

One thing is for sure – consumers and patients will not stop consuming cannabis just because such activity is prohibited. History is very clear on that. Lawmakers and regulators in Germany and throughout Europe would be wise to recognize that reality and to pursue sensible, balanced public policies.

cannabis plant plants garden led light lights lighting indoor cannabis plant plants garden led light lights lighting indoor

Total Number Of German Cultivation Associations Rises To 211

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Starting on July 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can apply to launch a member-based cannabis cultivation association. Cultivation associations are a key component of Germany’s adult-use model, and according to a recent newsletter by the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), the total number of approved associations has risen to 211.

“So far, out of 624 applications nationwide, 211 have been approved and 25 have been rejected.” stated BvCW in its most recent newsletter (translated from German to English). “A detailed overview can be found on the BCAv website.”

Policymakers and industry members in Germany originally pushed for a national adult-use cannabis legalization model that was broader compared to what is currently in place. However, after discussions and consultations with the European Union, it was determined that nationwide cannabis sales, like what is implemented in Uruguay and Canada, are prohibited under current EU agreements.

What is permitted in EU member nations is the adult-use model that Germany has adopted, which involves permitting personal consumer rights such as the cultivation, possession, and consumption of personal amounts of cannabis, as well as licensing member-based cultivation associations. Both components fall under the ‘boosting public health outcomes’ provisions of the current EU agreements.

Malta also permits cultivation associations as part of its modern adult-use cannabis policy model, and the number of associations there provides some insight into how many cultivation associations may eventually launch in Germany.

Currently, according to the Malta Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis’ website, there are 19 ‘cannabis harm reduction associations’ that have obtained an operating permit. It is worth noting that not all of those are dispensing cannabis to members right now, with some still being in the early stages of operation.

Malta has an estimated population of roughly 569,900, which works out to roughly one association for every 29,995 citizens. Germany currently has an estimated population of roughly 84,075,075. If we apply the same association-to-population ratio from Malta to Germany’s population, it would work out to about 2,803 total associations.

There is additional context that must be considered, and Malta and Germany are not an apples-to-apples comparison, so to speak. However, the basic calculation and comparison demonstrate how much potential for growth there is for Germany’s emerging cultivation association sector, at least at a macro level.

Another contextual factor to consider is that Malta’s association numbers are presumably going to rise as time goes on, and are not fixed at 19, so the 2,803 estimate for Germany will likely prove to be a low-end figure.

Peter Homberg gunnercooke International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2025 Peter Homberg gunnercooke International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2025

International Interest In Europe’s Cannabis Market Is Surging

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

As cannabis entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, regulators, and industry service providers descended upon Germany in recent days for the International Cannabis Business Conference week, one thing is very evident: worldwide interest in Europe’s emerging legal cannabis market is surging.

I am based in the United States (Oregon), and having spent the last week in Germany surrounded by representatives from nearly every legal cannabis market on earth, and witnessing things on the ground firsthand, I can safely say that Europe’s status as being the most exciting place for cannabis policy and industry is officially here.

People from every corner of the globe are scrambling to gain a meaningful footprint in Germany and other legal markets in Europe, and rightfully so. Europe’s Green Rush era is in full swing.

In a lot of ways, what is happening in Europe right now reminds me of what occurred in the United States from 2012-2016 when the first of our states approved modernized adult-use cannabis laws. As many of us from the U.S. who attended The Talman House and International Cannabis Business Conference events this week in Berlin discussed, it felt like going back in time, and that we were re-watching a movie that we had already seen.

Yet, in other ways, the emergence of the modernized European cannabis industry is completely unique with its own nuances, opportunities, and challenges. There are certainly many components of the legal German cannabis industry’s rise, and to a lesser extent, other European markets, that are similar to what happened in the United States and Canada years ago. But some things are entirely new.

Knowing what the similarities are between North America’s experience and Europe’s, and equally important, what is not similar, is paramount for everyone who wants to succeed. Right now, Europe has the chance to incorporate the best of what has happened in the U.S. and Canadian markets and to learn from North America’s mistakes and failings.

Members of Europe’s legal cannabis community, along with policymakers and regulators, have a golden opportunity to create something better than the world has ever witnessed before. It is up to all of us, from entrepreneurs to investors to government officials, to capitalize on this historic moment and not squander it.

The biggest positive lesson that has come out of the United States and Canada that Europe must learn from is that when given the legal option to do so, consumers and patients will make their purchases from regulated cannabis channels instead of making those purchases from unregulated sources, provided that policies and regulations are sensible.

What constitutes ‘sensible’ is subjective and leaves a lot of room for interpretation. However, we now objectively know that in legal North American markets, robust access to reasonably regulated legal cannabis commerce will decimate the unregulated industry. Consumers and patients clearly prefer to make their purchases from commerce channels that have set hours of operation, on-time delivery and/or storefronts, and tested products. Unregulated sources do not offer any of those things.

Conversely, in North American markets where overburdensome regulations and illogical policies were implemented, the unregulated market continues to thrive. The data is clear that consumers and patients are willing to pay a little extra for regulated products. But there comes a point when regulations and taxes drive up costs to such an extent that it deters legal purchases, at which point people continue to buy their cannabis products from unregulated sources.

In my ongoing discussions with top European legal cannabis expert Peter Homberg of gunnercooke, he often points out that there are three goals of German cannabis policy modernization efforts. The three goals, which Mr. Homberg touched on in his keynote address on day 1 of the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, also extend to other EU markets (paraphrased below):

  1. To protect children.
  2. To boost public health outcomes.
  3. To hinder the unregulated market.

The first two items on the above list flow from the third, and success can only be achieved by recognizing the reality that consumers and patients are going to purchase and consume cannabis products, and they must be afforded the legal options to do so.

European lawmakers and regulators who wish to stick their heads in the sand and act as if prohibition or overburdensome regulations will somehow magically reduce European cannabis consumption do so at their own peril, and at the peril of public health and other outcomes. That is particularly true in Germany, where the launch of regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials has experienced several delays, and where conservative members of the newly elected governing coalition have expressed a desire to scrap pilot trials and other legalization provisions entirely.

Such members of the German governing coalition are, presumably as a political strategy, refusing to recognize a key point – that regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are not a new thing and are already successfully operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Just as the sky has not fallen over those EU nations, the same will prove to be true if the incoming German Minister of Health Nina Warken, and the recently announced Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) Alois Rainer, allow already-submitted pilot trial applications to proceed.

For an insightful and thorough examination of both Nina Warken and Alois Rainer, both of whom will be instrumental in overseeing Germany’s emerging cannabis industry in the near future, check out a recent article by krautinvest.

A major difference between the North American markets and what is being built in Germany and Europe is the European Union (EU), as well as the EU’s politically independent executive arm, the European Commission (EC). All member nations are bound by EU agreements and EC policies and processes, and while state-level markets in the U.S. operate under the federal umbrella, it is not the same dynamic compared to the EU/EC.

EU agreements prohibit adult-use commerce models found at the state level in the United States and what is in place in Canada at a national level. Medical cannabis commerce is permitted in the European market, but adult-use commerce is limited to models that are based in research and designed to help boost public health outcomes, such as pilot trials and cultivation associations.

Those limitations need to be addressed via continued lobbying of continental decision-makers, and while many of them may be committed to ignoring demands to modernize EU agreements, the demands and pressure must be consistently applied nonetheless.

A significant lesson learned from ongoing policy and regulatory implementation in the United States is that a ‘patchwork’ approach is inefficient and chaotic, and ultimately doesn’t work for anyone. In the U.S., every legal state operates in a siloed fashion, with each jurisdiction having its own laws and regulations, and yet each state is also governed by conflicting federal law.

The same dysfunctional dynamic is on display in the EU to some degree, where individual nations have their own set of industry rules, which are then overlapped by an additional layer of EU-level rules that are either vague, conflicting, or in some cases, outright harmful. It is vital that the EU modernize and harmonize agreements and other policies in such a way that it recognizes reality and provides better certainty for patients, consumers, industry members, and ultimately, governments.

Europe’s cannabis industry and advocacy communities must continue to educate the rest of European society about the benefits of sensible policy modernization and the harms of senseless cannabis prohibition laws and regulations.

All the eyes of the global cannabis community are fixated on what is happening in Germany and other emerging European markets right now, including and especially the eyes of policymakers and regulators. Members of Europe’s emerging industry need to be mindful and strive to be good stewards of the opportunity that is being afforded to them. Germany’s industry and other legal markets in Europe are under a microscope right now, and that will remain the case for the foreseeable future.

I was asked many times while I was in Berlin for the International Cannabis Business Conference week what I consider to be the biggest lesson that entrepreneurs and investors can learn from the U.S., and my answer was always the same: don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Always perform your due diligence and make your decisions based on a sound process that you would apply to any other large, emerging industry.

Cannabis is exciting, and Europe’s industry potential is enormous. But if you don’t anticipate how fierce the competition will be, and recognize that industry success will not involve a straight path, you can lose a lot of money really fast.

I will end this article with a word of caution, as someone who had a front-row seat to how things unfolded in the United States years ago. We are all in this era of European cannabis together, and a single wrong move by one person or entity will no doubt be applied by cannabis opponents to the rest of Europe’s industry.

This special and historic moment in time can never be repeated, and we need to learn from the mistakes made in North America and ensure that things are done right in Europe to help put in place a foundation and framework that will set the stage for years to come. Proceed accordingly.

gavel law legal court gavel law legal court

Austria’s CBD Flower Ban Faces Legal Challenges

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Months after it was reportedly determined that dried hemp flowers in Austria with a THC content of up to 0.3% are subject to the country’s tobacco tax and monopoly, the nation’s government is facing ongoing legal challenges from cannabis industry members.

“The Austrian cannabis industry is breathing a sigh of relief after the publication of a constitutional opinion by leading jurist Dr. Heinz Mayer. According to Mayer, the sale of CBD weed with less than 0.3% THC is not subject to the tobacco monopoly, despite earlier reports from the Ministry of Finance. This would allow CBD shops to legally resume the sale of smokable cannabis products.” reported Cannabis Industrie in its original coverage (translated to English).

“Mayer argues that the ruling of the highest administrative court only confirms that CBD weed falls under tobacco excise duty, not under the monopoly itself. According to him, an extension of the tobacco monopoly to cannabis would be in conflict with the Austrian constitution and European law.” the outlet also reported.

According to a previous analysis by the Tax Foundation, Austria places a €3.32 excise duty per 20-pack of tobacco cigarettes. An additional ‘value added tax’ or VAT is also placed on tobacco products, raising the total tax per pack of tobacco cigarettes to €4.23. The Tax Foundation estimates that tax as a share of the final selling price per pack of tobacco cigarettes is 77%.

Regulators across Europe, and many other parts of the world, are struggling to rectify the inconsistencies in laws and regulations on consumable hemp products. For many years, hemp products were largely limited to textiles. However, many savvy entrepreneurs are bringing more consumable hemp products to emerging markets, often referred to as ‘cannabis light,’ and policymakers are scrambling to try to catch up.

According to the Austrian government, sales of cannabis light products must exclusively go through official tobacco shops as long as the sales ban remains in force. Vending machine sales are also prohibited according to the Austrian government.

German Germany flag flags German Germany flag flags German Germany flag flags

The Biggest Winners Of German Legalization So Far

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

More than a year after the first provisions of Germany’s adult-use legalization law took effect, domestic and international cannabis policy and industry observers continue to evaluate the impact of the policy modernization change.

Starting on April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate, possess, and consume a personal amount of cannabis. Additionally, cannabis was removed from Germany’s Narcotics List as part of the nation’s CanG law. The changes in German public policy have had a positive effect on society, industry, and government.

“One year of the cannabis law is already a complete success for me, because it’s a year without criminalization and unnecessary persecution. Access to support services has been made easier, and there’s more education going on, which is precisely one of the health policy goals. The fact that cannabis clubs are now also emerging shows that there’s a movement here as well. This will noticeably reduce the black market, similar to home cultivation.” stated Dirk Heidenblut (former member of the Bundestag), according to Merkur (translated from German to English).

Earlier this month, the new governing coalition in Germany announced that, at least for the time being, there will be no changes to the CanG law. Evaluations of German cannabis policy and regulations will be ongoing, but the coalition’s announcement was welcomed news for cannabis advocates and industry members.

The coalition announcement comes after polling found little support for a CanG reversal. A recent YouGov poll has found that a minority (38%) of the nation’s citizens support reversing German adult-use cannabis legalization.

Additionally, according to the results of a Forsa survey commissioned by the KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse, 55% of surveyed Germans do not want to repeal the nation’s CanG adult-use legalization law. Only 36% of the Forsa survey respondents indicated that they want to repeal legalization, with the rest being undecided.

Arguably, the biggest winner of German adult-use legalization so far is the nation’s medical cannabis industry and the patients it serves. According to a recent report by the Bloomwell Group, prescriptions for medical cannabis in Germany increased by roughly 1,000% between March 2024 and December 2024. The report also found that prices for medical cannabis products are decreasing in Europe’s largest medical cannabis market.

During the first three full months following Germany’s enactment of the CanG adult-use legalization law (Q3 2024), legal medical cannabis imports increased by over 70% compared to the previous period.

Another major winner is Germany’s home cultivation sector. According to a recent survey by the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), consumers reported that ‘seeds and accessories (e.g. grow box sets) for home cultivation and cannabis flowers, followed by humidity regulators for storing cannabis,’ were the most frequently sold out items in their area.

Adult consumers, German courts and law enforcement, and ultimately German taxpayers, have all greatly benefited from the CanG law. Consumers no longer face prosecution for personal cannabis activity, the nation’s court system is no longer jammed up with needless cannabis consumer cases, German law enforcement is freed up to focus on fighting real crime, and taxpayers no longer have to foot the bill for enforcing harmful, ineffective cannabis consumer prohibition policies.

The Institute for Competition Economics at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf previously conducted an analysis that found that adult-use legalization could yield as much as 1.3 billion euros per year in savings for Germany’s police and judicial system.

Germany’s legalization model is not perfect, and advocates must continue to push for improvements. With that being said, the CanG law is clearly better than cannabis prohibition, and it is superior to other policies in place in other European nations.

court decision hearing gavel court decision hearing gavel court decision hearing gavel

Italian Court Upholds Classification Of CBD As A Narcotic

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Italy’s emerging cannabis industry was dealt another major setback recently, with an Italian court ruling that cannabidiol’s (CBD) classification as a narcotic is permissible. A previously approved measure in Italy equated floral hemp with cannabis flower that is high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.

“In yet another blow to Italy’s beleaguered hemp sector, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court (TAR) has rejected an appeal by stakeholders challenging the government’s restriction of oral CBD products, solidifying a ban that has drawn sharp criticism from legal and trade experts.” reported HempToday in its coverage.

“Italy has now effectively banned all oral compositions of CBD derived from the cannabis plant, including extracts from flowers, leaves, or stalks, limiting them strictly to prescription-only pharmaceutical use. The decision expands prior restrictions, which only applied to flower-derived CBD.” the outlet also stated.

According to a recent economic report, Italy’s cannabis light industry employs over 20,000 people.

“The light cannabis sector has a direct economic impact of almost one billion euros, with another additional billion of indirect impact, and the creation of 22 thousand full-time jobs.” reported Dolce Vita in its original coverage.

“These are the recently updated estimates of the Italian light cannabis market, therefore relating only to inflorescences (without CBD oils and shredded) developed in a study by MPG Consulting, led by the specialized economist Davide Fortin together with the lawyer Maria Paola Liotti and commissioned by the Canapa Sativa Italia association.” the outlet also stated.

Slovenian Parliament 1600x1200 Slovenian Parliament 1600x1200

Slovenian Parliament Introduces Europe’s Most Progressive Medical Cannabis Law

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The International Cannabis Business Conference team has received confirmation that Slovenia’s Parliament has officially introduced a medical cannabis policy modernization measure that, once adopted, will make Slovenia home to Europe’s most progressive medical cannabis model. Below are components of the proposed model:

Full Legalization for Medical and Scientific Use
The bill legalizes the cultivation, production, distribution, and use of Cannabis sativa L. for medical and scientific purposes, under a regulated and controlled system.

Open Licensing: Everyone Who Qualifies Can Apply
The bill introduces a non-restrictive licensing system: any individual or company that fulfills the conditions can obtain a license. There will be no public tender and no state monopoly. Both public and private entities can produce and distribute medical cannabis.

Strict Quality and Production Standards
All cannabis for medical use must be grown and processed according to GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practice), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and European Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring high-quality, safe products for patients.

Cannabis and THC Removed From Prohibited Drugs List for Medical and Scientific Purposes
Cannabis (plant, resin, extracts) and THC will be removed from Slovenia’s list of prohibited substances within the regulated medical and scientific framework.

Standard Prescription Process
Medical cannabis will be available on regular medical (MD and DMD) or veterinary prescriptions, like other medications. Special narcotic prescription protocols will no longer be required.

Ensured Patient Access
The law ensures a stable and continuous supply of cannabis through pharmacies, licensed wholesalers, and healthcare providers, so that patients are not dependent on imports or irregular access.

Recognizing Public Support For Referendum
The law follows the results of the 2024 advisory referendum, where 66.7% of voters supported medical cannabis cultivation. It received majority support in every voting district, indicating strong public backing.

Economic Opportunity
Slovenia’s medical cannabis market is projected to grow by 4% annually, reaching over €55 million by 2029. The bill opens the sector to domestic innovation, job creation, and export potential.

In Line With International Law and European Practices
The bill is aligned with UN drug conventions and builds on successful models from countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic, ensuring legal sufficiency and international compatibility.

(This is breaking news, and this article will be updated as further details of the coalition agreement are identified.)

International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2023 Expo Floor International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2023 Expo Floor International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2023 Expo Floor

ICBC Berlin Tickets Are Half-Price For German Cannabis Clubs

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Starting on July 1, 2024, adults in Germany can apply to local authorities to launch an adult-use cannabis social club, also referred to as a cultivation association. Clubs are a key component of Germany’s legalization model.

So far, over 133 cultivation associations have been approved, and several hundred more are having their applications processed. As time goes by, thousands of social cannabis clubs are expected to operate across Germany.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is bringing its flagship event back to Berlin, Germany later this month on April 29th-30th. One of the new features of the conference, which is Europe’s largest and longest-running cannabis B2B event, is an on-site consumption lounge. The lounge is the perfect place for Germany’s social clubs to exhibit.

Operators of Germany’s social clubs can attend the International Cannabis Business Conference event in Berlin at a discounted rate, receiving half off the regular admission price. Interested operators can check out the International Cannabis Business Conference website to receive additional details.

The International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2025 will be held at the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel. The schedule for the Berlin event was recently released, and it is packed with insightful and timely presentations.

Competition is going to increase significantly within Germany’s industry, and the best way to learn how to maximize your opportunities and network with industry leaders is at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin. Register now to secure your spot.

New additions at ICBC Berlin this year include (in addition to the on-site consumption lounge):

  • Free VIP tickets for all cannabis pharmacies and cannabis clinics
  • Lounges with food and drinks throughout the expo area
  • Celebrity meet-and-greets in the expo area
  • Speed networking area
  • Treasure hunt cards in the expo area

Euromonitor International estimates that the emerging global cannabis industry is currently worth 51.4 billion euros, with that figure estimated to top 60 billion euros in 2025. Germany’s cannabis industry alone is currently estimated to be worth nearly 1.2 billion euros. The legal German cannabis market is projected to reach an estimated $4.6 billion in value by 2034, according to a separate market analysis by researchers at The Niche Research.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries are expected to be represented at the April 2025 conference in Berlin, and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry, as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers. Bring your social club to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with the best and take your industry pursuits to the next level.

rhine river germany rhine river germany

The Top German Cannabis Companies In 2025

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Germany remains the most exciting country in Europe in terms of cannabis policy and business. The nation’s emerging legal cannabis industry is continuing to ramp up after the adoption of the CanG law, with many sectors experiencing exponential growth.

It is an extremely exciting time for German-based companies that work directly in the cannabis industry or provide ancillary products and/or services to the emerging German cannabis industry. Below are the top companies that people need to keep an eye on in 2025 (in alphabetical order).

420 Pharma

420 Pharma is a medical cannabis producer in Germany. The company produces its own cannabis brand, “420,” which includes both flower and full-spectrum extracts. All of their cannabis flower is hand-picked and processed in a manner that ensures unaltered terpene profiles.

ActiTube

Originally founded in 2001, you can now get the ActiTube activated carbon filters in practically every European head shop. In German-speaking countries, you can get these in many tobacco shops, kiosks, late-night shops, tobacconists, and increasingly even at petrol stations. All ActiTube products are made in Germany, and ActiTube-activated charcoal filters can be composted without restriction.

Aphria/Tilray

Aphria was one of the three firms that won authorization to grow cannabis during the German cultivation bid. They subsequently merged with Tilray, but not before purchasing the sixth-largest mainstream medical distributor in the country (CC Pharma).

Astro Nova

AstroNova (formerly Astro-Med, Inc.) is a regional and global leader in developing and applying data visualization technologies. The company delivers total solutions that acquire, process, analyze, store, print, and present data in a variety of usable forms. These solutions are adapted specifically to customer requirements, including those of the cannabis industry, to enhance the quality, productivity, and profitability of their businesses.

Atami

Atami is a leading distributor of premium home cultivation products, including nutrients, substrates, and growth systems. In addition to selling products, the company produces a significant amount of useful content on its website for aspiring cultivators. With home cannabis cultivation becoming legal for adults in Germany starting on April 1st, 2024, many home cultivators are turning to Atami for help with their gardens.

Aurora Cannabis

Aurora Cannabis is a Canadian public company that also won one of the three cultivation slots in the German cultivation bid. The firm has a footprint across Europe at this point. It was one of the earliest public Canadian companies before establishing itself across the EU in recent years.

Becanex

As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Becanex plays a central role in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical products, specializing in cannabis extracts. Becanex works in partnership with its clients to provide customized solutions that complement their therapeutic focus. Becanex’s expertise in research and development enables it to develop innovative products that are precisely tailored to the complex requirements of the medical cannabis industry.

BvCW

BvCW is the voice of the cannabis industry in Germany and represents all industry segments and company sizes to politicians and administration. BvCW’s specialist areas are divided into “Recreational Cannabis,” “Industrial Hemp & Food,” “Medical Cannabis,” and “Technology, Trade & Services.” BVCW combines industrial policy, technological, economic expertise, and advocacy for better political framework conditions.

Cannaleo

Cannaleo provides software solutions and technology advising to medical cannabis pharmacies in Germany, including the implementation of full-service medicinal cannabis ordering systems. The Cannaleo Digital GmbH team is made up of various experts with many years of experience in the areas of software development, medicinal cannabis, as well as business development & consulting.

Canopy Growth

Canopy Growth is a world-leading cannabis company focused on unleashing the power of cannabis to improve lives, particularly in Germany. From supporting personal wellness to fostering economic opportunity and striving toward social justice, Canopy Growth is showcasing the capacity of cannabis as a force for good. Canopy Growth offers high-quality products with best-in-class cannabinoid effects. Rooted in a belief that every moment in the day can be enhanced by the tailored use of cannabinoid products, Canopy Growth is redefining experiences with cannabis and demonstrating the true potential of this powerful plant.

Cansativa Group

Cansativa is the central platform and partner of the German Cannabis Agency (BfArM). The company helps Germany’s government facilitate medical cannabis transactions.

Cantourage

Cantourage provides fast-track access to the German and EU markets for medical cannabis cultivators worldwide. The Berlin-based company is passionate about bringing the world’s best cannabis to Germany. Cantourage is consistently breaking new ground and using the potential of a dynamically developing industry.

Canymed by Grunhorn

Canymed is a Berlin-based pharmaceutical wholesaler that helps cannabis companies import from non-EU countries to Germany and sell their products in pharmacies. Canymed manages the process of application for the allowance of importation, market approval by their QP, and wholesaling to pharmacies and other registered institutions or companies.

Demecan

DEMECAN is the only independent German company that is permitted to cultivate medicinal cannabis in Germany. The company’s production facility is near Dresden, and the focus of the facility is to ensure the consistently high quality of DEMECAN’s cannabis products.

EUCannaJobs

EUCannaJobs is Europe’s premier platform shaping the future of employment in the burgeoning cannabis, CBD, and hemp industries in Germany and across Europe. EUCannaJobs is more than just a job board; they are a catalyst for connecting talent with innovative companies and driving the growth of the dynamic cannabis sector.

GOC Nexus

GOC Nexus is a cutting-edge cannabis technology company whose innovative cold plasma technology is revolutionizing the cannabis industry through its unique combination of efficiency, product safety, and the preservation of therapeutically valuable compounds. The company recently received funding from a leading German financial institution, Volksbank Donau-Mindel. Volksbank Donau-Mindel was joined in the successful funding round by a concurrent investment from SYNBIOTIC SE, Germany’s largest publicly listed cannabis company, and was coordinated by leading European cannabis investment firm The Talman House. SYNBIOTIC SE is a member of The Talman House.

Grow in AG

Grow In AG was founded in 1995 and now offers one of the largest international ranges of carefully tested and selected products for successful plant cultivation. In March 2020, Grow In AG merged with the English wholesaler HydroGarden LTD (UK). Together, Hydrogarden and Grow In AG now form the largest wholesaler for hydroponic growing accessories in Europe.

Gunnercooke

German-based gunnercooke is one of the fastest-growing international law firms and has offices in the United States, Germany, CEE, Austria, Scotland, and England. The firm is a team of more than 500 professionals and has a client roster that includes Nike, Mercedes, Lidl, Santander, DHL, and a growing list of leading German and European cannabis companies.

Heidolph Scientific

Heidolph Scientific Products GmbH is a scientific laboratory product maker based in Schwabach, Germany. Numerous medical cannabis companies in Germany and Europe use Heidolph Scientific devices and products to manufacture, analyze, and ensure the quality of their medical cannabis products.

HempGroup

HempGroup is a cannabis industry wholesale partner for premium cannabis products. The German company works with specialist retailers and companies that value quality, variety, and reliability. With a wide range and selected brands, HempGroup offers virtually everything that cannabis companies need to help ensure success.

Hiperscan

HiperScan GmbH is a successful, medium-sized technology company with headquarters in Dresden and over 60 employees. HiperScan GmbH branched off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems, Dresden, in 2006. HiperScan is responsible for the very successful and cost-effective NIR-analysis system Apo-Ident, which is distributed in Germany and internationally. It is a near-infrared spectrometer that has been specially designed for identifying raw materials in pharmacies. With this system, HiperScan is the market leader for raw material identification in German pharmacies.

Huber

Huber is one of the leading technological providers of high-precision temperature control solutions for research and industry. Huber’s products ensure precise temperature control in laboratories, pilot plants, and cannabis industry production processes from -125 to +425 °C.

KD Phyto

KD Phyto is a trusted partner in responsibly sourced cannabis and hemp-derived active ingredients for pharmaceutical applications and customized cannabinoid formulations for topical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. With a strong focus on cannabinoids, KD Phyto ensures that ingredients comply with all German/European regulations and are manufactured following international EU-GMP standards and ICH guidelines, producing high-quality, safe, and effective products.

KFN+

KFN+ law firm, led by Kai-Friedrich Niermann, advises large CBD and medical cannabis companies, as well as companies and associations interested in the emerging recreational cannabis market. With a broad range of expertise in cannabis and business law, KFN+ provides comprehensive legal support to companies and individuals. From contract drafting and company formation to day-to-day legal support, KFN+ assists cannabis companies with customized solutions in all legal matters, including white-collar criminal law where necessary.

Little Green Pharma

Little Green Pharma is one of the most recognizable medical cannabis brands in Europe (as well as Australia). The company delivers innovative solutions to world-class operations in both Denmark and Australia.

MJ_Universe

MJ Universe GmbH was founded by Lisa Katharina Haag. MJ Universe provides consulting services to the emerging legal cannabis industry. The company is committed to projects dedicated to accelerating cannabis as a medicine, advocating for a more progressive and realistic regulatory framework, and to activities that mainstream cannabis. MJ Universe’s mission is to unlock the full potential of cannabis. Furthermore, MJ Universe is the publisher of krautinvest.de – Germany’s leading B2B magazine with news, background information, and market trends.

Next Tröber Europe

Hamburg-based Next Tröber Europe GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading importers of lighters, smoking accessories, and promotional products in Germany. For more than 70 years, Next Tröber Europe has been developing, designing, and marketing lighters, smoking, and promotional items.

PURIZE Filters

PURIZE is a young, dynamic company that specializes in the production of high-quality activated carbon filters. The company’s mission is to elevate smoking enjoyment through innovative, environmentally friendly products. PURIZE’s versatile team has been manufacturing in Germany since the company’s founding in 2016, specifically in the beautiful Lausitz region of southern Brandenburg.

Purpl Scientific

Purpl Scientific is a technology company dedicated to providing accurate, affordable tools to the emerging legal cannabis industry that provide insight and intelligence about products and potency. The company packs a ton of new-generation technologies into its hand-held applications that are exceedingly powerful, amazingly fast, extremely affordable, and controlled with the click of a button.

Sanity Group

Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing), and This Place (natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts.

SKW Schwarz

SKW Schwarz is an independent law firm with around 130 lawyers, four locations, and a common goal: they think ahead. In a world where everything is in motion, cannabis companies need legal advice that recognizes change as an opportunity. As a full-service law firm and member of TerraLex, SKW Schwarz is globally networked and advises in all relevant areas of commercial law.

Storz & Bickel

Storz and Bickel is the creator of the Volcano, which still ranks as one of the greatest cannabis consumption devices on earth despite being introduced to the world over two decades ago. Storz and Bickel’s products serve as the industry standard for cannabis consumption around the world.

SYNBIOTIC SE

SYNBIOTIC SE is a leading European corporate group operating in the dynamic environment of the cannabis and industrial hemp market. As a publicly listed company, SYNBIOTIC SE offers its investors the exceptional opportunity to fully capitalize on the potential of this rapidly growing market.

Tom Hemp’s

Tom Hemp’s specializes in natural products made with love and passion from the German capital, Berlin. All of their products are made with 100% European industrial hemp, are EU-certified, and are free from pesticides and herbicides. In addition to its online store, Tom Hemp’s has over 100 brick-and-mortar locations in several European countries.

WEECO Pharma

WEECO brings together some of the best EU-GMP manufacturers and brands from around the world on a single distribution platform. The company has all the necessary approvals and licenses to distribute medical cannabis products in Germany and worldwide. The sustained commitment to quality makes WEECO a well-known player in the German medical cannabis landscape and a trusted partner for both the domestic market and international buyers.

Wessling

Since the company was founded in 1983, Wessling has aimed to offer their business partners high-quality, tailor-made analytical and consulting services as well as holistic solution concepts and laboratory testing for the areas of real estate, environment, food, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

canada flag canada flag canada flag

Study Finds Canadian Legalization Is ‘Displacing Illegal Cannabis Market’

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Canada became the second country to ever adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure in 2018 and was the first G-7 nation to adopt the public policy change. The first country to adopt a national recreational cannabis legalization measure was Uruguay in 2013.

Since 2018, Canada’s recreational cannabis market has served as the international leader in size and scope and has also served as the top cannabis commerce public policy model for international researchers to examine.

A team of researchers affiliated with the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, and the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research at McMaster University conducted a study analyzing legalization’s impact on Canada’s unregulated cannabis market. The study’s findings were recently published in the academic publication International Journal of Drug Policy.

“We used interrupted time series analysis to evaluate whether recreational cannabis legalization (legislative passage in October 2017/implementation in October 2018) was associated with changes in quarterly national household expenditures on medical cannabis, illegal cannabis, and all cannabis types combined (licensed, illegal, and medical) in Canada from 2001 to 2023, adjusting for price fluctuations.” the researchers stated about their study’s methodology.

“When recreational cannabis legalization was passed, medical cannabis represented 11.8% of the market and illegal cannabis 88.2%. At five years post-recreational cannabis legalization implementation, medical cannabis decreased to 3.7%, illegal cannabis decreased to 24.3%, and licensed cannabis took over 72.0% of the market. The overall cannabis market increased in size by 75% over these 5 years.” the researchers stated about their findings.

“Recreational cannabis legalization in Canada appears to be achieving one of its primary goals by displacing the illegal cannabis market, and medical users also appear to be transitioning to the recreational market.” the study’s authors concluded.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use at a national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, two dozen states in the U.S. have adopted recreational cannabis legalization measures, and adult-use commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

import export import export import export

Israel Announces 165% Tariffs On Canadian Cannabis

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Israel is an international leader in medical cannabis in many ways, having allowed legal medical cannabis activity by patients going back to the 1990s. It is also considered the birthplace of modern medical cannabis research.

The Israeli medical cannabis market is large in size and scope, which makes it a popular destination for medical cannabis product imports and exports. Historically, medical cannabis products from Canada have been popular in Israel. However, that could be changing in the future, with Israel announcing stiff tariffs on Canadian cannabis.

“Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry has announced the nation will impose tariffs on Canadian cannabis at rates as high as 165% for the next four years.” StratCann reported. “The decision still needs to be approved by the country’s Knesset Finance Committee and Finance Minister.”

“In its adoption of the Minister of Economy’s Advisory Committee recommendations, the new levy tariffs will be 165% on all Canadian cannabis imported into Israel, except for Decibel (12%), Village Farms (28%), Organigram (53%), and Tilray (70%).” the outlet also reported.

Persistence Market Research estimates that “the global medical marijuana market is expected to grow from USD 33.1 Bn in 2025 to USD 83.1 Bn by 2032, registering a CAGR of 14.0% during the forecast period.”

munich germany munich germany munich germany

German Pharmaceutical Association Emphasizes Positive Impact Of Legalization

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

One year after the implementation of the initial components of Germany’s adult-use legalization measure, the German Association of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoid Companies (BPC) is emphasizing the positive effects of the public policy change.

“The Cannabis Act (CanG) entered into force on April 1, 2024. The resulting changes, both in the area of ​​medicinal cannabis and in the area of ​​recreational cannabis, have since had a major impact on the general handling of cannabis in Germany.” BPC stated in a press release (translated from German to English).

A little over one year ago, Germany started to allow adults to cultivate, possess, and consume personal amounts of cannabis. Additionally, cannabis was removed from Germany’s Narcotics List, which was a major policy change that has dramatically improved the nation’s medical cannabis industry.

“With regard to medical use, the removal of cannabis from the Narcotics Act (BtmG) and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles, for example, regarding the cultivation of medicinal cannabis in Germany, but also regarding medical prescriptions, were essential to ensure low-threshold access for patients. This progress is expressly welcomed by the German Association of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoid Companies.” BPC stated.

“The Cannabis Act has also further increased the importance of the cannabis industry operating in Germany compared to other countries. The increased interest in medicinal cannabis as a treatment option and simplified medical prescriptions were key factors in this.” BPC also stated. “According to estimates by the BPC and the Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW), the cannabis industry’s total revenue will amount to around one billion euros in 2025 – approximately 100 million euros in investments from foreign investors were already acquired in 2024.”

“Especially against the backdrop of Germany’s currently weakening economy, the Cannabis Act thus also forms the basis for economic development that can create numerous jobs and generate substantial tax revenues.” BPC pointed out.

BPC, in conjunction with the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), is calling for further improvements to Germany’s cannabis policies and regulations, in addition to urging lawmakers to refrain from rolling back recent policy modernizations.

“The Cannabis Act is a milestone for cannabis patients in Germany. We must build on this foundation, consolidate the legal and economic framework, and integrate cannabis therapy into standard care in the long term,” says Antonia Menzel, Chair of the BPC.

“The Cannabis Act has a very positive impact on patient care, so reversals should be prevented. Instead, the existing regulations should be better monitored.” stated Armin Prasch, Medical Cannabis Department Coordinator at BvCW.

“The cannabis industry as a whole is a growth market in which young companies offer well-paid jobs. We should not also regulate this innovative industry to ruin.” added Prof. Dr. Justus Haucap of the Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics.

ICBC Barcelona 2025 ICBC Barcelona 2025

Another Historic International Cannabis Business Conference In Barcelona

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Entertainment, Policy, Science.

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC), Spain’s largest cannabis B2B event, was held at the iconic L’Auditori de Cornellà in Barcelona, Spain, on March 13th, 2025. ICBC Barcelona again partnered with Spannabis to put on another historic cannabis super-conference.

For the last decade, the International Cannabis Business Conference event series has served as the world’s premiere destination for industry networking, policy education, and entertainment.

Barcelona’s rich cannabis history and culture made it the perfect backdrop for the event. ICBC Barcelona also occurred when lawmakers and regulators are closer than ever to adopting a modernized medical cannabis industry regulatory system. Spain’s emerging industry is one of the largest on the planet, however, much remains unregulated.

Domestic medical cannabis production is permitted in Spain but is geared toward supplying research projects and international exports. A modernized framework is needed to boost safe access for Spain’s patients and provide greater certainty for entrepreneurs and investors.

Dozens of world-class experts provided presentations and panel discussions covering a wide range of important topics at ICBC Barcelona, including:

  • International business development and strategy
  • Seed to sale operations
  • Branding and marketing
  • Capital raising
  • Cross-border IP licensing
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Non-psychative cannabinoids
  • European medical cannabis supply chain
  • Impacts of German cannabis policy modernization
  • Lessons learned from a decade of Uruguay legalization
  • Cannabis genetics
  • Industrial hemp
  • European Union cannabis data
  • Emerging cannabis cultivation technology
  • Forming strategic partnerships

Spain’s cannabis industry is estimated to be worth 358.4 million euros, according to an analysis by Euromonitor International.

Spannabis previously teamed up with the International Cannabis Business Conference to host past super-conferences, and the collaborations were a tremendous success. The 2025 cannabis super-conference was the largest and most exciting collaboration to date.

cannabis preroll joints cannabis preroll joints

Italy’s ‘Cannabis Light’ Industry Supports 22,000 Full-Time Jobs

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Cannabis products that are low in THC, often called ‘cannabis light,’ are very popular in Europe, particularly in Italy. According to a new economic report, Italy’s cannabis light industry employs over 20,000 people.

“The light cannabis sector has a direct economic impact of almost one billion euros, with another additional billion of indirect impact, and the creation of 22 thousand full-time jobs.” reported Dolce Vita in its original coverage.

“These are the recently updated estimates of the Italian light cannabis market, therefore relating only to inflorescences (without CBD oils and shredded) developed in a study by MPG Consulting, led by the specialized economist Davide Fortin together with the lawyer Maria Paola Liotti and commissioned by the Canapa Sativa Italia association.” the outlet also stated.

As the International Cannabis Business Conference previously reported, lawmakers in Italy have tried to hinder the nation’s emerging hemp-derived product sector, issuing a decree last year that equates cannabidiol (CBD) with dangerous narcotic substances. The decree sought to limit the sale of CBD products to pharmacies only (non-repeat prescriptions).

Members of Italy’s CBD industry have sought relief from the European Commission, requesting that the European Commission intervene. However, such an intervention has yet to materialize, and action from the EC is being delayed.

“Brussels has delayed addressing Italy’s restrictive measures on industrial hemp and CBD, with stakeholders warning that the holdup is stifling the country’s growing hemp industry, following a March 17 debate in the European Parliament.” reported Hemp Today in its original coverage.

“The conflict centers on two key Italian measures that have raised alarms among hemp advocates: a proposed amendment to the country’s Security Law and a decree that classifies oral CBD products as narcotics. The amendment, still under consideration in Italy’s Senate, would ban the production and trade of hemp flowers and derivatives, even those with THC content below the EU’s permitted 0.3% threshold.” the outlet also reported.

cbd hemp leaf plant cannabis cbd hemp leaf plant cannabis cbd hemp leaf plant cannabis

Moldova Issues First Authorization For Hemp Production

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Hemp policy and regulatory modernization is sweeping across the globe, with a recent example being in the European nation of Moldova where the government has issued its first authorization for legal hemp cultivation.

“Moldova has officially entered the industrial hemp sector, issuing its first authorization for hemp cultivation under new regulations that open the door for fiber and seed production.” reported Hemp Today in its original coverage. “The approval, granted by the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices through its Standing Committee on Drug Control, marks a significant step in the country’s agricultural policy.

“The move follows recent government amendments to laws regulating plants containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, which now define industrial hemp separately from marijuana. Under the new framework, farmers can grow hemp varieties listed in the Moldovan National Plant Variety Catalog, the EU’s Common Catalog of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species, or national catalogs of EU member states.” the outlet also stated.

Humans have made use of the hemp plant for various purposes for thousands of centuries. It wasn’t until the 1900s that policies prohibiting hemp production and use were enacted.

Thankfully, more governments are getting on the right side of history and allowing aspiring members of the legal hemp industry to cultivate hemp and use it as a source for medical products and adult-use products, in addition to using hemp for creating numerous textiles.

hemp plants hemp plants hemp plants

Action Gets Delayed On Italy’s Restrictive Hemp Laws

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

For centuries the hemp plant and its varied uses were fairly limited to textiles. While the practice of incorporating hemp into medicinal applications is thousands of years old, it wasn’t as widespread in use compared to using hemp to make things like rope and paper.

In recent years, hemp-derived products for medical patients and consumers have increased significantly. ‘Cannabis light’ products in Europe, which contain low amounts of THC and typically larger amounts of CBD, are very popular and widespread in many places, including in Italy.

Unfortunately, lawmakers in Italy have tried to hinder the nation’s emerging hemp-derived product sector, having issued a decree last year that equates cannabidiol (CBD) with dangerous narcotic substances. The decree sought to limit the sale of CBD products to pharmacies only (non-repeat prescriptions).

Members of Italy’s CBD industry have sought relief from the European Commission, requesting that the European Commission intervene. However, such an intervention has yet to materialize, and action from the EC is being delayed.

“Brussels has delayed addressing Italy’s restrictive measures on industrial hemp and CBD, with stakeholders warning that the holdup is stifling the country’s growing hemp industry, following a March 17 debate in the European Parliament.” reported Hemp Today in its original coverage.

“The conflict centers on two key Italian measures that have raised alarms among hemp advocates: a proposed amendment to the country’s Security Law and a decree that classifies oral CBD products as narcotics. The amendment, still under consideration in Italy’s Senate, would ban the production and trade of hemp flowers and derivatives, even those with THC content below the EU’s permitted 0.3% threshold.” the outlet also reported.

Until the European Commission makes a firm decision in either direction, Italy’s hemp and CBD industries will continue to remain in a state of limbo.

The Netherlands Flag The Netherlands Flag The Netherlands Flag

Legal Cannabis Supply Changes Coming To The Netherlands Next Month

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The Netherlands is home to multiple regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. The pilot trials involve permitting limited recreational cannabis sales at a local level for policymakers and regulators to be able to gather industry research data for later use.

Currently, the participating pilot trial retail outlets can source their cannabis products from non-legal sources. However, that is going to change starting next month when all products for the pilot trials have to be sourced from legal suppliers.

“As of April 7, coffeeshops in the ten participating municipalities will no longer be allowed to sell illegally sourced cannabis, marking the most substantial shift in the Netherlands’ drug policy in decades.” stated NL Times in its local coverage.

“Under the new system, all cannabis must come from government-approved growers. Minister of Justice and Security Van Weel said he expects the “quantity, quality, and diversity” of legally grown cannabis to be sufficient by the deadline to meet consumer demand.” the outlet also reported.

Cannabis pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands in Breda, Tilburg, Arnhem, Almere, Groningen, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis, Maastricht, Nijmegen, and Zaanstad. A proposal to expand the cannabis trials to include the Amsterdam-Oost district was previously denied by members of the Netherlands Parliament.

A poll conducted in April 2024 found that 60% of residents in the Netherlands support having a regulated cannabis industry.

beer alcohol beer alcohol beer alcohol

Legal Cannabis Sales Spike In Canada As Alcohol Sales Plummet

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Canada was the second country to adopt a national recreational cannabis legalization law and remains the most robust nationwide legal adult-use cannabis market on the planet. Uruguay legalized cannabis before Canada, however, Uruguay continues to limit adult-use cannabis commerce to legal residents.

The legal adult-use market in Canada is the best recreational cannabis commerce experiment for public policy and economic researchers for a multitude of reasons. The data generated in Canada provides insight into what other nations may expect if/when they adopt a similar legalization model.

One thing that the data is demonstrating in Canada is that legal cannabis sales continue to erode the unregulated cannabis market, and paralleling the rise in cannabis sales is a drop in sales of alcohol products. Below is more information about the sales trends via a news release from NORML:

Ottawa, Ontario: Sales of alcohol and cannabis in Canada are on opposite trajectories, according to data provided by Statistics Canada, the national statistical agency of the Canadian government.

For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, sales of alcoholic beverages experienced historic declines, with beer sales experiencing the largest overall decrease. In comparison, “Sales of recreational cannabis by provincial cannabis authorities and other retail outlets increased 11.6 percent or $0.5 billion from one fiscal year earlier, reaching $5.2 billion in 2023/2024.” Sales of cannabis products had previously grown nearly 16 percent in 2022/2023.

Canada legalized the adult-use marijuana market in 2018.

Separate data published in February in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that fewer young adults in the US acknowledge consuming alcohol following the opening of licensed marijuana retailers.

While survey data finds that many consumers acknowledge substituting marijuana for alcohol, observational data gathered from jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis is mixed – with some studies reporting dips in alcohol sales post-legalization and others reporting no significant changes at the population level.

Complete data sets are available from Statistics Canada.

berlin germany berlin germany

Over 250 German Cannabis Pharmacies To Gather In Berlin

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

Germany is home to the largest legal medical cannabis industry in Europe, with cannabis pharmacies serving as the foundation of Germany’s emerging industry. Legal medical cannabis sales launched in German pharmacies in 2017, and since that time the sector has grown exponentially.

Germany’s emerging medical cannabis industry was already enormous in scope and market value before the nation’s new CanG law took effect. However, since April 1st, 2024, when the first provisions of adult-use legalization became effective in Germany, the nation’s medical cannabis industry hit an entirely new rate of growth.

A main contributing factor to the dramatic medical market increase in Germany is the removal of cannabis from the nation’s Narcotics List, which was a key component of the new CanG law. The removal of cannabis from the list made it easier for doctors to prescribe cannabis in Germany, in addition to improving the medical cannabis supply chain and boosting domestic medical cannabis production.

Medical cannabis continues to be the biggest winner of Germany’s adult-use policy modernization effort so far, despite the boost in patient numbers still being in the early stages. Before April 1st last year, researchers estimated that Germany had between 200k and 300k active medical cannabis patients. That number is projected to increase to as much as 5 million in the not-so-distant future.

Additionally, according to a recent report by the Bloomwell Group, prescriptions for medical cannabis in Germany increased by roughly 1,000% between March 2024 and December 2024. Medical cannabis imports are also increasing in Germany, with imports surging over 70% in the first three months following the enactment of the CanG law compared to the same period in the prior year.

The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) will once again bring its flagship two-day conference to the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel on April 29th-30th amidst this historic shift in Germany’s medical cannabis industry. ICBC Berlin is Europe’s largest and longest-running cannabis B2B event, and this year’s installment will be bigger and better than ever with a heavy focus on Germany’s emerging medical cannabis industry.

Over 250 German cannabis pharmacies are expected to be represented at ICBC Berlin as part of a new feature of the conference. All German cannabis pharmacies can receive free VIP tickets to the two-day event. Interested cannabis pharmacies in Germany are encouraged to contact the ICBC team so that they can sign up to receive their VIP tickets.

ICBC Berlin is the perfect place for cannabis pharmacy operators to showcase their brands, and to network with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry service providers. Conversely, attending ICBC Berlin is an effective and efficient way for medical cannabis product makers, investors, and entities offering pharmacy industry services to meet directly with representatives from over 250 German pharmacies. It is an unparalleled opportunity to establish profitable business relationships that could last decades into the future.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries are expected to be represented at ICBC Berlin 2025 and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry, as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and regulators. Bring your company to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with the best and take your industry pursuits to the next level. Prospective attendees can register now and save $200 before ticket prices go up on April 2nd at midnight. Make sure to secure your spot before the event sells out.

cosmetics cosmetics

European Commission Clarifies Hemp-Derived CBD Is Permitted In Cosmetics

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) market is increasing in size and value with every passing year, including the cosmetics sector. Just the skincare subsector of the CBD cosmetics market alone is worth billions of dollars according to market analysts.

“The global CBD Skincare Market is poised for rapid expansion, with forecasts revealing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.76% from 2025 to 2030.” analysts at Research and Markets stated recently.

“This exponential growth indicates a market size increase from US$4.759 billion in 2025 to US$9.892 billion by the end of the decade, reflecting consumers’ rising inclination towards products infused with cannabidiol (CBD) and signaling a significant shift in skincare trends towards natural and effective ingredients.” the analysts also stated.

Europe is a market where hemp-derived CBD cosmetics are particularly popular, and the European Commission recently clarified that cosmetic products containing hemp-derived CBD are permitted.

“The European Commission has responded to a request for clarification from CannaReporter regarding the recent decision by Infarmed IP to withdraw from the market several cosmetic products containing cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the hemp plant.” CannaReporter stated it its original coverage.

“In this regard, the EC reiterates that the classification of CBD as a narcotic (whether synthetic or extracted from hemp) is not in line with the understanding of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) or with European Regulation. It was also clarified that a scientific evaluation is underway to define safety criteria for CBD and THC in cosmetics.” the outlet also stated in its reporting.

A recent market analysis by Meticulous Market Research estimates that the overall global CBD-infused products market “is expected to reach $291.39 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 30.6% from 2025 to 2032.”

cannabis gummy gummies cannabis gummy gummies

South Africa Department Of Health Bans Cannabis Edibles

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

South Africa is on a short list of countries that have adopted national adult-use cannabis legalization measures. The African nation is joined by Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany.

The Department of Health in South Africa recently announced a complete ban on cannabis edibles. Cannabis edibles are popular with medical cannabis patients and recreational consumers for various reasons, not the least of which is that they are a smokeless form of consumption.

“In a shocking move, the Department of Health has quietly banned the production and selling of cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs in South Africa.” reported ION in its local coverage. “This unexpected turn of events contradicts the government’s decriminalisation of cannabis by the Constitutional Court in recent years.”

“In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government aims for South Africa to spearhead the commercial production of hemp and cannabis.” the outlet also reported.

South Africa’s President signed a limited adult-use cannabis legalization measure into law back in May 2024.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (“CfPPA”). The CfPPA regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in a private setting.” The President’s office stated in a press release at the time.

“The consequent regulatory reform enabled by the CfPPA will, amongst others, entirely remove cannabis from the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. This will further enable amendment of the Schedules to the Medicines and Related Substances Act and provide for targeted regulatory reform of the Plant Breeders Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act, as well as other pieces of legislation that require amendment to allow for the industrialisation of the cannabis sector.” the press release also stated.

Back in 2018, South Africa’s Constitutional Court issued a landmark ruling that deemed cannabis prohibition as it pertained to adult individuals to be unconstitutional. The 2018 decision stemmed from a lower court decision in Western Cape in March 2017 which determined that a ban on cannabis use by adults at home was unconstitutional.

The 2018 decision in South Africa left many unknowns, including how much cannabis a person could cultivate and possess in a private setting. The Court largely punted many policy decisions to lawmakers, who then proceeded to drag their feet for several years.