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Pakistan Approves Creation Of Cannabis Regulatory Agency

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

Pakistan may not be the first country that you think of when it comes to the emerging international cannabis industry, however, the nation is making strides to establish itself as an international cannabis player.

That is evidenced by the recent approval of a historic measure for Pakistan, which will, among other things, authorize the country to create a regulatory agency to oversee the nation’s legal cannabis industry once it is operating. Per Hum News:

President Dr Arif Alvi has given his nod to the promulgation of the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2024, a significant move aimed at regulating the cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, and sale of cannabis derivatives for medical and industrial purposes.

The ordinance, officially titled the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2024, aligns with Pakistan’s commitment as a signatory to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961. It mandates the establishment of a government agency to oversee the cultivation and production of cannabis, in accordance with international conventions.

The new agency will be known as the ‘Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority’ and will reportedly involve a 13-member board of governors, chaired by Pakistan’s Secretary of the Defense Division. The board will incorporate representatives from several government departments, the industry itself, and Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.

Cannabis industry licenses in Pakistan are expected to be valid for five-year periods, and a maximum harvest threshold of .3% THC will be enforced. Pakistan first approved hemp farming and related industrial processing back in September 2020.

Pakistan’s main exports are currently textiles, cotton, yarn, rice, and leather products. An industry projection from August 2022 estimated that a thriving hemp industry in Pakistan could be worth multiple billions of dollars annually. Many kush cannabis strains originated in the Pakistan region.

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Canada Creates Forum To Discuss Cannabis Industry Challenges

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

Canada is currently home to the largest national adult-use cannabis market on earth. Lawmakers in Canada approved a national adult-use legalization measure back in 2018, and since that time, Canada has served as the ultimate ‘cannabis policy experiment’ on the planet.

The emerging legal cannabis industry in Canada has experienced several ups and downs, but by most measures, the nation’s adult-use industry has been a success. Canada’s government recently announced the launch of a forum to discuss the various challenges facing Canada’s legal cannabis industry.  Below is more information about it via Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada:

The Government of Canada legalized recreational cannabis and strictly regulates the cannabis industry, which has led to many economic opportunities and challenges.

An efficient and sustainable legal cannabis industry is essential to achieving the objectives of the Cannabis Act, including preventing youth access to cannabis, protecting public health and safety, and reducing criminal activity and the burden on the criminal justice system.

To help this new industry address key issues and opportunities, the Government of Canada has created the Cannabis Industry Forum (the Forum). The Forum is composed of nine leaders who have business activities across the cannabis industrial ecosystem, which includes the cultivation and processing of cannabis as well as logistics surrounding its sale. This platform will help industry leaders exchange information and insights to address key issues and opportunities, with a specific focus on fostering economic growth and long-term stability by upholding the public health and safety goals outlined in the Cannabis Act, while reducing the illicit cannabis market.

Hugo Alves, CEO, Founder and Director of Auxly Cannabis Group Inc., chairs the Forum. The membership also includes:

  • Philippe Dépault, President and Founder, Québec Craft Cannabis Inc.
  • Taylor Giovannini, President and Founder, Oceanic Releaf Inc.
  • Beena Goldenberg, CEO, Organigram Holdings Inc.
  • Raj Grover, Founder, President and CEO, High Tide Inc.
  • David Klein, CEO, Canopy Growth Corporation
  • Miguel Martin, CEO, Aurora Cannabis Inc.
  • Rosy Mondin, President of Soma Labs Scientific Inc. and Director of Cannaworld Ventures Inc.
  • Tyler Robson, President of Cannabis, SNDL Inc.
Quotes

“For Canada to be a leader in this global economy, we require the ability to adapt to new industries and sectors that benefit Canadians. The Cannabis Industry Forum helps create innovative solutions to barriers that exist in this industry. Through active collaboration, Canada is working with industry leaders to become an innovator and leader in this changing economy.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Quick facts
  • On November 24, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the members of the expert panel on the legislative review of the Cannabis Act.
  • The Cannabis Act, which came into force on October 17, 2018, put in place a modern cannabis control framework to strictly regulate and restrict access to cannabis in Canada.
  • Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in October 2018, the cannabis industry has helped displace the illicit market by up to 70%.
  • Since spring 2023, the Forum has had preliminary meetings to discuss a range of topics. The members also engaged with Morris Rosenberg, Chair of the expert panel leading the legislative review of the Cannabis Act.
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Spain's Ministry Of Health Begins Process Of Enacting Medical Cannabis Regulations

Spain’s Ministry Of Health Begins Process Of Enacting Medical Cannabis Regulations

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

Spain’s Ministry of Health has started the process of developing a Royal Decree through which it plans to approve the regulation of cannabis for medicinal use. Before a Royal Decree is officially issued, the public will be allowed to provide input, with Spain’s government having set up an email address dedicated to receiving such input (normativa.aemps@aemps.es).

The government in Spain is seeking to finalize a “rigorous measure” that is “based on the best scientific evidence available.” Such a measure will reportedly include periodic evaluations to examine the effectiveness of Spain’s eventual medical cannabis regulations.

“The Ministry addresses this regulation based on the conclusions of the Subcommittee of the Congress of Deputies for the analysis of experiences with the regulation of cannabis for medicinal use, which called on the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products to prepare a roadmap to approve the regulation.” Spain’s government stated in a press release (translated from Spanish to English).

Spain’s Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, recently met with the European Observatory of Cannabis Consumption and Cultivation, as well as with industry associations and members of the scientific community. Secretary Padilla is also expected to meet soon with the Spanish Observatory of Medicinal Cannabis.

A recent meeting at Spain’s Ministry of Health was attended by representatives of the General Council of Medical Colleges and the General Council of Official Colleges of Pharmacists in addition to the Spanish Society of Palliative Care, the Spanish Society of Pain, the Spanish Society of Epilepsy, the Spanish Society of Studies on Alcohol, the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy, the Spanish Society of Primary Care Pharmacists, the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy, the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians, the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine, the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians, the Spanish Multidisciplinary Pain Society, the Spanish Society of Neurology, Society Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, Spanish Society of Dual Pathology, SED-ESOM Working Group, Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health, and the Spanish Society of Rheumatology.

“The proposed regulation guarantees the quality of the products and the safety of patients, enabling the legal avenues available to have therapeutic compounds based on standardized cannabis preparations that have shown evidence in relieving pain and the suffering of patients, considering the oral administration of these compounds as it is the most appropriate in terms of therapeutic effectiveness and safety for patients.” the government’s press release stated.

“This regulation is designed to evolve dynamically, allowing new elements to be incorporated as more information and the experience of the therapeutic cannabis program becomes available. In addition, it will contribute to generating more and better evidence on the use of cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes.” Spain’s government also stated.

What is currently being proposed by Spain’s government is a national medical cannabis program that is being described as being similar to what is currently in place in European nations like Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Norway. Those nations’ medical cannabis regulations are much more limited compared to what is in place in Germany, and much more restrictive compared to what is found in many parts of North America.

Spain’s government resumed its push to pass medical cannabis regulations starting last month after previous efforts experienced numerous setbacks in recent years.

An eventual medical cannabis regulation measure in Spain is not expected to include cannabis clubs, which operate in many parts of Spain and are very popular among suffering patients. Cannabis clubs operate in a grey area of Spain’s law and serve as the primary source of medical cannabis for many Spanish patients.

Barcelona’s government is actively trying to shut down the hundreds of cannabis clubs that operate within the Barcelona area. Spain’s cannabis industry is estimated to be worth 238.5 million euros in 2024 according to an analysis by Euromonitor International. Euromonitor estimates that Spain’s medical cannabis market alone is worth an estimated 27.3 million euros as of this year. Those figures are estimated to rise in 2025 to 358.4 million euros and 107.6 million euros, respectively.

The announcement of the launch for public input regarding medical cannabis regulations in Spain comes less than a month before the world’s largest cannabis gathering takes place in Barcelona. The International Cannabis Business Conference (March 14th) is once again teaming up with Spannabis (March 15-17) to put on the world’s largest cannabis superconference.

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Health Canada: Cannabis Samples Are Permitted

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

In nearly every industry built on consumables, from the food industry to pharmaceuticals, product samples play a vital role. After all, the saying, ‘the proof is in the pudding’ is predicated on the premise that someone is actually trying out the metaphorical pudding to determine if it is the real deal.

Product samples are particularly important in the emerging cannabis industry given the fact that cannabis flower can vary widely in quality, effectiveness, and other desirable traits such as smell and flavor. There are many varieties of cannabis, and even the same grower cultivating the same cultivar can yield differing results due to a multitude of environmental factors.

Matters get even more complex for cannabis products that are derived from cannabis flower. In addition to the intricacies of the cannabis crop itself, adding the extra layers of extracting techniques that produce concentrates from flower, or infusing cannabis into edibles, drinkables, and topicals, complicates knowing what the final product may be like.

Trying product samples is the only way for retailers and their employees to know what a cannabis product is truly like, and there seems to be some confusion in Canada about whether or not cannabis producers can provide samples to licensed retailers and their employees. That confusion was cleared up recently via original reporting by StratCann. Per excerpts from their reporting:

In an email to StratCann, a representative of Health Canada affirms that federally licensed cannabis producers are “not prohibited from providing a sample of cannabis to a provincially or territorially authorized retailer (or their employees).”

“Employees of a provincially or territorially authorized retailer are not prohibited from possessing, distributing, or selling cannabis, provided they do so as part of their employment duties and functions, and in a manner that is consistent with the conditions that apply to their employers’ authorizations. In other words, it’s up to PTs [Provinces and Territories] to regulate whether and how employees of retail stores can possess, distribute (and potentially consume) free samples in the context of their employment duties and functions. Each province or territory could have additional legislation that relates to this type of activity.”

StratCann followed up with four individual provinces to confirm that they expressly permit product samples at the local level. Those provinces are British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

Of the four provinces, Saskatchewan and Ontario have permitted product samples to retailers and their employees since the start of adult-use legalization in late 2018. British Columbia and Alberta started expressly permitting such activity last year. Health Canada also lists the following information regarding product samples:

Free samples of products or accessories

A person that sells cannabis or cannabis accessories cannot provide or offer to provide cannabis or a cannabis accessory without consideration or in consideration of a purchase.

For example, a free accessory for the purchase of cannabis or cannabis as bonus with any purchase. This can include:

“Free 1g pre-roll samples”
“Free rolling papers with purchase of cannabis Product X”
“Buy one and get one free”
A nominal amount of monetary consideration may be considered an inducement and non-compliant with Subsection 24(1)(a) of the Cannabis Act.

Exemption: Intra-industry samples

Licence holders that provide samples to a person authorized to sell cannabis, such as a provincially or territorially authorized retailer, are exempt from this prohibition. However, the retailer may not provide samples to consumers. Cannabis samples must comply with the other applicable rules in the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations, including those on packaging and labelling, and good production practices.

Each province or territory may have additional legislation that could apply to this type of activity so regulated parties should be familiar with all relevant legislation and consult with provinces and territories as applicable.

For more information, refer to subsection 24(2) of the Cannabis Act or 24(3) as it pertains to cannabis accessories.

Germany Parliament

The Top Cannabis Firms In Germany In 2024

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Germany continues to trend towards adult-use cannabis legalization, with the expected launch date for some components of Germany’s legalization plan (CanG) being April 1, 2024. Noncommercial cannabis clubs are expected to launch on July 1, 2024.

This will be the most pivotal year ever for the cannabis movement not only in Germany, but also the rest of Europe, with several countries expected to follow in Germany’s footsteps after legalization is implemented in Europe’s largest economy.

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 as things continue to heat up in Germany and the rest of Europe.

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.

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 also purchasing the sixth-largest mainstream medical distributor in the country (CC Pharma).

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.

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 advocates for better political framework conditions.

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.

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.

Dentons

Dentons is the world’s largest global law firm and focuses on helping entrepreneurs, investors, and other entities in the cannabis space. Dentons helps cannabis companies operate, grow, remain secure and compliant, and gain financing by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, Dentons focuses on what matters most.

Fluence

Fluence creates lighting solutions for controlled environment commercial crop production, including cannabis production. Fluence applies the latest research in photobiology, evidence-based design, precise engineering, and advanced technology to foster a healthier and more sustainable cannabis industry.

Grow In AG

Grow In AG was the first hydroponics shop in the European Union. Grow In AG was founded in 1995 and now offers one of the largest international ranges of carefully tested and selected items for successful cultivation. In March 2020, Grow In AG merged with wholesaler HydroGarden LTD. Together, Hydrogarden and Grow In AG now form the largest wholesaler of hydroponic growing accessories in Europe.

Hanf Magazin

Hanf Magazin is an online and print magazine for everyone who is interested in the topic of hemp, wants to learn something about it and/or is connected to the hemp scene. It is full of inspiration on the topic of hemp, interesting facts about cannabis, medicine and law, as well as the legalization debate. Hanf Magazin covers current developments and trends on the subject of hemp online and in its bi-annual print magazine. The editorial team provides well-founded and practical information about all topics that have to do with hemp.

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 technological sector-leading 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.

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, to 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-Magazin with news, background information and market trends.

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.

Quality Services International

Quality Services International is an accredited laboratory with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and experienced, continuously trained specialist staff. The company is certified to carry out GMP analysis of medical cannabis.

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.

VTA GmbH & Co. KG

VTA GmbH & Co. KG serves international customers and partners in a large number of process industries, including the emerging cannabis industry, with their customized equipment and systems. VTA’s distillation plants are used for purification, concentration, removal of low boilers, color improvement, drying of products and much more.

Wessling

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

London United Kingdom Britain

Britain’s Cannabis Industry Still Hindered By Limited Policies

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

Medical cannabis became legal in Britain in November 2018 after the nation’s Home Secretary had rescheduled cannabis-derived medicinal products months prior. At the time, Britain’s medical cannabis law was one of the most restrictive on the planet, and it remains so to this day.

Only doctors on the GMC specialist register can prescribe medical cannabis products in Britain, and only two types of prescriptions are legal. The legal medical products are not like raw flower, edibles, or concentrated forms of cannabis like what is found in North America.

Rather, the medical cannabis products in Britain are cannabis-derived medications called Sativex and Epidyolex. Sativex is licensed in Britain to treat spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis.

Epidyolex is licensed in Britain for use in the treatment of seizures in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Both medications are also widely available in many other nations.

Medical cannabis via legal means remains an undesirable, if not impossible, option for many suffering patients in Britain, which is reflected in the size of Britain’s medical cannabis program. Per The Guardian:

As of today, over 60 countries have legalised some form of medicinal cannabis: since November 2018 that’s also been the case in Britain. Some 30,000 of us have already been prescribed cannabis for conditions ranging from arthritis to epilepsy, anxiety to multiple sclerosis.

By comparison, Germany has roughly a quarter million medical cannabis patients. While Germany’s overall population is greater than Britain’s, the difference is nowhere near enough to offset the disparity in legal patient numbers. Canada has a considerably smaller overall population than Britain, and yet it has roughly 200,000 legal medical cannabis patients.

Britain’s medical cannabis program will always be limited and never reach its full potential if the current laws and regulations remain the same. Britain’s suffering patients, all of them, deserve to have the option of pursuing safe access to proven medications.

Sativex and Epidyolex may be fine for some patients, however, their applications are very narrowly tailored, and there are suffering patients who would experience no meaningful benefits from taking them.

Additionally, even patients who currently take Sativex or Epidyolex would likely save a considerable amount of money and still receive the benefits of medical cannabis by consuming other forms of cannabis products via a variety of delivery methods.

hemp seed

Is Hemp Protein An Overlooked Sector Of The Industry?

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

Protein consumption is one of the most important parts of the human diet. It is a nutrient that all humans need to grow and repair cells, particularly cells in muscles and bones. Daily protein consumption is necessary for humans to perform life functions properly.

When some people think of protein, they probably get visions of bodybuilders and powder mixes, or huge slabs of meat. However, as previously stated, all humans need protein in their diets, not just athletes who are trying to increase their muscle mass, and protein can be found in many different foods.

Protein is comprised of various amino acids, with amino acids often being referred to as ‘the building blocks of life.’ There are roughly 20 different amino acids, 11 of which human bodies create naturally. Those are referred to as ‘non-essential amino acids.’ Nine other amino acids cannot be made by the human body, and are referred to as ‘essential amino acids.’

Meat, while not the only source of protein on earth, is the most popular choice in many parts of the world. Plant-based proteins are becoming more popular for various reasons, which is a good thing from a sustainability standpoint.

Large-scale livestock operations, which is where much of the world’s meat comes from, collectively produce a significant carbon footprint. Whereas farming operations that produce plant-based proteins have a lower carbon footprint.

In recent years, as more humans have transitioned away from meat protein sources to plant-based ones, researchers have tried to figure out which plants are the best for producing protein, both from an output standpoint and a sustainability standpoint.

Soy is a popular plant-based protein, as are peas. Beans, nuts, and whole grains are other non-meat-based proteins that are commonly incorporated into human diets and protein products. But one plant, the hemp plant, may prove to be the best protein source of them all one day.

Hemp seed as a protein source for humans is not a new phenomenon, with evidence of its use for nourishment purposes going back at least 3,000 years. Although, the push to ‘optimize’ hemp seed and research how to get the most out of it is still a relatively new thing.

Popular plant-based proteins were never prohibited like hemp was, and in some areas, hemp is still prohibited. Prohibition has greatly hindered hemp research compared to other crops, including from a cultivar standpoint, as well as protein solubility.

Last year researchers associated with Cornell University in the United States analyzed multiple hemp cultivars to see which one possessed the best traits for various measurables.

“Hemp seed protein isolates (HPI) were extracted from seven commercial hemp cultivars, a Cornell breeding line, and a commercial hemp heart product, and their composition and functional properties were investigated. HPI contained different ratios of edestin, vicilin, and albumin proteins, which affected protein solubility and functionality.” the researchers stated.

“Higher protein solubility was associated with cultivars that contained more vicilin and albumin, which influenced the subsequent functional properties of HPI. Significant differences in water holding capacity (0.83-1.05 g water/g protein isolate), oil holding capacity (1.28-1.81 g oil/g protein isolate), foam capacity (52.9%-84.9%), and foam stability (68.1%-89.4%) were observed across HPI.” the researchers also stated.

“The relationship identified between hemp seed protein composition and functionality, in conjunction with the demonstration of an on-going hemp breeding line, suggest that continued, targeted development of hemp cultivars can improve its seed protein functional properties for ingredient utilization in plant-based foods.” the researchers concluded.

Hemp seed protein is very versatile from a product development standpoint, as many things can be created with hemp protein as a key ingredient, including butter, milk, powders, and breads. With demand for organic, plant-based proteins increasing, and hemp seed research also increasing, the future is bright.

It’s quite likely that hemp seed protein will supplant other popular protein sources someday, especially when considering the sustainability concerns associated with various crops and livestock operations that do not apply to the hemp plant.

International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2022 Registration

5 Things Attendees Get From ICBC Events

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

The International Cannabis Business Conference is hosting multiple events in different European countries in 2024, including the world’s largest super-conference in Barcelona in March and our flagship B2B conference in Berlin in April. Below are five benefits for attendees.

World-Class Networking Opportunities

Networking plays a vital role in every industry, and that is particularly true for the emerging legal cannabis industry. At the international level, networking is paramount to making a meaningful impact and gaining a foothold in the space. Many people who strike deals in this era will reap the rewards for decades to come as the industry continues to expand. Those deals are not struck via email solicitations. Face-to-face time is a must, and there is no better place to do that than at International Cannabis Business Conference events where attendees get to network with leaders from around the world in an environment that is conducive to generating deal flow.

Fun and Entertainment

The International Cannabis Business Conference has long served as the most exciting and entertaining event series on earth. In addition to providing world-class education and networking, the International Cannabis Business Conference has earned a global reputation for hosting the best events where attendees can work hard and play hard. It’s the only cannabis event series to ever feature multiple Grammy-nominated musical acts. International Cannabis Business Conference events are the perfect place to hang out with current friends, as well as to make new ones from all around the world.

Being A Part Of History

The European continent is in the midst of a cannabis policy revolution. The collective policy modernization efforts in multiple countries will, in turn, create an amazing situation for consumers who will be able to experience freedoms that have not been available since the dawn of prohibition. Future generations will look back on this exact era and likely consider it to be the turning point for the cannabis movement in Europe when nations finally got on the right side of history. International Cannabis Business Conference events provide attendees a front-row seat to these historic times, putting them right in the middle of it all.

Brand Exposure

Gaining a meaningful footprint in the cannabis industry at the international level is one of the most difficult endeavors that a company can embark on for several reasons, not the least of which is geographical logistics. The International Cannabis Business Conference is the only global event series with a truly international following and conferences feature a carefully curated experience completely focused on the cannabis industry at the worldwide level. It’s the ideal place for brands debuting products that are geared towards an international market.

Education

Cannabis reform is happening all over the globe right now, and keeping up with all of it is not an easy task, nor is figuring out how each country’s efforts fit into the larger global cannabis industry puzzle. The International Cannabis Business Conference brings true experts from all over the world to provide the best and most up-to-date information to attendees. Receiving that important and timely information straight from people at the forefront of policy reform and the global industry is invaluable.

cannabis leaf plant cannabis leaf plant cannabis leaf plant

What Will Happen In 2024 Within The Global Cannabis Industry?

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

It is the start of a new year for the emerging international cannabis industry, and 2024 is likely to be a pivotal one, particularly for the European continent. According to domestic lawmakers in Germany, the nation’s adult-use cannabis measure will hopefully take effect this April.

Germany, in many ways, is a metaphorical plug in the European cannabis legalization dam. Once Germany passes its adult-use measure it will likely open the floodgates for other European nations passing similar policy modernization measures.

Cannabis commerce is going to look different in Europe than it does in the Western Hemisphere. In Uruguay and Canada, where cannabis was legalized for adult use in 2013 and 2018 respectively, consumers have a wide array of options for obtaining legal cannabis.

Germany’s legalization model, which is likely to be mimicked by other nations, will have fewer options for consumers to choose from to source their cannabis. However, there is still plenty of potential for people wanting to pursue efforts in the nation’s industry if they have enough ingenuity.

The country’s model, parts of which already exist in a limited fashion in parts of Europe, will rely on personal cultivation, cannabis clubs, and eventually, regional pilot programs as sourcing models. If Germany does implement that model on a large scale in 2024, it’s virtually guaranteed that other countries in Europe will do the same.

One particular country in Europe to keep an eye on in 2024 is Italy. Activists already proved in the past that they could gather enough signatures to put a referendum before voters, and while that effort was ultimately dashed by the nation’s top Court, advocates are back at it, and this time they have reportedly tightened up the language of the measure they are promoting.

Hopefully if the signature drive is successful it will pass the legal test this time around.

North America’s legal industry is sure to continue its expansion during this next calendar year, although adult-use legalization at the federal level is likely to remain elusive in the United States specifically. In the meantime, state industries will continue to operate in a silo fashion in the U.S.

Legalization efforts in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia will continue in 2024 to round out the Western Hemisphere. However, the final passage of a legalization measure in those nations is not likely to occur this year, with 2024 serving as more of a momentum-building year for efforts in those countries.

Unfortunately, it appears that the honeymoon phase for cannabis reform in Thailand has long since ended, and attempts to roll back the nation’s progressive cannabis policies will continue throughout the year. Most, if not all, of the other nations in the region will likely not be very active in 2024 from a cannabis standpoint outside of enforcing harsh prohibition policies.

As has been the case for several years now, South Africa is the most likely nation on its continent to see possible reform and industry fireworks in 2024. With that being said, much like Mexico, things seem to keep stalling in South Africa, so that could easily prove to be the case in 2024 too. We will all have to wait and see.

For the first time in Australia’s history, a national legalization measure was introduced into the nation’s Parliament last year. While it doesn’t seem likely that the bill will receive enough attention in 2024 to be pushed to the finish line, it’s a safe bet that it will boost momentum and drive the conversation forward in Australia in 2024.

The best place for cannabis policy and industry observers to focus their attention in 2024 if they want to see the most activity is clearly the European continent.

This year could see a significant amount of movement in several countries in Europe, and while the industry revenue statistics may not be initially as large as they are across the Atlantic Ocean, 2024 may end up being one of the most historic years in Europe’s cannabis movement timeline.

Global Investment Forum Berlin 2023 Jim Belushi

Talman Group Global Investment Forum Coming To Berlin In April 2024

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

The emerging legal cannabis industry is becoming a global phenomenon, with more nations than ever before having modernized their cannabis policies to permit legal cannabis research and commerce.

That spread of policy reform has, in turn, created tremendous potential at the international level for cannabis entrepreneurs, investors, and industry service providers.

It has also created significant opportunities for cannabis research, as well as product and process development.

The legal industry no longer operates in regional silos, and a major challenge currently facing the emerging international cannabis industry is the difficulty of effectively networking with people from all over the world.

Networking is vital to succeeding in nearly every industry, and that is particularly true of the cannabis industry.

As the legal industry continues its march across the globe it will become increasingly important to be in the right place at the right time, as it could literally mean the difference between success and failure.

The Talman Global Investment Forum in Berlin on April 15th is the ideal time and place to meet and network with cannabis leaders from all over the planet.

Europe is currently the most exciting place for cannabis policy modernization efforts and emerging cannabis industry opportunities, with Germany expected to pass a legalization measure in April, making it the perfect backdrop for the Talman Global Investment Forum.

Taking place on the eve of the International Cannabis Business Conference’s flagship B2B event in Berlin, Europe’s largest event of its kind, the Talman Global Investment Forum will bring together true leaders from top sectors and companies in the emerging cannabis space.

The goal of the event is to help facilitate meaningful networking, provide timely education, and stimulate deal flow potential among attendees. Rising industry sectors will be a major focus of the event, with speakers discussing how those sectors fit into the larger industry ecosystem.

With so much cannabis industry and policy activity occurring right now all over the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry service providers to stay on top of everything. The Talman Global Investment Forum streamlines that process.

The Talman Global Investment Forum is an exclusive network that focuses on research and development, consulting, advocacy, and finance. The Talman network provides access to vital market info, capital investors, and exciting cutting-edge growth companies in the legal global cannabis market.

Additionally, the Talman Group network provides unparalleled access to opportunities in emerging areas of science as well as research and development, which are some of the fastest-growing sectors in the cannabis space.

The Talman Global Investment Forum in Berlin, which will be held at the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, is investor-focused and serves as the number one place for intimate industry education and networking.

Rather than flying all over the planet trying to fit meetings into shifting schedules and other travel plans, people who are serious about succeeding in the emerging international cannabis industry should attend the Talman Global Investment Forum in Berlin in April. Purchase your tickets today before the event sells out.

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The Top Global Cannabis Stories Of 2023

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

This year was a big one from a cannabis perspective in terms of science, industry, and politics. Below is a round-up of the top stories from 2023 (in no particular order):

Cannabis History Made In Slovenia

Dr. Metka Paragi, the current Secretary for Health of the Slovenian Prime Minister’s cabinet, presented at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Bled, Slovenia in September. It was the first time in history that an incumbent at that level had ever presented at a global cannabis event.

CanG Introduced In Germany

The biggest story of 2023 was the introduction of Germany’s long-awaited legalization measure. While the measure did not receive full approval by the Bundestag in 2023, the measure’s formal introduction and approval by Germany’s Federal Cabinet was historic, adding to the overall momentum for reform across the European continent.

Raphael Mechoulam Passes Away

The cannabis community lost a legend in 2023 when internationally renowned cannabis scientist, the ‘Godfather of Cannabis Science,’ Professor Raphael Mechoulam passed away in March. Mechoulam is credited with making some of the most significant scientific cannabis-based discoveries in human history.

Japan Votes To Lift Ban On Cannabis-Derived Medications

Both chambers of Japan’s parliament approved a measure in 2023 that lifted the nation’s ban on cannabis-derived medications. The measure is limited in scope, however, it creates a legal path for qualifying patients to obtain medical cannabis products.

Luxembourg Passes National Legalization Measure

In mid-2023 lawmakers in Luxembourg approved a national adult-use legalization measure. The new law permits adults to cultivate up to 4 plants in their homes, as well as legally possess up to three grams of cannabis.

Legalization Moves Forward In South Africa

South Africa’s National Assembly approved an adult-use legalization measure this year. The measure is geared towards codifying a previous court decision from 2018 that struck down cannabis prohibition for individuals, and to boost the nation’s legal industry.

Medical Cannabis Trial Extended In France

The 2,540 suffering patients participating in a medical cannabis trial in France received good news in 2023. The safe access trial that they are participating in will be extended for at least another year.

Historic Measure Introduced In Australia

For the first time in Australia’s history, an adult-use cannabis legalization measure was introduced into the nation’s parliament. Greens Senator David Shoebridge introduced the ‘Legalising Cannabis Bill 2023’ which would permit the adult recreational use of cannabis across the country.

Hemp Leaves No Longer A Novel Food In The EU

A European Commission working group removed hemp leaves as a Novel Food under EU law in 2023. The policy change permits the sale of hemp-infused tea and tea-like products in member states.

First Cannabis Clubs Licensed In Malta

Malta became the first European nation to pass a national legalization measure back in 2021. This year, the country issued its first round of licenses to noncommercial cannabis clubs.

Advocates Push For Higher THC Limits In Canadian Edibles

Roughly five years after Canada passed its adult-use legalization measure, the amount of THC that is allowed in edibles has remained very low. Advocates started a push in 2023 to raise the THC limit from 10mgs per unit to 100mgs per unit.

Cannabis Pilot Programs Launch In The Netherlands

Limited adult-use cannabis commerce trials finally launched in the Netherlands in December after several delays. Cannabis trials were first proposed in the Netherlands in 2017 as part of a governing coalition agreement.

Pilot Programs Expand In Switzerland

Switzerland launched multiple adult-use cannabis pilot programs in 2023. The pilot programs permit consumers to make legal purchases from licensed retail outlets to help the national government collect local data regarding cannabis consumer purchasing habits.

ireland

First Legal Medical Cannabis Clinic Opens In Ireland

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

Medical cannabis may be commonly found in various parts of the world now, however, in Ireland, medical cannabis policy modernization efforts have taken considerably longer to become a reality.

Back in June 2019, Ireland’s Minister for Health signed a measure that permitted the operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme on a pilot basis for five years. Similar to the medical cannabis program that is in operation in France, the policy change was initially only temporary and limited in scope.

In Ireland, there are only three recognized health conditions that qualify a suffering patient to be able to enroll in the Medical Cannabis Access Programme. Those conditions are:

  • Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
  • Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
  • Severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy

The nation’s medical cannabis program took a moderate step forward in 2021 when Ireland’s Health Minister announced that medical consultants could sign up themselves and their patients to the Medical Cannabis Access Programme through the nation’s Health Service Executive.

It was that latest change that led to the launch of Ireland’s first legal medical cannabis clinic. Per Irish Mirror:

Medicann CEO Gary Whipp, whose background is primarily in tech, has been studying cannabis for five years and is a qualified cannabis consultant. He told the Irish Mirror that Medicann first launched in “sunny” Jersey in 2019 and has since set up clinics in Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

Now, Medicann has opened its first Irish clinic recently and has been “inundated” since it began accepting patients who wish to know if they are eligible for treatment with medicinal cannabis.

While it is presumed that many suffering patients who contact the clinic ultimately do not qualify right now due to the limited number of qualifying conditions, Medicann’s CEO feels that there may be a path for increased patient access via a ministerial license.

“Each individual gets a ministerial licence, it lasts for 12 months, and that allows us to prescribe for that particular condition.” Gary Whipp stated according to Irish Mirror. “That’s the only real difference between the other jurisdictions and Ireland, is that the initiating of it needs to have a ministerial licence if it’s not one of the MCAP conditions.”

ExpoMedeWeed 2023

ExpoMedeWeed Is Coming To Colombia On November 24th-26th

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

Colombia is one of the most exciting places for all things cannabis right now. As the nation continues to work toward modernizing its cannabis policies the South American nation is rapidly becoming an international cannabis industry leader.

An amazing event is coming up in Colombia at the end of the month and we are encouraging people to attend. Below is more information about the event:

ExpoMedeWeed is an annual event that has established itself as the epicenter for the integration of businesses, knowledge, and culture around the Cannabis industry. As tradition dictates, this sixth edition is accompanied by the International Medical Cannabis Seminar, a top-level academic space that brings together prominent researchers, academics, and professionals with the aim of exploring issues in depth, updating concepts, and creating crucial initiatives to drive the generation and dissemination of knowledge for the Cannabis industry.

This fair, organized by MERCOAGRÍCOLA S.A.S., will take place on November 24, 25, and 26, 2023, at the Plaza Mayor Convention and Exhibition Center in the city of Medellín – Colombia. It offers attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to interact in the trade show, the academic seminar, and the business matchmaking event for the industry, activities that will take place during this important event.

Our main topic for this year is the Dissemination of pedagogical approaches for teaching medicinal cannabis industry knowledge at both national and international levels. an approach based on the following thematic axes:

1. Medical cannabis supply chain
Lessons learned of projects that link activities related to the medical cannabis supply chain such as: small and medium growers, agro-industrial processes, manufacturing, import and/or export.

2. Contribution to the health area
Projects aimed at developing activities of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services whose main or exclusive objectives are to promote the health of individuals or population groups.

3. Legislation and research
Approach to the correct reading and interpretation of the regulations established for the production, use and research of medical cannabis in Colombia.

We look forward to having you at the ExpoMedeWeed 2023.

Purchase tickets at: www.expomedeweed.com

Contact us:

info@expomedeweed.com
www.expomedeweed.com

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5 Uses For Cannabis Plants That You May Not Know About

Written by The Talman Group on . Posted in Business, Science.

The cannabis plant is very popular for recreational purposes among consumers. It is also very popular among suffering patients for medical use. However, there are several other ways that the cannabis plant can be used to benefit society. Below are some notable examples.

Soil Remediation

It is no secret that various industries, including the steel industry, produce toxic chemicals. Every steel plant on earth produces toxic byproducts during the steel-making process, including a steel plant in Italy that was, at one time, the largest one in Europe. The soil in the area (Taranto, Italy) is contaminated after decades of production at the plant. Farmers in the Taranto region have taken an intriguing approach to cleaning up the soil – planting hemp.

The hemp plant, and other varieties of cannabis, have a significant ‘uptake’ capability, particularly as it pertains to heavy metals. Whereas other methods are cost and labor-intensive, planting hemp on a large scale is relatively cheap and easy compared to other strategies. Innovators are still trying to come up with ways to use the harvested hemp in a safe manner, however, the benefit to the contaminated soil from planting hemp is undeniable, as a growing number of jurisdictions are finding out as they deploy the sustainability strategy.

Batteries

According to academic researchers, batteries made from hemp last up to eight times longer compared to lithium-ion batteries. Scientists are using hemp bast fiber, which is often thrown away historically, to make batteries that can be used for almost anything that currently relies on lithium-ion batteries.

Economists estimate that the lithium-ion battery market was worth roughly $70 billion in 2022, which provides context to just how much an emerging hemp battery sector could be worth someday. Most lithium-ion batteries end up in landfills, so transitioning consumers and businesses to hemp-based batteries would be exponentially more sustainable. It’s a concept that would benefit all members of society.

Construction Material

One of the best uses for the cannabis plant is making hempcrete. Hempcrete is a bio-composite building material made from the inner woody core of the hemp plant. That woody core material is mixed with a lime-based binder to create the final hempcrete product. The ‘shiv’ of the hemp plant is high in silica content, allowing it to bind well with lime. It’s a very unique property of hemp that is not found in other all-natural fibers.

Hempcrete is primarily used as an insulating material, and for good reason. It weighs only roughly one-eighth of what concrete weighs, it is fire resistant, and it is also carbon negative, meaning that it pulls more carbon out of the atmosphere than it needs in order to be created in the first place. Hempcrete is being used in more areas of the world now than in past years, particularly in Europe.

Livestock Feed

Cannabis is being used more and more as a livestock feed around the globe, but perhaps not in a manner that most people realize. Obviously, no farmer is giving their animals cannabis flower that is high in THC. Not only would that be cruel to the livestock, but it would also be very cost-prohibitive.

What farmers are feeding their livestock is the benign, undesirable parts of the cannabis plant that are left over from other processes. Many companies around the world are extracting cannabinoids from harvests, leaving behind branches, stems, and other plant parts. Those plant parts can then be used directly to feed livestock or as an added feed ingredient.

Biofuel

Similar to livestock feed, cannabis plant material that is deemed not suitable for recreational or medical purposes, such as branches and stems, can still be used as a source of biofuel. Researchers estimate that the “energy yield of solid fuel from industrial hemp is very high, approximately 100 GJ/ha/y [115], which is superior to Lucerne and clover grass ley.”

“The low requirements for growing hemp allow it to be competitive with higher yield crops, and hemp’s versatility opens many opportunities for co-production.” the researchers stated.

This article first appeared at TheTalmanGroup.com and is syndicated with special permission

International Cannabis Business Conference Exhibitors Berlin Germany 2023

Annual International Cannabis Business Conference In Berlin To Be Biggest Ever

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

The International Cannabis Business Conference is once again bringing its signature blend of industry, policy, and entertainment to Berlin’s iconic Estrel Hotel. The two-day B2B conference, which is the largest of its type in Europe, will be held on April 16th and 17th, 2024.

Over 5,000 global cannabis entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, regulators, and industry service providers from over 80 different countries are expected to attend the annual conference in 2024. In addition to the two-day curriculum portion of the event, which is sponsored by The Talman Group, there will be an infamous event after-party. The International Cannabis Business Conference after-party is sponsored by Advanced Nutrients and is sure to be an amazing time.

Germany is currently leading the effort to modernize Europe’s outdated cannabis policies. It is no secret that lawmakers in Germany are working through the legalization process right now, as well as taking the lead in cannabis policy discussions with the European Union.

Germany is the metaphorical crack in the prohibition dam, and when it bursts, it will open the policy modernization floodgates. That all makes Berlin the perfect backdrop, and the place to be, in mid-April 2024 at the International Cannabis Business Conference.

If you have a cannabis industry product or service that you want to get in front of a truly international cannabis audience, and at a better time than ever before, consider exhibiting and/or sponsoring the 2024 International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin.

Early bird ticket pricing is in effect through December 6th. Get your tickets today before the event sells out. Below is a video with more information about the upcoming conference:

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How Long Will Canadian Cannabis Exports Increase?

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

Canada was not the first nation to pass a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. That title will always be held by Uruguay which beat Canada to the legalization punch by roughly 5 years. However, Canada was the first G-7 nation to pass such a measure and has reigned as the international champion of legal cannabis commerce ever since.

In addition to cannabis being legal for adult use throughout Canada, and consumers having robust options for acquiring legal cannabis, Canada also exports a considerable amount of medical cannabis to other countries.

International cannabis exports are arguably the most complicated business transactions on earth, and the sector is still largely in its infancy. Still, Canadian cannabis companies are exporting cannabis products at an increasing rate, and new data from Health Canada is providing some insight.

According to initial reporting by Stratcann, Health Canada has received 1,211 applications from entities wishing to export cannabis since the beginning of the fiscal year (April 1, 2023), and of the applications received, 1,147 were approved.

“The number of applications and permits issued has been increasing on an annual basis, with 1,805 permits issued in 2022-2023, 1,421 in the previous year, 1,267 in 2020-21, 1,213 in 2019-20, and 272 in 2018-19.” Stratcann stated in its coverage.

The new data begs the question, how long will current trends persist? As with many things in the business world, getting to a market first is paramount, and Canada is already an established exporter to key markets such as Australia and Germany.

Canadian cannabis companies and companies in other nations that legally export cannabis internationally will continue to benefit from the imbalance created by prohibition. Many countries have yet to modernize their cannabis policies, and several more have only reformed their laws to permit medical cannabis imports.

Conversely, only a handful of countries have legal cannabis export operations up and running to meet the current demand. As full prohibition nations slowly reform their laws, allowing imports, at least initially, makes implementation easier. That all contributes to a bright future for Canadian cannabis exporters, at least in the near future.

Yet, there is a storm brewing, with Germany being a great example of what is to come. Germany currently imports a significant amount of medical cannabis products from Canada. However, domestic production in Germany will eventually supplant much of the supply that is currently coming from Canada. When adult-use cannabis is legalized in Germany, that will likely further speed up the trend.

Germany is not alone in its pursuit to pass a national adult-use legalization measure. Many other countries are pursuing the same goal to some degree, and eventually, all of those nations will likely permit domestic production in some manner. Of course, some nations will take longer than others, but in the long run cannabis modernization will win out in most parts of the globe.

Eventually, cannabis will become like every other major international crop, with some countries producing the raw harvests at a much cheaper price compared to other nations. For example, Colombia is primed to become the top producer of raw cannabis on earth due to its climate and expert cultivation community.

In the meantime, Canadian companies will continue to benefit from the patchwork of international cannabis laws and regulations.

malta

Malta Issues First Noncommercial Cannabis Club Licenses

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

Malta became the third nation on earth, and the first in Europe, to pass a national adult-use legalization measure back in late 2021. Since that time, Luxembourg has also passed a national measure. However, unlike Luxembourg, Malta’s legalization model includes the permitting of noncommercial cannabis clubs. The EU nation recently issued its first licenses for such clubs.

According to domestic reporting, Executive Chairperson of the Authority for The Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) Leonid McKay announced during a recent press conference that “operational licenses” were issued to two different entities.

The recipients of the noncommercial cannabis licenses are KDD Society and Ta’ Zelli. The entities cannot start distributing cannabis until they receive tested products. All testing will reportedly be handled by Malta’s Authority for The Responsible Use of Cannabis.

It’s not entirely clear when products will officially go on sale, however, it’s speculated that the first legal sales via noncommercial clubs will begin early next spring. Four more entities have received “in-principle licenses” and are continuing to work through the licensing process.

Per our prior reporting, regulations for noncommercial clubs in Malta include (but are not limited to):

  • A maximum of 500 club members
  • Cannot be located within 250 meters of a school or ‘youth center’
  • No advertising
  • Cannot use the word ‘cannabis’ in the club’s name, or anything that would ‘incite use’
  • At least two club founders with no prior convictions of money laundering
  • Clubs must have a legal representative
  • Club administrators have to be residents for at least 5 years
  • All cannabis has to be cultivated by the club itself (out of public view)
  • Registration fee of €1,000
  • License fee starting at €8,750
  • Initial licenses valid for 1 year, with 3 year renewals
  • Labeling requirements
  • Ongoing government auditing
  • Product testing
  • THC percentage caps for consumers 18-20 years old
  • Consumers can only have a membership at 1 club at a time
  • Revenue dispersal requirements
Business of Cannabis New York 2023

Attend Business Of Cannabis: New York On November 3rd

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

A great event is coming up a week from today in New York City, and we are encouraging everyone in the region to attend. Below is more information about it. Make sure to use code ICBC20 to get a discount on your tickets!:

New adult-use regulations in New York are set to bring a fresh wave of capital into the cannabis market. Investors and operators will attend Business of Cannabis: New York to identify opportunities at a critical time for the forecasted $7.2bn industry.

With federal regulations looking likely to relax and markets beginning to gain traction again, the cannabis industry seems to be entering a unique phase of growth across North America. In New York, the adult-use cannabis market roll out has faced unique and arduous hurdles since legalization, with a court injunction still preventing many CAURD dispensaries from progressing with their plans.

Despite that, according to Prohibition Partners’ Global Cannabis Report, the New York cannabis market is still set to achieve impressive year-on-year growth and be worth a staggering US$7.2 billion by 2026.

new york adult use cannabis market

With full adult-use retail finally opening up in the state, is now the moment for the market to fulfill its promise as the new global ‘Capital of Cannabis’ and, if so, how can equity and its
much vaunted CAURD scheme remain at the forefront of its policies?

“How can CAURD operators stand out with ROs now entering the market? Independents need to move faster to compete with ROs entering the adult-use markets soon.” – Dai Truong, Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors (speaker)

“In spite of the hurdles constantly thrown in front of us, we will continue to pursue our dream of opening our dispensaries and are doing everything we can to make it a reality for us and the other CAURD licensees.” – Vladimir Bautista, CEO & Co-Founder, The Happy Munkey (speaker)

Business of Cannabis: New York is an exclusive leaders summit that connects 400+ visionary entrepreneurs, savvy investors, plus new and seasoned operators in the cannabis space. Attendees will gain a competitive edge through a comprehensive day-long programme that shines a spotlight on the latest market trends, regulatory updates, and investment opportunities, whilst tying together the three key pillars which enable the industry to thrive: retail, policy & investment.

Key highlights of the conference include:

● Leading Industry Experts: Renowned CEOs, industry titans, and key policy makers will share their invaluable insights and knowledge, providing attendees with the inside scoop on industry trends and strategies in real time.

● Investor Connections: With a high percentage of attendees coming from the realms of finance and investment, take the chance to discuss business ideas and connect with potential investors looking to deploy capital.

● Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have ample opportunities to network with peers, form strategic partnerships, and build relationships that can drive their cannabis ventures to new heights.

● Regulatory Updates: Stay ahead of the curve with exclusive updates on the ever-evolving cannabis regulations, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks for your business.

● Market Intelligence: Gain access to proprietary market data and intelligence that will help you make informed decisions, identify untapped opportunities and provide actionable insights.

Participating companies and speakers so far include X (formerly Twitter), Acreage Holdings, Weedmaps, The New York Office of Cannabis Management, Union Square Travel Agency, Bloomberg, Politico, The National Cannabis Industry Association, Conbud, Arcview and CannDelta.

“New Yorkers have always had an insatiable appetite for cannabis. We are blessed, privileged and very excited to help build out and support New York’s cannabis ecosystem.” – David Hess, Co-Founder & President, Tress Capital (speaker)

This conference presents a unique opportunity for investors to discover high-potential ventures, operators to expand their networks and knowledge, and all attendees to immerse themselves in the exciting world of cannabis.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event. Register now to secure your spot at the Business of Cannabis: New York Conference on November 3, 2023.

About Business of Cannabis: The Business of Cannabis is a leading platform dedicated to providing industry professionals with the latest insights, news, and networking opportunities in the cannabis sector. Our conferences and events are renowned for bringing together the best minds and companies in the industry to drive growth and innovation.

For sponsorship, speaking, or exhibition opportunities, please contact Matt Freemantle at matt@prohibitionpartners.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Michael Hoban at michael@prohibitionpartners.com.

Berlin Exhibition Floor International Cannabis Business Conference

5 Reasons To Exhibit At The International Cannabis Business Conference

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

The emerging legal cannabis industry is going global as nations around the globe work to modernize their cannabis policies and industry regulations. Long gone are the days when cannabis was taboo, and the cottage industry model was in place.

Competition within the legal cannabis space increases with every passing year, and as the industry continues its march to every corner of the planet it’s more important than ever before to stand out. That is harder to do at the global level for various reasons, not the least of which is that it’s very difficult to get in front of the right people at the right time.

Timing is everything in the business world, and cannabis-based businesses are no exception. One of the best returns on an investment in the emerging industry is to exhibit at an International Cannabis Business Conference event. Below are five reasons why.

Global Audience

The International Cannabis Business Conference event series is the only one of its kind to have a truly international following. Attendees come from all over the planet to attend our events, with past conferences being attended by representatives from 80 different countries.

The International Cannabis Business Conference team works with leading international policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, inventors, and industry service providers from every major cannabis market on earth and brings them together.  Exhibiting at an International Cannabis Business Conference event is the most efficient way to get your product or service in front of true international cannabis leaders.

Network With Other Exhibitors

Some of the best connections that are made at International Cannabis Business Conference events are among fellow exhibitors. Your company may provide a product or service that can be enhanced by forming a partnership with another company that provides a beneficial ancillary service that is also exhibiting at one of our events.

Networking is a vital function of any industry, and the International Cannabis Business Conference provides a world-class opportunity to do exactly that.

Unparalleled Venues

No other cannabis conference series on earth holds its events at such amazing internationally acclaimed venues. The International Cannabis Business Conference has held events in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Barcelona, and Germany, and each event was held in an iconic setting unlike anything else that can be in the emerging cannabis industry.

Timely Information

In addition to networking, exhibitors are also attendees of International Cannabis Business Conference events and benefit from the thoughtfully curated event curriculum. Keynote speakers and panelists at our events are on the cutting edge of their respective fields, and there is no better way to learn than from the people who are actually doing the work and getting the results.

Work Hard, Play Hard

No International Cannabis Business Conference would be complete without one of our infamous after-parties. In addition to the parties being held in world-class venues, they are headlined by top international entertainers such as Morgan Heritage, Magnifico, Jim Belushi, and many others. The after-party setting is a great way to cap off days of travel, hard work, and learning while unwinding and having a great time. We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

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Top 5 Economic Effects Of Slovenian Cannabis Policy Modernization

Written by The Talman Group on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Modernizing a nation’s outdated cannabis policies yields numerous benefits, and not just to people directly involved in the cannabis industry. All members of society benefit from the economic impact of policy modernization. Below are five examples of how Slovenia would benefit from modernizing its cannabis policies to permit regulated cannabis commerce incorporating data from already established legal markets.

Job Creation

One of the most significant economic benefits of permitting cannabis commerce is job creation. The emerging legal industry is made up of several sectors, each with its own workforce needs, requiring nearly every job type imaginable to some degree. Additionally, other than outdoor cultivation operations that rely solely on the sun, industry facilities can feasibly be located anywhere in Slovenia for the purposes of research and product development, bringing jobs to areas that may need them more than others.

The emerging legal industry has already created over 428,000 jobs in the United States where regulated commerce is permitted in certain states. Adult-use reform was first implemented in Canada in 2018, and an analysis by Deloitte determined that Canada’s legal industry had created over 150,000 jobs as of the publishing of its February 2022 report.

Boosting Local Economies

The overall economic boost from Canada’s legalized industry is substantial. Deloitte estimates that the legal cannabis industry in Canada contributed over $43.5 billion to the nation’s GDP between the period of October 2018 and February 2022. Cannabis companies directly invested over $4.4 billion into Canada’s economy, with the remaining boost to GDP coming from “indirect” economic contributions, and “induced” contributions.

Public Revenue

According to the United States Census Bureau, between July 2021 and the end of 2022, the governments of legal U.S. states received more than $5.7 billion in public revenue from the emerging industry via taxes and fees. In fiscal 2021-22 in Canada, national and local governments collected more than $1.12 billion.

The public revenue generated by a regulated industry benefits all members of Slovenia’s society, providing policymakers and government officials additional revenue that they can use for such things as schools, social services, and public infrastructure.

Boosting Existing Industries

Slovenia is already established as an international science and tech hub, and the demand for cannabis-based research and product development is already substantial and increasing with every passing year. Slovenia already possesses the knowledge, facilities, and human capital to gain a significant footprint in the cannabis science and technology sectors. However, the window of opportunity to gain a meaningful market share of the sectors will not be open forever, and delays in policy modernization will impact the potential for existing industries.

Savings From Ending Prohibition Enforcement

While it is unknown exactly how much Slovenia spends enforcing cannabis prohibition, it’s likely that it’s a substantial sum. When Slovenia modernizes its policies to permit legal commerce and refrain from enforcing prohibition against consumers and patients, it will instantly save whatever is currently being spent on cannabis enforcement. In Germany, where lawmakers are working to modernize the nation’s cannabis policies, cannabis prohibition costs the nation 1.3 billion euros a year according to an analysis by the Institute for Competition Economics (DICE) at the Heinrich Heine University in Duesseldorf.

This article first appeared at TheTalmanGroup.com and is syndicated with special permission

Cultiva Hanfexpo 2023

Attend The 2023 Cultiva Hanfexpo In Vienna October 6th-8th

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

An amazing opportunity is coming up this week in Vienna, Austria with the start of the Cultiva Hanfexpo on October 6th. The three-day hemp expo and festival is the largest in Austria and will take place at the Marx Halle.

At the expo, visitors will find all of the information that they need to know about the hemp plant and the products derived from it. National and international exhibitors will display their products and contribute to a unique exhibition experience. Below is more information about the event:

15 YEARS OF CULTIVA

Over the last 15 years, Cultiva has brought together people from all over the world to discuss the uses of hemp and develop new ideas. This event is important to unite and support the Austrian hemp industry. It all started in 2008 at the Pyramide in Vösendorf.

“They were expecting big tables with Indian sheets. Then when the trucks came and one-story platforms were set up, it caused a big surprise moment for the management of the event venue,” founder Harald Schubert recalls of the beginnings of Cultiva. At first, he says, there were doubts about the exhibition, because “they didn’t know what to expect”. But these hesitations quickly disappeared.

Around 5,000 visitors came to the first hemp exhibition. The aim was to provide a platform for the hemp plant and its use, the industry and its development, as well as the many socio-political issues associated with it. This has not changed over the years, but the size of the exhibition has.

“We attracted higher-value branches because of the higher purchasing power in Austria, and that set us apart from other hemp exhibitions in Europe,” says founder Schubert.

Even after 15 years, the glassblowing show is still a fixed part of the fair. Other highlights of the past 15 years of Cultiva included visits from Christian Rätsch, Jorge Cervantes and “Mr. Nice” Howard Marks. And, of course, the many performances by bands and DJs. “It’s the most iconic expo,” Schubert says.

EXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF HEMP

The WORLD OF HEMP represents one of the most extensive areas at the exhibition. On 400 sqm all information about cannabis is shown in an exciting and informative way. This interactive area educates visitors about the cannabis plant and helps them to get to know it better. Different sections can be explored with the help of a guiding system.

Whether learning, tasting, participating or trying out: The WORLD OF HEMP serves all the senses and invites you to further education.

GLASSBLOWING-SHOW – TORCHLAND GLASS CIRCUS BY THCBD AUSTRIA

Another highlight at CULTIVA HANFEXPO is the glassblowing show Torchland Glas Circus by THCBD Austria. During the live show, professionals such as Orglasmus, Nathan Belmont, Sibelle Yuksek, Fedex Glass and Tibor Toth will demonstrate the art of glassblowing and engraving. If interested, the products can be purchased afterwards.

CULTSOUND FESTIVAL

The CULTSOUND Music Festival is a new star in the sky of the Viennese event calendar. From electro to reggae sounds – the three-day music festival with its extraordinary location offers a special experience. The venue – the headquarters of the artist collective R:JOURNEY – provides the ideal setting. Acts such as the band Mary Jane Soundgarden, Matej, Sun State of Mind
will ensure a hot atmosphere and danceable sounds, and Sunday will be hosted by WNMR – If Not With Rap. Food trucks with a variety of dishes from meat or vegan to sweet and a bar provides for the physical well-being.

CULTIVA CONGRESS

The CULTIVA HANFEXPO CONGRESS offers an insight into the topics of law, politics, medicine as well as culture and innovation. National and international experts from different fields share their knowledge and clarify important questions about cannabis in the form of lectures and panel discussions. The focus will be on both the current regulations on the subject of cannabis and
the future of the industry. What changes can we expect in the hemp industry? What could the situation look like in five years? These and other questions will be answered during the congress.

BUSINESS BRUNCH

On Friday and Saturday all business visitors and exhibitors are invited to aur Networking Brunch in the Business lounge at the exhibition.
• Friday, 06.10.2023 09:00 – 11:00 a.m.
• Saturday, 07.10.2023 09:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Find out more information at: https://www.cultiva.at/lang%3Den/index.htm

purple cannabis plant flower bud

Accusations Of Inflated THC Potency Surface In Canada

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

A coalition of cannabis producers and testing laboratories in Canada are alleging that some entities are inflating their cannabis product THC potency levels, sometimes as much as twenty percent.

“There are cannabis companies in the top 10 that are absolutely inflating their flower values,” said Borna Zlamalik, senior vice-president of innovation and research and development at Moncton-based producer OrganiGram Holdings Inc. The comments were first reported by Globe and Mail. “I think there are some companies that have maliciously narrowed down their sample procedures to get the best flower.”

Allegations of THC inflation are not new in the cannabis industry. Part of the problem is on the producer/laboratory/retailer side of the equation, however, there’s also some blame on the consumer side as well.

It’s well known in the cannabis world that many consumers, for better or worse, rely solely on THC percentage when making their purchasing decisions. That ‘THC shopping’ phenomenon compounds the problem as entities strive to get the highest THC percentage on their flower products regardless of whether quality is being boosted or not.

The latest allegations being hurled in Canada highlight the growing need to overhaul how cannabis is organized. Indica, sativa, and THC percentages – they are all archaic ways of categorizing cannabis products.

Instead, true science should drive how cannabis products are categorized, led largely by ‘terpene profiles.’ Terpenes are found in all cannabis flower, and it’s what gives cannabis its smell. The cannabis plant contains dozens of terpenes in different ratios, often referred to as terpene profiles.

Knowing a harvest’s terpene profile is a much better indicator of what effects and wellness benefits a consumer or patient can expect compared to one lab’s testing results of a very small sample of the harvest.

Different terpenes are associated with different effects, and while it’s a more cumbersome form of categorization compared to a simple indica/sativa model, it’s far more insightful and will undoubtedly serve as the future of how cannabis is viewed by dispensary and cannabis club customers.

The Netherlands Flag The Netherlands Flag The Netherlands Flag

Limited Legal Cannabis Sales Expected To Launch In The Netherlands This December

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

A long-awaited cannabis public policy experiment is reportedly set to launch on December 15th in two different municipalities in the Netherlands. Limited cannabis sales will be permitted at certain coffee shops in both Tilburg and Breda this winter according to the nation’s cabinet.

Health Minister Kuipers previously announced back in February that Tilburg and Breda would likely be the first of what will eventually be ten municipalities to participate in what is essentially an adult-use cannabis commerce pilot program, similar to what is already underway at the local level in Switzerland.

Germany is also expected to incorporate regional pilot programs into its legalization model. It’s a concept that is gaining in popularity in many European countries that are ramping up cannabis policy modernization efforts.

In theory, permitting local adult-use sales will provide government policymakers and regulators data to examine in order to be better suited to craft eventual national cannabis policies and industry rules and regulations. The concept is in line with continental and international agreements.

The launch of pilot programs in the Netherlands comes after a series of delays, and it wasn’t until the recent announcement that the nation’s government appeared to have backed off of its hardline stance that pilots could not begin until there were at least three cultivators.

Currently, only two cultivators are ready to supply the coffee shops in Tilburg and Breda, yet an exception was made to prevent further delays. Two more licensed cultivators are expected to start providing cannabis to the nation’s pilot program in February 2024. If everything goes as expected with the pilots in Tilburg and Breda, at least eight more municipalities will also launch pilot programs.

Additionally, at least one district in Amsterdam is expected to also become part of the cannabis public policy experiment which will permit coffee shop owners to sell a limited amount of cannabis to adults, although during the ‘start-up phase’ coffee shops are also allowed to sell ‘tolerated products’ from their unregulated suppliers.

Officials in the Netherlands have the authority to shut down the cannabis public policy experiment at any time if ‘abuses’ are found, which is a subjective measure. However, the cultivation facilities and outlets will be watched closely and local officials are optimistic that the experiment will succeed.

“With this start-up phase in Brabant we can gain first experiences, detect teething problems and gather the knowledge to perfect the experiment. In this way, we can make a flying start with the large-scale experiment.” stated Breda Mayor Dr. Paul Depla back in February (translated from Dutch to English).

International Cannabis Business Conference Bled Slovenia

Cannabis History Is Made In Slovenia At International Event

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

The International Cannabis Business Conference was held in Bled, Slovenia last week on September 7th and 8th, with a VIP reception held the night before the event. The two-day event was dedicated to emerging international cannabis science and technology.

Among the speakers at the conference, which is part of a series of cannabis events held around the world, was Dr. Metka Paragi, the current Secretary for Health of the Slovenian Prime Minister’s cabinet. Dr. Paragi, a leading international microbiologist, welcomed attendees of the first-ever International Cannabis Business Conference held in Slovenia.

She provided a brief overview of current usage rates in Slovenia, as well as discussed the level of support for policy modernization efforts in the region. Dr. Paragi also provided an update on the current state of cannabis policy and research in Slovenia. It marked the first-ever presentation at an international cannabis conference by a current officeholder at that level of government.

Dr. Metka Paragi International Cannabis Business Conference Bled Slovenia

In addition to Dr. Paragi, presentations at the two-day science and technology conference were made by:

  • Lumír Hanuš – Chief Scientist, Lumir Lab, Asana Bio Group LTD
  • Prof Dr. Tamara Lah Turmšek – Biochemist, Researcher, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana
  • Peter Homberg – Partner, Dentons, Head of European Cannabis Group
  • Ngaio Bealum – Conference Master of Ceremonies
  • Alex Rogers – CEO & Executive Producer, International Cannabis Business Conference
  • Božidar Radišič – Project Manager and Founder, Research Nature Institute

International Cannabis Business Conference Bled Slovenia

At the conclusion of the event, the International Cannabis Business Conference hosted one of its infamous after-parties, which was headlined by none other than Slovenia’s most famous and loved artist, Magnifico.

Magnifico International Cannabis Business Conference Slovenia 2023

Below are links to media coverage of the event:

Delo

SI21

Dnevnik

RTV Slovenia

24UR

STAznanost

Jutro na Planetu

Make sure to check out the upcoming event at the University of Ljubljana titled ‘Hemp and its Active Ingredients in Healthcare III’ on October 11th and 18th, 2023. The event is co-organized by the Research Nature Institute and is the third education seminary of a series involving doctors and nurses from the faculty at the University of Ljubljana.

To find out more, please visit: https://www.zf.uni-lj.si/si/arhiv-obvestil-cvu/1295-konoplja-in-njene-ucinkovine-v-zdravstvu-iii

cannabis genetics panel international cannabis business conference berlin 2023

Big Opportunities In The Cannabis Genetics Sector

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

Cannabis breeding is an essential part of the industry, as it allows for the development of new strains and products that can be tailored to meet the needs of different consumers and patients. As the cannabis market continues to grow and evolve, so does the potential for genetics to play an even greater role in the industry.

In the embedded International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2023 panel video below, experts discuss the latest trends in cannabis genetics and explore the future of breeding, from identifying new traits to using CRISPR technology. Panelists also delve into the question of how human DNA and cannabis DNA might be connected, and what implications this could have for the future of the industry. Panelists include:

  • Marcus Richardson (moderator) – Hashish aficionado and creator of Bubblebags
  • Dave Auger – Commissioner, Big League Genetics
  • Manny Dasilva – COO, Green Boyz Craft Israel
  • Jameson Welbourn – Founder and Managing Director, The Banyan Tree
  • Steven Tan – Principal Consultant, 4Plant

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin in 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

High Tech Panel International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin

The Future Of Cannabis And Digital Innovation

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, digital technology is poised to play an increasingly important role. From seed-to-sale tracking to customer relationship management, cannabis businesses are turning to software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, mobile apps, web 2.0, and big data analytics to improve efficiency, compliance, and customer experience. In the panel discussion in the video embedded below from the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, tech specialists explore the latest trends and opportunities in cannabis technology and discuss how digital tools can help businesses stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Panelists include:

    • Christopher Budd – Co-Founder & Subject Matter Expert, Isolocity
    • Nohtal Partansky – Co-Founder & CEO, Sorting Robotics
    • Lewis Koski – Chief Strategy Officer, METRC
    • Hans Harders – Regional Director, CCELL
    • Jürgen Bickel – Managing Director, Storz & Bickel

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin in 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

Global Investment Forum Berlin 2023 Jim Belushi

One Global Cannabis Industry: Who Will Be The Winners And Losers?

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

The global cannabis industry is still emerging. The commodity cannabis is becoming more and more relevant for conventional industries, from food and health care via fashion to luxury niche segments. With adult-use reform coming across several nations, the opportunity for other industries in those countries has been unlocked. The biggest question today is: where are global cannabis sectors going and where will the best investments be? Panelists recently discussed this at the International Cannabis Business Conference’s Global Investment Forum in Berlin, as seen in the embedded video below. Panelists include:

  • David Traylor – Senior Managing Director, Golden Eagle Partners
  • Oliver Lamb – Co-Founder and Investment Manager, Óskare Capital
  • Trenton Birch – Co-Founder and CEO, Cheeba Africa
  • Bret Worley – CEO and President, MC Global Holdings

This panel also includes a guest appearance by legendary entertainer Jim Belushi. We look forward to seeing you in Berlin in 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

Yoram Eshel

Overcoming International Cannabis Logistical Challenges

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

The emerging international cannabis industry is currently governed by a complex web of laws, rules, and regulations that are constantly shifting and evolving. With more countries reforming their cannabis policies and regulations, the regulatory layers will continue to increase in volume for the foreseeable future.

Yoram Eshel, CEO of Cannabilog, recently presented tips and insight regarding how to navigate the ‘regulatory maze’ in an effective way as part of his presentation at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin. Eshel analyzes current international supply chain trends, provides an update on regulatory requirements in various markets, and discusses what to anticipate soon. He also discusses the ‘do’s and don’ts’ when shipping cannabis products worldwide.

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin in 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

microscope lab labratory research

The Future Of Cannabis Science And Technology

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

From the perspective of cannabis science and technology, we currently live in the best era in human history. It doesn’t take a historian to realize that the fields of cannabis science and technology have advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, as there is evidence of it to be found all over the planet now.

A person could make a list of all of the cannabis science and technology innovations combined from several decades in the past, and it would likely be a shorter list than what has occurred in just the last few years alone.

The advancements in cannabis science and technology in recent years are the direct result of cannabis policy modernization efforts in various parts of the world. More countries than ever before are now permitting medical and/or adult-use cannabis commerce, research, and development.

Scientists and innovators of all backgrounds and areas of focus are taking advantage of newly afforded freedoms to conduct research and development in ways that were completely prohibited in years past, and the results of their work are benefitting humans in their own jurisdictions and beyond.

For contextual purposes, consider the graph below showing the number of peer-reviewed cannabis studies listed on PubMed.gov as of the posting of this article, organized by year:

PubMed cannabis study search

Keep in mind, while there are currently 32,491 peer-reviewed cannabis studies listed, which is a substantial amount, that is during a time period when studies were either outright prevented or the results were suppressed. Thankfully, cannabis research censorship is a thing of the past in a growing number of countries, as reflected in the graph above.

The truly inspiring thing about all of it is that we are just starting to scrape the surface. As more countries modernize their cannabis policies, cannabis science and technology innovations are going to hit warp speed and start piling up at an exponential rate. Part of that growth rate of innovation will be driven by profit given the fact that the emerging legal cannabis industry is worth so many tens of billions of dollars (and growing).

Cannabis is being cultivated in many markets now via sophisticated methods on a scale that is truly mind-boggling. It wasn’t that many years ago that a small personal hydroponic garden was considered cutting-edge technology in the cultivation world, and yet, today such a cultivation setup seems prehistoric by many measures.

These days nutrients, tailored feeding schedules, grow mediums, sungrown greenhouses, and supplemental lighting technology are arguably more advanced in the cannabis space than in any other agricultural area of focus, and unlike those other areas of focus, an army of people are working tirelessly around the clock around the globe to come up with the next great cannabis cultivation breakthrough.

Consumption research and technology is a particularly exciting sector of the emerging cannabis industry. While some countries are better at setting up sensible commerce regulations than others, one common thread that can be found in every legal country is that personal consumption is legal.

As global consumers gain confidence in partaking in their newfound freedoms post-legalization, they will continually seek out the newest and funnest ways to consume cannabis. That demand for new devices and gadgets will be met by inventors, and the financial rewards involved will be considerable. If you think that lazer bongs and handheld vaporizers are cool, wait until you see what gadgets people come up with in the near future, as well as what dispensary products hit the market.

Something that is likely not on a lot of cannabis enthusiasts’ radars right now, but certainly should be, are advancements in the area of non-consumption cannabis science and technology. By that, I mean innovating the way cannabis is used in products that are not consumed by humans, such as using hemp to make hempcrete and other building materials. One area that is particularly promising is incorporating cannabis into bioremediation efforts to clean up polluted ecosystems.

The future of cannabis science and technology is brighter than ever before, with no limit to the sector’s potential currently in sight. It can be difficult to keep up with everything, but that is why everyone should attend the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Bled, Slovenia.

The event is dedicated entirely to discussing and demonstrating the world’s latest and greatest cannabis science and technology, and it’s the best place on planet Earth for scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, policymakers, and industry service providers to learn and network.

Slovenia is already home to a thriving research and development community, serving as a global hub for several other industries. With local advocates ramping up efforts to modernize Slovenia’s cannabis policies, the Balkan nation is setting up to serve as an international cannabis research and development hub as well. The International Cannabis Business Conference in Bled is the ideal backdrop for the world’s best cannabis minds to meet and discuss their latest endeavors.

The event is being held at the iconic Rikli Balance Hotel on September 7th and 8th. A limited number of tickets are still available. Get yours before prices go up on August 23rd!

lisa haag global investment forum

Opening Your Mind to the Future of Cannabis

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

To truly understand the future of cannabis, it’s important to approach it from different angles and challenge existing perceptions and stigmas. This presentation from the recent International Cannabis Business Conference’s Global Investment Forum in Berlin by international cannabis expert Lisa Haag (founder of MJ_Universe) offers a fresh perspective on the cannabis industry, exploring its potential from a variety of viewpoints and shedding light on untapped opportunities. By breaking down barriers and opening our minds to new ideas, we can pave the way for a more innovative, inclusive, and successful cannabis industry.

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin in 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

Global Investment Forum Panel

Mastering The Challenge Of European Cannabis Market Saturation And Oversupply

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Different nations across Europe allow for the cultivation, manufacturing, and processing of medical cannabis. Few of the facilities are truly EU-GMP compliant and able to deliver what was promised. Europe’s markets are competing and not collaborating. Few real sales markets other than Germany are established. Some countries like the Czech Republic, France, or Poland show tendencies with a rising number of prescriptions and new regulations for patient access. The German market itself is oversaturated and has many regulatory hurdles to consider. All in all, investors should understand the complexity of market dynamics, especially in regard to timeline and planning of such complex ventures. Below is an embedded video of a panel discussion about this topic that was recently held at the International Cannabis Business Conference’s Global Investment Forum in Berlin. Panelists include:

  • Lisa Haag – Founder, MJ_Universe (moderator)
  • David Engel – CEO/President, Full Moon Real Estate Investments And Ondara Directorship SLU
  • Dr. rer. nat. Adrian Fischer – Co-Founder and Managing Director, DEMECAN
  • Vera Broder – CEO, MHI Cultivo Medicinal SA.
  • Alexander Rieg – Founder, AR Pharma Consulting

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin in 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

import export import export import export

Where Does Colombia Export Legal Cannabis Flower To?

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

A new report is out in Colombia that provides insight into the South American country’s emerging legal medical cannabis export industry. Last year marked the first time in Colombia’s history that regulated medical cannabis flower was exported to another nation. Since that time, over five dozen permitted shipments have occurred or are in the process of occurring.

Colombia is home to one of the most ideal climates for cultivating cannabis on the entire planet and has long served as a top international source for unregulated cannabis flower. In recent years, policymakers and regulators in Colombia have increased efforts to transition the country’s cannabis industry from being controlled by cartels to being operated by licensed and regulated entities.

Legal medical cannabis imports and exports are a relatively new thing at the global level, and multiple countries are now trying to gain a foothold in the emerging area of the global cannabis industry. According to domestic reporting, Colombia has shipped low-THC cannabis to several countries. Per Bloomberg:

According to information provided to Bloomberg Linea by the Colombia Agricultural Institute (ICA), there have been reports, to date, of 65 exports of this type, some of which are close to materializing.

Of that total, the largest shipment was one of 186,000 grams of dried cannabis flower, with a maximum THC (psychoactive component) content of 0.01%. The dat of export was from June 23 to July 7 of this year and the destination: Switzerland.

ICA also reported a May shipment of 102,500 grams that also went to Switzerland, which was the second largest export. That batch of cannabis flower contained 0.574% THC content. Another 65,000 grams were exported to Australia, with a reported 24.01% THC content.

In total, 18 shipments went to Australia, 16 to Switzerland, 12 to Germany, 8 to the United States, 4 to Israel, 2 to Portugal, Ecuador, and Brazil, and 1 to the Czech Republic.

storz and bickel volcano vaporizer

STORZ And BICKEL Announces Certification Of Medical Vaporizers

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Business.

When it comes to cannabis consumption devices, one brand stands above all others. That brand is, of course, STORZ & BICKEL. The company’s iconic Volcano vaporizer revolutionized the way that people consume cannabis around the globe over two decades ago, and the flagship device continues to stand the test of time.

The company has since expanded its gadget offerings, and STORZ & BICKEL’s devices are often touted by members of the medical community as being the best devices to use if you are a suffering medical cannabis patient. Recently, the company’s devices received a new certification which further establishes them as some of the top devices for patients. Below is more information about it via a company news release:

TUTTLINGEN, Germany: STORZ & BICKEL GmbH (“STORZ & BICKEL”), the world’s leading manufacturer of high quality and medically certified vaporizers for cannabis and subsidiary of Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (Nasdaq: CGC), today announced the certification of its premium devices VOLCANO MEDIC 2 and MIGHTY+ MEDIC according to the new EU regulation for medical devices (“MDR “) known.

The new MDR regulations contain stricter quality requirements for medical devices manufactured or imported into the EU than the previous MDD (Medical Devices Directive).

The comprehensive certification process was carried out by TÜV SÜD, a renowned provider of certification, auditing and testing services. As part of the audit, several strict criteria of the standard (DIN) EN ISO 13485:2016 were evaluated, which require defined processes and the documentation of the quality management system of the audited body, the European Directive 93/42/EEC (MDD) and the European Regulation for Medical Devices (EU) 2017/745 – Annex IX Chapter I and III. In addition, the exam covered the MDSAP with country-specific requirements for Australia (TGA), Canada (HC) and the United States (FDA). STORZ & BICKEL passed the test with excellent results and no complaints.

“As the world’s leading manufacturer of medically certified cannabis vaporizers, we recognize the great responsibility we have towards our patients and we are very proud of this achievement,” said Juergen Bickel, Founder and Managing Director of STORZ & BICKEL. “We continue to build on our strong foundation of leading device design and rigorous quality assurance and control standards to ensure the availability of our world-class medical vaporizers to patients worldwide . ”

STORZ & BICKEL is expected to launch the VOLCANO MEDIC 2 and the MIGHTY+ MEDIC with MDR certification in August – once again setting a new industry standard and reaffirming the company’s commitment to exceptional quality.

You can find more information about STORZ & BICKEL at www.storz-bickel.com .

Information on STORZ & BICKEL GmbH

STORZ & BICKEL GmbH is a global leader in the manufacture of high quality and medically certified vaporizers for cannabis. With quality, innovation and compliance, the company has consistently delivered exceptional products that meet the highest industry standards. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, STORZ & BICKEL is driving the advancement of vaporization technology, providing a safe and efficient means of consuming cannabis for medicinal purposes.

About Canopy Growth

Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth”) is a leading North American cannabis and consumer products company committed to unleashing the power of cannabis to improve lives.

Through a relentless commitment to its customers, Canopy Growth delivers innovative products with a focus on premium and mainstream cannabis brands such as Doja, 7ACRES, Tweed and Deep Space. Canopy Growth’s CPG portfolio includes sugar-free sports drink brand BioSteel, targeted 24-hour skincare and wellness solutions from This Works, gourmet wellness products from Martha Stewart CBD, and category-defining vaporization technology from Germany’s Storz & Bickel.

Canopy Growth has built an extensive ecosystem to capitalize on opportunities in the U.S. THC market. These include rights to Acreage Holdings, a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator with primary operations in densely populated states in the Northeast. As well as Wana Brands , a leading brand of edibles in North America, and Jetty Extracts, a California-based manufacturer of high-quality cannabis extracts and a pioneer of clean vape technology.

In addition to its best-in-class products, Canopy Growth leads the industry in its commitment to social justice, responsible consumption and community reinvestment – pioneering a future where cannabis is understood and embraced for its potential to contribute to greater wellbeing and a better life.

Visit www.canopygrowth.com for more information .

Cautionary Statements About Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of theapplicable Canadian securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects” or “does not expect,” “is expected,” “estimates,” “intends,” “foresees” or “does not anticipate,” or “believes,” or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events, or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “may” or “will” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results, The performance or achievements of Canopy Growth or its subsidiaries may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release. Examples of such statements and uncertainties include statements regarding new product launches as part of MDR certification, including the timing, expected outcome and quality of such new product launches, and expectations regarding other economic, business and/or competitive factors.

including changes in financial and stock markets and the impact of elevated rates of inflation; legal and regulatory risks in the cannabis industry, including the global regulatory environment and enforcement of cannabis-related regulations; reducing the concentration of the active substance; political risks and risks related to regulatory changes; risks related to anti-money laundering laws; Compliance with extensive government regulations and the interpretation of various laws, regulations and policies; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; and other risks contained in Canopy Growth’s public records,www.sedar.com and on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission through EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar , including under the heading “Risk Factors” in Canopy Growth’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023.

With respect to the forward-looking statements and information, Canopy Growth has made such statements and information based on certain assumptions it believes to be reasonable at the time. Although Canopy Growth believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements contained in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. There can be no assurance that these events will occur in the time periods indicated or at all. Should one or more of the aforementioned risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions on which the forward-looking information is based prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from the intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected results described herein. Although Canopy Growth has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and neither STORZ & BICKEL nor Canopy Growth undertakes any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements to reflect new information,

Media contact: Vatra Krasniqi , Head of Marketing and Communications, +49 7461 96970735, Vatra.krasniqi@storz-bickel.com ; Laura Nadeau , Manager, Communications, media@canopygrowth.com ; Tyler Burns , Director, Investor Relations, Tyler.Burns@canopygrowth. com

SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation; Storz & Bickel

Jim Belushi International Cannabis Business Conference 2023 Berlin

Fireside Chat With Jim Belushi At The 2023 International Cannabis Business Conference In Berlin

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

Jim Belushi is a man of many talents – actor, singer, comedian, dancer, and in recent years a legal cannabis farmer. See Jim Belushi at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference B2B event in Berlin in an intimate one-on-one discussion about his career, cannabis advocacy, and his current cannabis industry endeavors via Belushi’s Farm and its famous signature brands. Belushi also discussed his hit Discovery Channel cannabis reality show ‘Growing Belushi.’

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin in 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

Market Developments In Europe Panel International Cannabis Business Conference GIF Berlin 2023

What Is The Outlook For Core Cannabis Market Developments In Europe?

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

The European Union is a trade union with no borders. Nevertheless, cannabis regulation is a very domestic topic and markets still face different rules and regulations depending on their national regulatory framework.

What will the situation look like from a mid-term perspective? How many member states will have regulations for adult use cannabis? How far will the harmonization of joint market organization develop? Below is an embedded video of an insightful panel discussion that took place at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference’s Global Investment Forum in Berlin two weeks ago touching on those topics and many more. Panelists include:

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin in 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

The Evolution Of The German Cannabis Market

The Evolution Of The German Cannabis Market

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

Germany is home to the largest economy on the European continent, and with the nation working to modernize its cannabis policies and regulations, it is trending toward becoming the largest legal cannabis market on the planet. The discussion in the video below, which was held at the 2023 International Cannabis Business Conference’s Global Investment Forum in Berlin, discusses the ongoing evolution of the legal German cannabis market. Panelists include:

We look forward to seeing you at Berlin 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

Global Cannabis (THC+, THC-) How Did We Get Here Panel Berlin 2023 ICBC

Global Cannabis (THC+, THC-): How Did We Get Here?

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business.

As the global cannabis industry continues to emerge, there were some recent hiccups in the road internationally with valuations falling in North America and other challenges abroad. The discussion in the video below, which was held at the 2023 International Cannabis Business Conference’s Global Investment Forum in Berlin, addresses some of the ups and downs we’ve seen in the cannabis markets around the world, including markets for THC+ and THC- products. Panelists include:

    • David Traylor – Senior Managing Director, Golden Eagle Partners
    • Rob McEvoy – Consultant & Public Speaker to the Cannabis Space
    • Jamie Pearson – International Consultant, New Holland Group
    • Robert T. Hoban – Member, Co-Chair of the Cannabis Industry Group, & Member-in-Charge of the Clark Hill Denver Office

We look forward to seeing you at Berlin 2024, as well as at our upcoming science and technology event in Slovenia this September!

Futurola Tyson Blunt Cones

Mike Tyson Reunites With Tiger In New TYSON 2.0 x Futurola Partnership Video

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Business.

Mike Tyson, the iconic boxer, entrepreneur, entertainer, cannabis advocate, and co-founder of premium cannabis brand TYSON 2.0., has unveiled an exciting new video standing alongside a tiger, smoking one of his bestselling Futurola x TYSON 2.0 Blunt Cones, sold in 13 countries, as a nod to the brands shared global success.

“We are thrilled with the success of our partnership with Tyson 2.0,” said Patrik Eriksson, Partner of Futurola. “Together, we have created a truly innovative and high-quality product line that has resonated with consumers around the world.”

Each Futurola x TYSON 2.0 Blunt Cone is a masterful blend of tobacco-free, cruelty-free, vegan, blunt paper and terpenes from Tyson’s favorite TYSON 2.0 strain, “The Toad.” Individual blunt cones are rolled with care by skilled artisans, following the most stringent quality-control standards to ensure consistency in the finished result, and each is individually packaged in shatter-resistant glass tubes.

“We are confident that our partnership will continue to be successful in the years to come,” said Eriksson. “We have many exciting new products in the pipeline, and we look forward to sharing them with our customers around the world.”

“Mike Tyson’s passion and dedication are reflected in everything we do at TYSON 2.0. Futurola shares this devotion to excellence, so the commercial made perfect sense,” said Adam Wilks, CEO of TYSON 2.0. “And by revisiting Mike’s iconic relationship with tigers in this video, we symbolize the powerful bond between our brands, TYSON 2.0 and Futurola, and our shared commitment to delivering an undisputed experience customers expect from us.”

About Tyson 2.0
TYSON 2.0 launched in October 2021, founded by cultural icon Mike Tyson and serial entrepreneur Chad Bronstein. Today it is one of the fastest-growing cannabis brands in the United States. TYSON 2.0’s award-winning cannabis line includes choice flower, pure concentrates, and consumables that pack a punch, all renowned for their exceptional quality, consistency, and affordable pricing. Today, TYSON 2.0., a Carma HoldCo brand, has its cannabis, branded accessories, and other products across a vast global network of more than 100,000 retail outlets that span 17 countries.

TYSON 2.0 is available in select U.S. states and Canadian provinces through partnerships with best-in-class cannabis operators so that discerning cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy undisputed cannabis anywhere. To learn more, visit www.tyson20.com or shop TYSON 2.0 merchandise at www.shoptyson20.com.

About Futurola
Since 1996, Futurola has been Amsterdam’s leading rolling papers and smoking equipment brand. Futurola’s roots date back to 1984 when the famous coffee shop, “Future,” opened near Central Station. Today Futurola is widely recognized as Europe’s top brand of hand-crafted rolling papers, machines, and other superior smoke rolling accessories. To learn more about Futurola, visit: www.futurola.com.

Media Inquiries

Brian J. Roberts
Chief Communications Officer, TYSON 2.0.
908-616-7822
360893@email4pr.com

SOURCE TYSON 2.0

This article first appeared at PRNewswire

Berlin International Cannabis Business Conference Registration

International Cannabis Leaders Descend On Berlin

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

Global cannabis leaders are arriving in Berlin this week to attend the International Cannabis Business Conference. The events series’ flagship business-to-business (B2B) event is taking place on June 29th and 30th at the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel.

In addition to the two-day B2B event, which is the largest of its type on the entire European continent, the International Cannabis Business Conference will also host a Global Investment Forum on June 27th at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is the leading cannabis industry event series on the planet, with previous conferences occurring in several countries on multiple continents. The event series is owned and operated by cannabis advocates that believe in celebrating cannabis culture, in addition to providing world-class cannabis industry education and networking opportunities.

“We are extremely excited about this year’s conference in Berlin given how close Germany is to modernizing its cannabis policies. It is going to be extra special for our team to offer world-class cannabis industry and policy education, networking, and entertainment to attendees at such a historic time for Europe’s emerging cannabis industry,” says Alex Rogers, founder of the International Cannabis Business Conference.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to gain an edge on the competition in the emerging international cannabis industry, and it’s vital for people to get their idea, product, or service in front of the right people at the right time. With executives, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry service providers converging from across the planet in Berlin this week, the B2B trade show event in Berlin is the perfect place for people to put their cannabis ideas on the global cannabis stage. Click here for a full list of B2B conference speakers.

Not all networking opportunities are created equal, and that is particularly true in the cannabis space. International Cannabis Business Conference events are attended by cannabis leaders from dozens of different countries, with the Berlin B2B event serving as the top international cannabis event of its type for 2023. Click here for the event’s full schedule and curriculum.

Cannabis industry opportunities that are popping up in Germany and on the European continent have tremendous profit potential, and the Global Investment Forum is the perfect place for entrepreneurs to try to secure capital to take their pursuits to the next level. It is also an unparalleled opportunity for investors to learn more about pre-vetted investment opportunities and for industry service providers to find reliable and high-end clients.

“We know how hard it is for quality investors to link up with vetted cannabis industry companies offering valuable investment opportunities,” Rogers stated. “That is why we are bringing the Global Investment Forum back to Berlin. It will be a prime networking opportunity for cannabis industry investors, entrepreneurs, and industry service providers alike.”

Sixty-one percent of polled Germans support the controlled sale of adult-use cannabis in licensed stores. It is estimated that legalizing cannabis sales for adult use in Germany would quickly create 27,000 new jobs. Additionally, Germany’s current legalization plan includes removing cannabis from the country’s narcotics law, which will have a significant impact on all sectors of the nation’s emerging cannabis industry.

Thousands of cannabis leaders from dozens of countries will be represented at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers. Attend the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to take your industry pursuits to the next level.

A limited number of tickets are currently available. Secure your tickets now before the events sell out!

Jim Belushi Belushi's Farm

Jim Belushi Talks Cannabis Ahead Of Fireside Chat In Berlin

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

This year’s International Cannabis Business Conference event in Berlin will feature a one-on-one fireside chat with acclaimed entertainer Jim Belushi. Jim Belushi is a man of many talents – actor, singer, comedian, dancer, and now a legal cannabis farmer. We asked Belushi a series of cannabis questions ahead of his appearance in Berlin and below is what he had to say:

ICBC: How does farming cannabis compare to your other pursuits?

Belushi: They both are on a mission to make people feel good, whether you’re making them laugh in a comedy or performing the Blues Brothers and filling their souls with music, or giving them cannabis to heal their anxieties, hopelessness, pain…. or just making them feel good and euphoric. The entertainment industry and the cannabis industry don’t hurt anybody. You can’t overdose if you laugh too much and you can’t overdose if you smoke too much pot. You may pass out if you eat too much of an edible, and I may have peed my pants from laughing too hard (especially at John Candy movies). But all in all, I’ve been at my business for 40 years and cannabis for 7 and they both have the same purpose — making people feel a little bit better. So I feel like I’m on track. They’re the same medicine.

ICBC: Belushi’s Farm is located in Southern Oregon. What made you decide to choose that region?

Belushi: Southern Oregon chose me. My friend has a beautiful ranch down the Rogue River that I used to visit with my family twice a year. I went into the river naked one time and came out baptized, with a new spiritual release. I said to my friend, “Do you know of any other properties around here?” And that was it. I didn’t know Southern Oregon was the premiere spot to grow cannabis at the time… I was brought to Southern Oregon.

ICBC: What types of products does your company make?

Belushi: Belushi’s Farm is home to a range of offerings including The Blues Brothers, Captain Jack’s Gulzar Afghanica (a rare strain from the Hindu Kush region that became known in the ’70s as “The Smell of SNL”), Good Ugly Weed, Belushi’s Farm premium brand. We’ve got a variety of products including flower, ice cream, hash and vape pens.

ICBC: What markets are they available in? Do you have plans to expand to other continents?

Belushi: We’re currently available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota. As for other continents, watch Season 3 of GROWING BELUSHI to see where we may take the adventure next!

ICBC: What is your personal cannabis consumption regimen?

Belushi: I’m a microdoser. It’s medicine to me. I take 2.5-5mg of the Blues Brothers Bhang Chocolate to help me sleep. I’ll smoke a little Cherry Pie at the end of the day to help me with the transition into the evening. It’s medicine to me…“This medicine is so good, people take it FOR the side effects.”

ICBC: What was your experience like making your hit show ‘Growing Belushi’ on the Discovery Channel? How did that cannabis-focused project compare to other projects you have worked on?

Belushi: This is a big question and deserves its own essay. But in short, all the other projects I’ve been involved with in show business have been scripted. Growing Belushi was all improvised, every scene, every moment. That takes a lot of concentration, a lot of wit, a lot of trust in your own ability, and a lot of overshooting to pull together an hour show each week. But that being said, it’s rewarding and joyous and fun when you’re able to create everything in the show. I love it.

ICBC: What have you learned from visiting dispensaries in Oregon and beyond? 

Belushi: I visit a lot of dispensaries. In Oregon, I actually deliver to dispensaries and I do personal appearances and meet & greets. I have learned 85% of what I know about cannabis from these visits and experiences, which has changed this from a business to a journey to the pathway to healing. There are people, so many people, in need of medicine. From the veterans with PTSD, quadriplegics with spasms, people with shattered bones from car accidents, people with MS, dementia, sleeplessness, cancer on chemotherapy…the list goes on and on. In the dispensaries, I realized this was no longer just a business, it was necessary for the health of our community, for the people who suffer, the people who struggle, the people who are screaming inside the cavity of their bodies. I personally don’t use Ambien or Xanax for anxiety or even Advil. And I don’t really drink. Cannabis has replaced all these needs. I see a community growing larger in the pursuit of using cannabis as a substitute for medications and alcohol and opiates. I have been moved to tears many times.

ICBC: What advice do you have for aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs?

Belushi: My advice to aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs is to stay out. The margins aren’t there yet. Between the fluctuation of the pricing of the pounds, the taxing, the banking, and the amount of initial capital, I would say don’t do it. Unless your passion overrides your pocketbook.

ICBC: What is the biggest challenge facing the emerging cannabis industry today, in your opinion?

Belushi: The tens of thousands of nonviolent cannabis prisoners that are still in jail for the plant. That’s why I support Last Prisoner Project.

What do you have coming up that people should have on their radars?

Belushi: I have a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon. Follow me, my cannabis show ‘Growing Belushi,’ and my farm on social media and check out my website to keep up on all things Belushi. And, of course, join me in Berlin at the end of this month at the International Cannabis Business Conference where I will be doing a fireside chat, followed by a performance at the conference after-party. See you there!

ICBC: What is the best way for folks to keep up on all of your cannabis industry pursuits?

Belushi: Through Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and the website.

SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals

SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals Signs Supply Contract With Cosma Poland

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

LISBON, Portugal (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals Unipessoal LDA (“SOMAÍ”) has entered into a two-year supply agreement with a well-respected Polish distributor Cosma Cannabis. Cosma produces medical-grade cannabis products for importation and distribution across Poland. The contract represents 1,000,000 euros in sales for SOMAÍ’s 2024 goals to develop the fast-emerging medical cannabis markets of Poland.

“We are very proud that Cosma has chosen SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals as their preferred manufacturer to penetrate the Polish market with our extract formulations,” said SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals CEO and Chairman Michael Sassano. “Being one of the first manufacturers in a large market with positive regulatory reforms must have good partners like Cosma that can effectively educate and represent our current and future product offerings.”

By the terms of the agreement, SOMAÍ has agreed to supply medical cannabis products to Cosma for distribution in Poland under the trademark of Cosma. Additionally, Cosma will be granted Marketing Authorization to supply, market, and distribute the products within the designated territory. It has been stipulated in the agreement that Cosma will carry out the distribution of the products in compliance with the agreed-upon terms and conditions.

The medical cannabis products distributed under the Agreement consist of oil drops in various ratios of THC/CBD, including 25:1, 10:10, 2.5:25, and 20:1.

The Polish market for medical cannabis products has grown rapidly in recent years, with a number of patients seeking alternative treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. The demand for high-quality medical cannabis products in Poland is exceptionally high. SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals’ products are especially needed in the Polish market due to their high quality and effectiveness in treating various medical conditions, such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and epilepsy.

“Initiation cooperation with SOMAÍ has allowed us to offer innovative medicinal substances in the Polish market. We plan to develop products dedicated to Eastern Europe patients jointly. Due to the unique composition and the use of particular ingredients in these products, their absorption by the human body will be much greater than that of competitor’s products.” – said Lukasz Kreski, CHAIRMAN and Co-Founder of COSMA. “We also plan to begin joint clinical research and studies in pain management, inflammatory conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and oncology.”

About SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals is an international company focused on the extraction of the cannabis plant and manufacturing pharmaceutic formulations for the EU market. The company invests in the extraction, research, development, and distribution of EU GMP-pharmaceutical market-authorized cannabinoid products. For more information, please visit SOMAÍ’s website. You can read SOMAÍ’s and CEO Michael Sassano’s articles here.

Press Contacts:
Nataliia Garnina
Marketing Manager
+351 963 551 216
ng@somaipharma.eu

Commercial Contact:
Geroge Bellow
Chief Operational Officer
George@somaipharma.eu

ABOUT COSMA

Cosma Cannabis is a Polish cannabis company. Cosma offers natural and safe dietary supplements that are based solely on high-quality, natural herbal extracts and free of synthetic additives. By incorporating traditional herbal extracts such as chamomile, mint, and hops, Cosma’s products cater to the specific needs of patients. The key advantages of Cosma products include proven and consistent composition, easy dosing, and the absence of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol. For more information, please visit https://cosmacannabis.com/.

Commercial Contact:
Lukasz Kreski
Chairman/Co-Founder
lukasz.kreski@cosma.pl

Source: GlobeNewswire

purple cannabis plant flower bud

What Is Next For The Cannabis Industry?

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

The emerging legal cannabis industry is continuing to undergo a dramatic evolution, particularly in Europe. The momentum for global reform is greater now than at any other time since the dawn of prohibition, and the biggest domino to date is teetering and getting closer to toppling with every passing day. That domino is, of course, Germany.

Cannabis advocates have fought for reform in Germany for many years, however, the legalization effort picked up considerable steam in mid-2021 when the results of the federal election that year yielded a governing coalition that quickly expressed its desire to modernize Europe’s cannabis policies.

Germany was already home to the largest legal medical cannabis industry in Europe at the time, and initially, it seemed that Germany would launch legal national adult-use cannabis sales in a quick fashion. Then, for over a year, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach worked behind the scenes, with details of his legalization plan leaking every once in a while.

Eventually, Minister Lauterbach held a press conference in October 2022 to announce some of the provisions he would be seeking but made it abundantly clear that his next stop was the European Union to try to get its permission to proceed.

Unfortunately, the effort hit some turbulence once Germany’s Health Minister started negotiating with the European Union, with Minister Lauterbach providing an update in April 2023 in which he indicated that the European Union would allow parts of the previously outlined legalization plan to proceed and prohibit other parts.

The main component that the European Union stated it would not permit was nationwide adult-use cannabis sales to anyone of legal age. The blocking of that robust provision seemed to send many newer industry members into a bit of a spiral. The fact of the matter is that cannabis reform rarely, if ever, follows a linear path. It is full of twists and turns, and Germany is the latest example of that.

With those twists and turns comes opportunity, as not everyone is able to navigate the shifting landscape. People who are able to navigate the shifting landscape, that can identify trends, and maximize windows of opportunity, will reap significant rewards.

What legalization will ultimately look like in Germany once it is finally implemented is something that we will have to wait and see, however, the basic provisions are already known – personal cultivation, possession, and consumption will be legal and noncommercial clubs will be permitted.

Eventually, regional adult-use commerce pilot programs will launch as well. All of that creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry service providers if they know what to anticipate and where to focus on developing innovative ideas.

The best way to learn what is next for the emerging cannabis industry, both in Germany and beyond, is to hear from true international cannabis experts that spend every day on the frontlines of cannabis reform and industry. Fortunately, the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany later this month provides that exact opportunity.

Following yet another successful cannabis super-event in Barcelona, the International Cannabis Business Conference is once again bringing its flagship B2B event and tradeshow back to Berlin, Germany on June 29th-30th, 2023. In addition to the B2B event, which is the largest of its type in Europe, the International Cannabis Business Conference will also hold a Global Investment Forum in Berlin on June 27th.

Both events will feature leading cannabis industry experts, and the B2B event has a panel specifically dedicated to discussing what is next for the international cannabis industry now that the curtain dropped in Germany. The panel will feature:

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries will be represented at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers.

Attend the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with investors, entrepreneurs, industry regulators, and international policymakers and take your industry pursuits to the next level. Secure your tickets now before the event sells out!

planet earth

The Global Rise Of Medical Cannabis

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

The legal medical cannabis industry is a global powerhouse now, however, that was obviously not always the case. International economists estimate that the legal medical cannabis market topped $31.8 billion USD in 2022 and that by 2030 the market size could more than double.

Yet, the emerging legal medical cannabis industry comes from fairly humble beginnings going back to the mid-1990s in California. A coalition of dedicated activists succeeded in getting the first medical cannabis legalization measure passed in California in 1996 and that victory set off a chain reaction that is still sweeping the globe today.

As medical cannabis reform has spread across the planet over the better part of the last three decades, the industry itself has evolved considerably during the same time period. The young legal industry in California in the mid-1990s doesn’t resemble the medical cannabis industry in existence today, including within California’s own borders.

The modern medical cannabis industry is far more sophisticated now compared to decades past, and rules and regulations are far more complex. With the rise of legal medical cannabis imports and exports, the complexities will likely only increase going forward.

Furthermore, adult-use reform is on the move, particularly in Europe where Germany is on the cusp of passing a national adult-use legalization measure. The modernization of adult-use cannabis policies will no doubt have an impact on medical cannabis policies in the regions where adult-use reform occurs.

All of that can make it hard to get a grasp on trends and opportunities, and it’s even harder when the industry and policy landscape shifts, which seems to be a frequent thing these days. Fortunately, there’s an opportunity to learn directly from leading international cannabis experts at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin on June 29th-30th.

One of the panels for the conference, which is the largest and longest-running event of its type in Europe, is dedicated to discussing the rise of the global medical cannabis industry, and what impact legalization in Germany will have on the sector.

Georgia Glick, Head of Partnerships for Hanway Associates, will serve as the moderator of ‘The Global Rise of Medical Cannabis’ panel in Berlin. Joining Georgia Glick will be Lily Temperton, Head of Analysis for Hanway Associates, Lisa Haag, Founder of MJ_Universe, Alex Revich, Equity Partner at Hybrid Pharm and Cannabis Education & Medical Partnerships at Loosh Brands, Fleta Solomon, CEO of Little Green Pharma, and Dr. Malgorzata Meunier, CSO of Hapa Pharm.

Germany has emerged as a key player in the global medical cannabis market, with a robust regulatory framework and a growing number of patients accessing cannabis for therapeutic use. Although, Germany is not alone in its pursuit of medical cannabis.

Around the world, countries are exploring the potential of cannabis to treat a range of conditions, from chronic pain to epilepsy to cancer. In this panel, experts from Germany and beyond will take a closer look at the role of Germany in the international medical cannabis industry and explore emerging markets and pilot programs around the planet.

The panel will also discuss the critical importance of education for healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers to ensure the safe and effective use of medical cannabis. You can view the full schedule for the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin at this link here.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries will be represented at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers.

Attend the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with investors, entrepreneurs, industry regulators, and international policymakers and take your industry pursuits to the next level. Secure tickets now before the event is sold out!

cannabis infused tea

Hemp Leaves No Longer A Novel Food Under EU Law

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

Cannabinoid-based products are increasing in popularity across the globe, and particularly so in Europe. ‘Cannabis light’ products are widely available in Europe, although they are not always completely legal.

Part of the problem is the patchwork of laws, rules, and regulations in Europe, with individual countries often having their own set of policies, with the European Union having sometimes conflicting policies. What is legal in one country may not be legal in another country, and all of it may be illegal in the eyes of the European Union depending on the situation.

To further complicate things, hemp and cannabis are treated differently by the governments of Europe (and elsewhere on earth), even though they are ultimately the same plant. If the THC content of a plant is under a threshold, typically .3-1%, then it is hemp. If it is above the threshold, then it is cannabis according to various governments.

It may seem like a big game of semantics to some, however, when it comes to public policy in Europe and the emerging industries that are governed by such policies, words matter. Thankfully, there is now reportedly clarification for hemp leaves at the European Union level, with the EU recently indicating that hemp leaves are no longer considered to be a ‘Novel Food.’ Per Cannabis Health News:

Hemp leaves, when separate from the flower, are now no longer classed as a Novel Food under EU law, permitting the sale of hemp-infused tea and tea-like products in member states.

An agreement to modify the Novel Food Catalogue was reached by EU members as part of a European Commission (EC) working group on Friday 2 June.

It’s now over four years since the EC made the controversial decision to classify all parts of the plants as Novel, meaning companies would need to apply for Novel Food status in order to legally sell cannabinoid-based products containing less than 0.3% THC in the EU.

The recent decision is obviously significant for people that sell cannabis teas and other products derived from hemp leaves. However, the decision clearly does not go far enough, and anything that is not derived from hemp leaves still faces a considerable amount of bureaucratic hurdles.

Europe’s emerging cannabis industry is increasing in size despite the playing field being far from level for cannabis companies compared to companies in many other major industries. Hopefully the governments of Europe, and the European Union itself, moves faster to modernize the continent’s cannabis policies.

euros currency

How Will German Legalization Affect Europe’s Emerging Cannabis Industry?

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

As a long-time cannabis activist in the United States, I have personally witnessed the ‘cannabis political butterfly effect.’ Cannabis activists worked at the state level to legalize medical cannabis for many years with no victories in the United States, although it wasn’t for lack of effort.

That all changed in 1996 with the passage of medical cannabis legalization in California. That one victory would quickly prove to be the first domino that would knock over several others in the years that followed, with state after state passing measures via citizen initiative or legislative action.

The same thing happened with adult-use legalization. The first states to legalize in the U.S. were Colorado and Washington in 2012, and roughly a decade later the list has grown exponentially to 22 states, two territories, and Washington D.C. Both policy shift patterns demonstrate the butterfly effect.

This is not to say that every reform victory sets off a public policy chain reaction. Obviously, Uruguay legalized cannabis for adult use and it was not until a handful of years later that Canada did the same, and then a few years after that before Malta passed its own legalization measure. Those examples highlight that not all prohibition dominos are created equal.

One international legalization domino is looming over all the rest right now – Germany. Germany is in the middle of a historic push to pass a national legalization measure, and we now know many of the policy facets that will be involved, although it’s still unclear what many of the regulatory requirements will be.

What is clear is that Germany is likely to spark a series of similar reform measures being introduced and passed in other countries, particularly in Europe. It is completely logical to assume that there will be a policy butterfly effect once Germany legalizes, unlike what has happened so far in Canada, Uruguay, and Malta.

Germany shares more borders (9) with other countries than any other nation in Europe. It is very unlikely that successful legalization in Germany will fail to move the needle in the region. Leaders in the Czech Republic have already publicly indicated that they will follow Germany’s lead, and presumably, several other countries are just waiting for Germany’s process to get further along before they do the same.

Germany is home to the world’s fourth-largest economy and holds tremendous political influence at the continental and global levels. Legalization in Germany is going to encourage countries throughout the world to get on the ride side of history and work to end cannabis prohibition at a level never previously witnessed since the dawn of prohibition.

This is all stellar news for the emerging legal international cannabis industry, as every reform victory yields new opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, industry service providers, etc. Cannabis reform is on the move around the world, particularly in Europe, and that directly benefits overall industry pursuits.

With that being said, there are still many questions to be answered, not the least of which are how fast can people expect things to start moving, and where should they focus their attention. Some nations are going to move faster than others, and some markets are going to be worth holding out for compared to other markets that may have a lower barrier to entry but less profit potential.

Figuring that all out is not an easy task, and that is why we are encouraging people to come to learn straight from one of the best in the business at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin on July 29-30th. Renowned international cannabis expert Peter Homberg will provide a keynote address dedicated to the topic of how legalization in Germany will affect the international cannabis industry. Peter Homberg is a partner at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, and possesses a wealth of knowledge of cannabis policy and industry trends.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries will be represented at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers. Attend the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with investors, entrepreneurs, industry regulators, and international policymakers and take your industry pursuits to the next level.

Secure your tickets now before the event is sold out!

Bern Switzerland

Switzerland Cannabis Pilot Programs Set To Expand

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

Switzerland is home to a cannabis commerce public policy experiment that is based on a concept which is seemingly growing in popularity in policy and regulatory circles. The concept, limited regional cannabis commerce pilot projects, is already in operation in Basel, Switzerland where 374 people between the ages of 18 and 76 can make legal adult-use cannabis purchases.

Additional pilot programs were approved for Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and Bern, with Bern’s pilot program set to launch this fall. The pilot program in Bern ‘plans to recruit 1,091 participants, including approximately 600 in the federal city’ according to domestic reporting.

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city with a population of roughly 400,000 people, although the overall metro area pushes that number considerably higher. Zurich’s pilot program is expected to launch at the end of the summer and will involve 3,000 participants when fully operational. Participants will be able to make legal cannabis purchases from an expected 21 regulated outlets in Zurich.

Switzerland is not the only nation pursuing plans for regional pilot programs. Officials in Denmark are pursuing their own plans, and Germany is likely to eventually become the largest embracer of such public policy efforts. German lawmakers are working right now to hammer out details that will serve as the foundation for the nation’s pilot programs.

Officials in Frankfurt and Offenbach have already declared their intentions to launch pilot programs, and they are surely not alone. Germany will not be the first place where pilot programs are launched, however, the nation that serves as home to the largest economy in Europe will likely prove to be the place where pilot programs become the most common, and on a much larger scale than what will be found in Switzerland.

The expansion of pilot programs in Switzerland is worthy of celebration to be sure, although the scope of the nation’s pilot programs needs to be kept in proper context. They are very limited in size and are not coupled with noncommercial cannabis clubs like what is being pursued in Germany and proposed in the Czech Republic.

What Switzerland really needs, and this is true for every country on earth, is a robust cannabis policy that ensures safe access to all forms of medical cannabis for suffering patients, and incorporates regulated adult-use commerce for all cannabis products, regardless of THC content, to help boost public health outcomes.

ICBC Global Investment Forum

Network With International Cannabis Investors At The Berlin Global Investment Forum

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

Proper timing is a vital ingredient to success in every industry, and particularly so in the emerging international cannabis industry.

The legal cannabis space is still very young, especially at the global level, and many investors, entrepreneurs, industry service providers, policymakers, and regulators are networking extensively right now to figure out who to collaborate with.

Being at the right place at the right time can literally mean the difference between crushing it in the emerging industry in the coming years or fading away.

The upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference Global Investment Forum, taking place on June 27th in Berlin, is the best time and place to effectively network with true global cannabis leaders, including top industry investors.

It is extremely rare that this many true global cannabis experts and leaders get together in one place, and even rarer for an event to host the caliber of individuals and entities that will be speaking and/or attending this specific forum.

Below is a list of speakers that will be participating in the Global Investment Forum in Berlin:

  • David Traylor – Senior Managing Director, Golden Eagle Partners
  • Peter Homberg – Partner, Dentons Head of European Cannabis Group
  • Ngaio Bealum – Conference Master of Ceremonies
  • Jamie Pearson – International Consultant, New Holland Group
  • Todd Born – Co-Founder and CEO, The Alpen Group
  • Steve Winokur – Global Head of Cannabis Investment Banking, Canaccord Genuity Corp.
  • Carmen Doran – CEO of Helius Therapeutics, Board Member of the New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Council
  • Constantin von der Groeben – Co-Founder and Managing Director, Demecan
  • rer. nat. Adrian Fischer – Co-Founder and Managing Director, Demecan
  • Vera Broder – CEO, MHI Cultivo Medicinal SA.
  • Joel Redelman – Founding Partner, Redfield Group, Chairman, Promethean Biopharma
  • Benedikt Sons – Co-Founder, Managing Director and CEO of Cansativa Group
  • Robert T. Hoban – Member, Co-Chair of the Cannabis Industry Group, & Member-in-Charge of the Clark Hill Denver Office
  • Nic Easley – CEO, 3C Consulting & Multiverse Capital Managing Director
  • Alex Rogers – CEO & Executive Director, International Cannabis Business Conference
  • Oliver Lamb – Co-Founder and Investment Manager, Oskare Capital
  • Hilary Black – Pionner, Founder, and Advisor
  • Alex Revich – Equity Partner at Hybrid Pharm, Cannabis Education & Medical Parternships at Loosh Brands
  • Cornelius Maurer – Co-Founder, Demecan
  • Kai-Friedrich Niermann – Founder, KFN+ Law Office
  • Lewis Koski – Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Metrc LLC
  • Lisa Haag – Founder, MJ_Universe
  • Giovanni Venturini Del Greco – Founder and CEO, Herbolea Biotech
  • Daniel Haymann – Legal Counsel, MME Legal
  • Trenton Birch – Co-Founder & CEO, Cheeba Africa
  • Luc Richner – CEO Founder, Cannavigia
  • Marcus Moser – MB & Partner, Zurich Und Moser consulting, Guglingen

The Global Investment Forum will be held at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin on June 27th. A VIP reception will occur the night prior at the exclusive Adlon Terrace in the shadow of the iconic Brandenburg Gate.

Given the historical push to legalize cannabis in Germany right now, the setting for the Global Investment Forum VIP reception could not be better.

You can view the International Cannabis Business Conference Global Investment Forum’s full schedule at this link here. Ticket prices go up on May 17th at 11:59 PM – register now and save!

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Colombia Needs To Improve Its Cannabis Export Regulations

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

Out of all of the countries on earth, you will be hard-pressed to find a country that is better suited to benefit from international cannabis reform than Colombia, at least from a raw cannabis production standpoint.

It is no secret that for many years Colombia has produced a significant amount of unregulated cannabis, thanks in large part to where the nation is located geographically and Colombia’s climate. Colombia is literally one of the best places on the planet to cultivate cannabis on a large scale, if not the best.

Colombia has a distinct advantage over many other countries when it comes to cannabis production, and that, in turn, makes it a top potential source for legal cannabis internationally. As the South American country tries to transition from an unregulated cannabis industry to a regulated one, a major issue that it needs to address is export regulations.

According to domestic reporting, medical cannabis exporters in Colombia are complaining about lower-than-expected export sales, and they are pointing at government bureaucracy as the reason why the sales are lackluster. Per Bloomberg Linea (translated from Spanish to English):

Sales of medical cannabis products have not met the expectations that companies had in light of issues ranging from delays in registration, permits, banking mechanisms and other regulatory issues, the National Association of Foreign Trade (Analdex) reported on Monday.

Exporters point out that “external sales of cannabis for medical use have been hampered and have been considerably affected.”

Entrepreneurs in the sector occasionally refer to delays in registration with the National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (Invima).

In addition, they warn about alleged delays in the processes of the National Narcotics Fund.

If Colombia’s medical cannabis industry is ever going to reach its full potential, the process for obtaining permission from the government to export raw cannabis and cannabis products needs to be overhauled and streamlined.

It is definitely worth noting that not all of Colombia’s export issues are due solely to what is going on within the nation’s borders. International treaties, policies, and enforcement practices also make cannabis exports more difficult in general for any nation, including Colombia. As such, reform is needed at the international level as well.

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The Top European Cannabis Companies In 2023

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Europe’s emerging legal cannabis industry is undergoing a significant evolution right now, which is guaranteed to last through at least the rest of this decade. Several countries are pursuing adult-use cannabis reform, most notably Germany, and the continent’s legalization model is starting to take shape.

Meanwhile, Europe’s medical cannabis industry continues to increase in size and scope, and products low in THC, or focused on other cannabinoids such as CBD, are gaining in popularity and availability. Various industry projections currently exist, however, it’s likely that many of them will prove to be too conservative by the time this decade is over.

The coming years in Europe will yield cannabis companies that will likely serve as titans of the continent’s emerging cannabis industry for decades to come. Below are the top companies to keep an eye on (in no particular order).

Weeco – Weeco is a European multi-country operator focusing on medical cannabis product development. The company produces pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis products, conducts cannabis genetics research, and designs product dispensing technology.

Dentons – Dentons Law Firm is one of the leading firms on the entire planet, and while they represent clients from a variety of industries, they also have an area of practice that is dedicated to the emerging cannabis industry.

Canninteligence – CannIntelligence provides independent, in-depth regulatory and market data and intelligence for the global cannabis and cannabinoid sector.

SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals – SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals is a specialist biotechnology company delivering transformative treatments to meet the evolving healthcare needs of medical cannabis patients. The company creates novel treatments that truly engage the power of the cannabis plant to alleviate debilitating chronic conditions.

Fluence – Fluence creates lighting solutions for controlled environment commercial crop production, including cannabis production. Fluence applies the latest research in photobiology, evidence-based design, precise engineering, and advanced technology to foster a healthier and more sustainable cannabis industry.

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.

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.

Weiss Technik – Weiss Technik is a world market leader for environmental simulation systems and a leader in heat technology, climate technology, and pharmaceutical systems.

HAPA Pharm – HAPA Pharm is a German company that operates internationally with a focus on the development, production, and distribution of cannabinoid-containing products.

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.

Cannavigia – Cannavigia is Europe’s pioneer compliance software for businesses to trace, secure, and simplify transactions along the entire cannabis supply network. The company’s proprietary system provides transparency for individual processes, interlinked by modules for the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of goods made of cannabis.

Marry Jane CBD – Marry Jane CBD is a Switzerland-based retailer specializing in CBD products, including flowers, oils, tinctures, cosmetics, and sports gels.

BATHERA – BATHERA is a licensed wholesale medical cannabis company based in Germany. Since 2019, BATHERA has been committed to the responsible trade of medical cannabis for therapeutic purposes and only collaborates with high-quality indoor producers and specialized pharmacies.

Storz and 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.

Paradise Seeds – Paradise Seeds was founded by Luc Krol in 1994 in Amsterdam. More than 50 cups have been won by Paradise Seeds in several cannabis cups since 1999, as well as some honorable mentions, such as Plant of the Year 2003 for Sensi Star (High Times magazine).

Boveda – Boveda makes patented two-way humidity control pouches that preserve the rich flavors, delicious aromas, and potent effects of cannabis. The pouches can be stored along with cannabis flower to help extend the cannabis’ shelf life.

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.

Futurola – Since 1996, Futurola has served as Amsterdam’s leading brand for rolling papers and personal consumption equipment. The company sells products all over the globe, including rolling machines and various other consumption rolling accessories.

CannaMedical – Cannamedical is one of the leading independent licensed pharmaceutical wholesalers in the European Union, specializing in medical cannabis. The company also produces content and the ‘CannaAcademy.’

Huber – Huber is a leading supplier of high-precision temperature control solutions for cannabis research and industry. The company’s products ensure precise temperature control in laboratories and production facilities.

Plagron – Plagron is a reliable producer and global supplier of high-quality substrates, fertilizers, additives, and germination products for both personal and commercial cannabis gardens.

Bedrocan – Bedrocan produces five cannabis products or plant varieties for medicine development, patients, and clinical use. Each cannabis product is standardized according to pharmaceutical standards with a defined active ingredient composition. Every stage of the manufacturing process is GMP-certified (good manufacturing practice).

Tilray – Tilray is a global leader in cannabis research, cultivation, processing, and distribution. The company aspires to lead, legitimize, and define the future of the cannabis industry by building the world’s most trusted cannabis and hemp company. Tilray was the first GMP-certified medical cannabis producer to supply cannabis flower and extract products to tens of thousands of patients, physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, governments, and researchers on five continents.

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.

Sensi Seeds – Sensi Seeds pioneered the cannabis seed industry in 1985. Today, the company is the world’s largest cannabis seedbank with over 500 varieties. These genetics and the brand name have become true classics in the cannabis community. Additionally, the Dutch government chose Sensi Seeds genetics to develop the medicinal cannabis supplied by pharmacies.

Canopy Growth – Canopy Growth Corporation is a world-leading diversified cannabis company. Canopy operates a collection of diverse brands and curated strain varieties, supports millions of square feet of indoor greenhouse production capacity, and has partnered with some of the leading names in the sector.

HOMEbox – HOMEbox is the first indoor greenhouse designed in Germany. For over 20 years, customers worldwide have trusted the market leader HOMEbox. With home cultivation legalization on the horizon in Germany, HOMEbox products will likely experience a big spike in demand in the coming years.

Hesi – Hesi is a thriving international company with a global reach including Europe, America, Asia, and South America. The company makes plant aids and soil additives that are mixed, filled, and packed in the company’s production facility in Kerkrade, the Netherlands.

HBI Europe – HBI Europe produces several popular cannabis consumption brands, including RAW, Elements, and Juicy Jay’s, as well as produces various types of scales.

Lux Light – For over 20 years Lux Light International has specialized in the development, production, and marketing of high-valued horticultural lighting solutions. The company product range concentrates on high-quality lamps, complete fixtures, ballasts, and LED modules for the qualitative and economical demands of cannabis cultivation.

Quality Services International (QSI) – QSI is an accredited laboratory with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and experienced, continuously trained specialist staff. The company is certified to carry out GMP analysis of medical cannabis.

Pure Holding AG – Pure Holding AG is among the largest, fully vertically integrated cannabis companies in the European market. It covers the entire value chain of the cannabis industry with its 6 entities – Pure Production, DEOM, Puregene, Pure Pharma, Pure Europe GmbH, and Pure Europe Sàrl.

Canna – Canna produces nutrients and growing media for cannabis plants. The company was founded in the early 1990s, and all its products are scientifically tested before they are launched.

LUX 99 – LUX 99 provides express delivery of medical cannabis products throughout Germany. The 2nd generation, family-owned company also has two pharmacy locations.

Cannovum Cannabis AG – Cannovum is a fully licensed medical cannabis company with the vision that every patient deserves the best therapy.

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Attend CannaPortugal On May 19th And 20th

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

It is a truly historic era right now for cannabis policy, industry, and research, particularly on the European continent. Adult-use legalization is receiving significant attention in Europe right now, and understandably so. However, there’s currently far more going on with the continent’s emerging legal cannabis industry than just the push to legalize adult-use sales.

Europe’s legal medical cannabis industry continues to make strides at the national level, and ‘cannabis light’ is a sector of the industry that is growing in popularity. Products focused on hemp-derived CBD and lesser-known cannabinoids continue to enter the space as well.

All the while laws are being reformed, rules and regulations are being implemented, and consumer and patient trends continue to evolve. With so much going on in Europe’s cannabis industry, it can be difficult to keep up with the best and most timely information.

The CannaPortugal International Hemp and Cannabis Expo will take place on May 19th and 20th at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa/Junqueira and we are encouraging people that are serious about the cannabis industry to consider attending. The event will bring hundreds of investors and specialists from more than a dozen countries together in a single space, in addition to featuring exhibitors and celebrities from the cannabis research and economic sectors.

“This is an event with established credits, in Lisbon, which aims to disseminate scientific knowledge, add value and accompany the expansion of the hemp sector, in particular, and cannabis, in general, as well as to reinforce the entire production process, without forgetting the positive impact that cannabis activity has in the field of human rights, quality of life, health, sustainability of the planet and economic development.” event organizers stated in a press release.

CannaPortugal integrates several initiatives, with a view to different professional areas and audiences. In addition to the Fair component of the event, with close to a hundred companies and national and international projects, the Expo integrates a B2B (business to business) program.

Additionally, CannaPortugal will feature professional workshops, to be carried out by specialist trainers in the area of ​​cannabis medicine, including:

  • Dr. Tanja Bagar, Slovenia
  • Dr. Neuza Fernandes, Brazil
  • Dr. Rafael Traldi, Brazil
  • Hugo Monteiro, Portugal
  • Chef Luís Pimenta, Portugal

CannaPortugal will also feature debates and round tables, with renowned national and international speakers, including:

  • Luna Stower, USA
  • Marcelo De Vita Grecco, Brazil
  • Del HendriXson, USA
  • João Taborda Gama, Portugal
  • Peter Homberg, Germany
  • Marcelo Demp, Paraguay
  • Elad Kaspin, Israel-Portugal
  • Maria Lourdes Serpa, USA
  • Giocomo Bulleri, Italy
  • Maren Krings, Germany
  • Sofia Fernandes, Portugal
  • Pedro Anastácio, Portugal
  • Bozidar Radisic, Slovenia
  • Carlos Beltrão, Spain
  • Neuza Fernandes, Brazil
  • Grant M. Saxena, USA
  • André Fajardo, Brazil
  • Eric Boone, USA
  • Francisco Almeida Ferraz, Portugal
  • Mila Jansen, Holand
  • Rita Oliveira, Portugal
  • Maurício Galvão, Brazil
  • Aimée- Aimée A. Drouin, USA
  • Carla Da Silva, Canada

The Expo also includes a wide range of innovative cultural activities, including the Global Cannabis Awards to honor personalities, countries, and projects that have contributed to the advancement of the cannabis industry around the globe.

Also, the event will include the HempAction Cannabis Fashion Show by GreenFits and Neuron Bonus with the participation of Weedog (Brazil) Cannabis Holistic Therapeutic Center. There will also be the Cannabis Art Space, a Media Center for the media and influencers, the Enthronement of the Confraria Internacional Cannabis Portugal, a Car Exhibition with hemp components, a Cannabis Food and Drinks Court, as well as music by Carlota Barros, vocalist of Telefonia.

CannaPortugal will be open on May 19th and 20th from 10am to 8pm. On May 21st, CannaPortugal participants and visitors will be offered a special tour of the capital – “Lisbon Cannabis Historical Tour” – which aims to explore the relationship between Portugal and the traditional cultivation of hemp in the country.

You can find out more about CannaPortugal and purchase tickets at: https://cannaportugal.com