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2023 Slovenia
Science & Technology Conference Schedule

7-8 September 2023

Thursday, 7 September 2023

  • 19:00 – 21:00

    VIP Reception

International CBC Slovenia 2023 VIP Party

Friday, 8 Septemeber 2023

  • 10:00

    Conference Introduction

Alex Rogers, Executive Producer of the International Cannabis Business Conference, welcomes conference attendees and provides an overview of the conference schedule, including the panels and speakers that will be providing presentations and interviews. Ngaio Bealum will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Alex Rogers

Alex Rogers

CEO & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, ICBC

Ngaio Bealum

Ngaio Bealum

CONFERENCE MASTER OF CEREMONIES

  • 10:05

    Conference Greetings from the Office of the Prime Minister of Slovenia

Dr. Metka Paragi welcomes ICBC Slovenia conference attendees

Leading international microbiologist Dr. Metka Paragi welcomes attendees of the first-ever International Cannabis Business Conference held in Slovenia. Dr. Paragi currently serves as the Secretary for Health in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and will provide a brief overview of current usage rates in Slovenia, as well as discuss the level of support for policy modernization efforts in the region. Dr. Paragi will also provide an update on the current state of cannabis policy and research in Slovenia.

Dr. Metka Paragi
Dr. Metka Paragi
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH, SLOVENIA
  • 10:15

    Keynote Speaker – Dr. Lumir Ondrej Hanuš

Endocannabinoids and secrets of hibernation: Unlocking the cannabis plant’s full potential to help the world

The cannabis plant is arguably the most versatile plant on the entire planet. It possesses the power to feed, to clothe, and in some cases, to heal. Dr. Lumir Ondrej Hanuš will discuss the importance of medical cannabis research and why it is vital for the medical and scientific communities to embrace cannabis for the sake of humanity.

Lumír Hanuš
Dr. Lumír Hanuš
CHIEF SCIENTIST, LUMIR LAB, ASANA BIO GROUP LTD.
  • 10:45

    Cannabinoid Science

Understanding the unique traits of cannabis
Tamara Lah Turnšek

Prof Dr. Tamara Lah Turnšek

BIOCHEMIST, RESEARCHER, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY, LJUBLJANA

MODERATOR
David Neubauer

Prof. Dr. David Neubauer

PAEDIATRICIAN AND CHILD NEUROLOGIST

Dr. Ilya Reznik

Dr. Ilya Reznik

BOARD-CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN ADULT FORENSIC & CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY, MARENA DIAGNOSTIC AND CONSULTING CENTER, ISRAEL

Borut Štrukelj, PhD

Prof. Dr. Borut Štrukelj

PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT FOR PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY AT THE FACULTY OF PHARMACY, LJUBLJANA

From a scientific standpoint, the cannabis plant is both complex and fascinating. Unlike many other industries, a direct knowledge of the science behind the crop is extremely important for entrepreneurs and investors alike, and the same is true for policymakers and regulators. A team of panelists will examine the science of the cannabis plant, and provide insight into what scientific trends people should have on their radars.

  • 11:40

    Research and Industry

Harnessing research to move the industry forward
Roman Štukelj, Ph.D.

Roman Štukelj, Ph.D.

RESEARCHER AT RESEARCH INSTITUTE, FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA

MODERATOR
Prof Dr. Andreja Čerenak

Ascoc. Prof. Andreja Čerenak, PhD

PROJECT LEADER, SLOVENIAN INSTITUTE OF HOP RESEARCH AND BREWING

Luka Bitežnik

Luka Bitežnik

PHD STUDENT, DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY, BIOTECHNICAL FACULTY, UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA

Bence Mátyás

Bence Mátyás, PhD

FOUNDER AND CEO, GENESIS SFL

Dr. Klemen Zupancic

Klemen Zupančič, PhD

CO-FOUNDER, PLAN Z

Cannabis involves far more than just tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The cannabis plant contains dozens of cannabinoids, with THC being just one example. Researchers are working around the globe to better understand cannabinoids and how they interact with the human body, and with it, how to develop the best cannabis-derived products for medical and adult-use. Panelists will discuss the latest cannabis research, and how it is being used to create the next generation of cannabis products.

  • 12:20 – 13:30

    Lunch

  • 13:30

    Keynote: Modernizing Germany’s Cannabis Policies

What does Germany’s new law actually entail?

Lawmakers in Germany are currently considering a multi-faceted measure that will overhaul the nation’s policies and regulations. The first phase of the proposal involves removing criminal penalties for personal possession, consumption, and cultivation, as well as permitting non-commercial clubs. The second phase of the measure is focused on the launch of regional adult-use commerce pilot programs. Attorney Peter Homberg, partner at leading international business law firm Dentons, will provide in-depth details about both phases of Germany’s current legalization strategy, as well as provide insight regarding what may happen after the two-phase measure is implemented.

Peter Homberg

Peter Homberg

PARTNER, DENTONS HEAD OF EUROPEAN CANNABIS GROUP
  • 14:00

    Policy Reform and Industry

Anticipating policy changes to maximize industry opportunities
Boštjan Koritnik

Boštjan Koritnik

DEPUTY MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF LJUBLJANA

Gašper Friškovec

Gašper Friškovec

CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER, THE TALMAN GROUP

Daniel Podestá

Alex Rogers

CEO & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, ICBC

Božidar Radišic

Božidar Radišic

PROJECT MANAGER AND FOUNDER, RESEARCH NATURE INSTITUTE

Momentum for significant cannabis policy changes at the continental and global level is greater than ever, and the same is true for domestic reform efforts in the Balkan region. However, before the entire region becomes home to legal adult-use sales, entrepreneurs and investors need to know what the political and regulatory processes will likely involve. Panelists will discuss what major policy and regulatory changes are likely to occur in the near future, and how Slovenia and the Balkan region can be strategically positioned to benefit.

  • 14:45

    Emerging Cannabis Opportunities for Slovenia

How can Slovenia benefit from the emerging cannabis industry?
Vida Petrovčič

Vida Petrovčič

LEADING JOURNALIST, COMMENTATOR AND TALK SHOW HOST

MODERATOR
Luka Freyer

Luka Freyer

FOUNDER, MANITU

Petra Marinko

Petra Marinko

FOUNDER AND OWNER, PHARMA G, NABIE

Primož Zorec

Primož Zorec

MANAGER & OWNER, COGREEN D.O.O.

Saša Bajilo

Saša Bajilo

CEO/FOUNDER, ILESOL PHARMACEUTICALS D.O.O

Slovenia is already a major international research hub and a regional leader for CBD-focused product development. As the legal cannabis industry continues to spread across the globe, Slovenia is uniquely positioned to gain a significant share of multiple sectors, particularly research and development. A team of experts will provide a status update for Slovenia’s current legal cannabis industry, as well as discuss how Slovenia’s industry will evolve in the coming years.

  • 15:30

    Break

  • 15:45

    Emerging International Markets

What can Slovenia learn from other countries’ modernization efforts?
Stephen Verbeek

Stephen Verbeek

PRESIDENT & CEO, HELLO CANNABIS

MODERATOR
Jean Claude Scicluna

Jean Claude Scicluna

CANNABINOID SPECIALIST PHYSICIAN, NEUROSCIENCE PHD CANDIDATE, CO-FOUNDER CELLOTEX

Marie Sanchez

Carmen Doran

CEO OF HELIUS THERAPEUTICS, BOARD MEMBER OF THE NEW ZEALAND MEDICINAL CANNABIS COUNCIL

Kai-Friedrich Niermann

Kai-Friedrich Niermann

FOUNDER, KFN+ LAW OFFICE

Nima Kaempf

Nima Kaempf

CEO CHARLIE’S LAB AND SWISS HEMPCARE

What can Slovenia learn from other countries' modernization efforts? Several countries around the globe are in the process of modernizing their outdated cannabis policies after years of wasting limited public resources enforcing failed prohibition. Nations such as Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Thailand, New Zealand, and Switzerland have passed national reform measures to permit varying levels of cannabis activity in their jurisdictions, with no two jurisdictions having exactly the same medical and/or adult-use cannabis policies. Panelists will discuss the various approaches that governments around the world are incorporating into their cannabis policy modernization efforts, and what lessons Slovenia can learn from those nations' experiences.

  • 21:00

    After Party at Bled Castle

Featuring International Sensation, Magnifico
International CBC Slovenia After Party 2023 with Magnifico