Alex Rogers, Executive Producer of the International Cannabis Business Conference, and Ngaio Bealum, Conference Master Of Ceremonies, welcome conference attendees and provide an overview of the conference schedule, including the panels and speakers that will be providing presentations and interviews.
Alex Rogers
Ngaio Bealum
Jamie Pearson has been a highly respected leader in the cannabis industry for over a decade. Her “in the trenches” operational success and deep, global relationships led her to be coined “Wonder Woman” in the 2023 Women of Influence issue of Cannabis Now Magazine.
Jamie founded and leads The New Holland Group, a global consulting firm serving clients with international business development & strategy, seed to sale operations, branding & marketing, effective capital raising, executive coaching, cross border IP licensing, celebrity partnerships, buy & sell side M&A, and financial turnarounds.
Jamie L Pearson
Legal challenges and the industry’s response
Bernardo Soriano Guzmán
Rubén Valenzuela Moreno
Giacomo Bulleri
Isidre Carballido
The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) has adopted a highly restrictive stance by equating the flowering tops of non-narcotic cannabis with those of narcotic cannabis, thereby jeopardizing the hemp and CBD industry in Spain. This panel will examine the implications of this regulatory approach and present the measures being pursued by the sector to counter it. The panel discussion will feature insights from experts and industry leaders who will examine the urgent need for a fairer, more sustainable regulatory framework in line with European standards.
Navigating challenges, innovation, and growth opportunities
Arnau Valdovinos
Franziska Katterbach
Alexander Daske
Eliecer López
Panelists will discuss the current state of the European supply chain, focusing on product categories, production bottlenecks, and regional disparities. The discussion will also explore innovative approaches to supply chain optimization and strategies for overcoming regulatory and logistical challenges. Panel members will highlight opportunities for growth and sustainability, offering practical insights for businesses in the European cannabis market.
The impact on the German cannabis market
On February 23, 2025, Germany will get a new government. It is very probable that a new coalition of various parties will form a government majority, most likely including conservative parties. The presentation will outline the current situation with regard to the legalization of cannabis in Germany and provide an outlook on possible future developments taking considering the different political currents of the new government.
Peter Homberg
Lessons and Challenges for Other Countries on the Path to Regulation: Mexico, Colombia
Bernardo Soriano Guzmán
Ana Erika Santana González
Augusto Vitale Marino
Henry Muñoz
This panel will address the progress, lessons learned, and areas of opportunity arising from Uruguay’s cannabis regulation after a decade of experience. It will analyze both the achievements and the challenges the country has faced, as well as discuss the implications and opportunities for nations progressing along the regulatory path, such as Mexico and Colombia. The panelists will share their perspectives on public policy, social and economic impact, and key takeaways for shaping reforms that balance public health, security, and individual rights.
Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Industry
Alex Revich
Marcus “Bubbleman” Richardson
Justin Tombe
Xavier Gaya
Kevin Picot
In what ways are genetics a misunderstood driver in the cannabis market today? Our expert panel will discuss some of the latest developments in the field of cannabis genetics, from the science of breeding, to the role of genetics in IP and branding,and the biomolecular compounds and other characteristics sought after in new strains. The future of cannabis is inextricably connected to the evolution of its genetics – come learn how your business can take part.
From Biodiversity To Industrialization
Guillermo Fernández Navarro
Montserrat Gómez Cardoso Bernet
María Pérez Rey
Marcos García Godinho
This panel will address the potential of industrial hemp and its role in driving more sustainable systems, both in agronomic and industrial contexts. Panelists will explore the progress led by CTAEX and the State-Owned Company for Raw Tobacco (CETARSA), covering everything from biodiversity studies and developing advanced analytical methods to large-scale production processes. Additionally, speakers will examine the opportunities and challenges posed by hemp industrialization, highlighting the importance of innovation, legal framework, and collaboration between public and private entities to continue expanding the frontiers of this emerging sector.
Advancements and impacts of cannabis policy in Spain and the broader EU
This session, led by expert international cannabis economist Beau Whitney, will provide an update on the emerging European Union cannabis industry and dig into the effect of evolving policies on individual markets. Beau Whitney’s presentation will provide market data on supply and demand and include projections for the future of the European cannabis market.
Beau Whitney
Cutting-edge technology that is elevating global cultivation operations
Sonny Moerenhout
Rui Soares
Sabrina Carvalho
Alexandre Gauthier
Chris Crosbie
Demand for high-quality and sustainable cannabis products is on the rise. The needs of consumers and patients continue to evolve, and how cannabis is produced is more important than ever. From automated systems and precision agriculture to advanced lighting and environmental controls, technology is playing an increasingly important role in cannabis cultivation processes. This panel brings together experts in the fields of cultivation, technology, and innovation to discuss the latest developments in cannabis production. Panelists will examine how innovative technologies are being incorporated to increase cannabis cultivation efficiency and product quality.
Engaging consumers to take your brand to the next level
Eugenio García
Michael Knodt
Lisa Haag
Katy Perry
Luna Stower
The emerging cannabis community is becoming increasingly competitive as more people and entities enter the space. That, combined with the legal cannabis industry going global, makes effective marketing by cannabis companies more important than ever. Due to ongoing stigma, marketing cannabis companies and generating positive media coverage requires incorporating unique methods and strategies. A panel of leading industry content creators and marketing experts will provide insight into what it takes to successfully reach consumers in a meaningful way.
Identifying and vetting potential collaboration opportunities
Alex Revich
George Terry
Alexander Rieg
Tim Powers
Božidar Radišic
In order for a cannabis company to scale up and reach its full potential it will need to forge key partnerships with other people and/or entities. Partnerships can take many forms and unique endeavors will require specialized talent, mentorship, capital, and/or many other mutually beneficial components to help ensure success in the increasingly competitive cannabis industry. Panelists will provide insight into what a constructive partnership entails, when to pursue one, how to measure success, and what red flags to watch out for.