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Author: Hazel Norman

Cannabis Commerce Experiment In The Netherlands Will Not Include Amsterdam

Cannabis trials, which permit consumers, growers, and retailers to participate in legal cannabis commerce for research purposes, were first proposed in the Netherlands in 2017 as part of a governing coalition agreement. The first trials officially launched in Breda and Tilburg in December 2023 after many delays.

Arnhem, Almere, Groningen, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis, Maastricht, Nijmegen, and Zaanstad are other municipalities in the Netherlands selected for cannabis trials. However, a proposal to expand the cannabis trials to include the Amsterdam-Oost district was recently denied by members of the Netherlands Parliament.

Another set of motions, which would have either permanently ended cannabis trials in the Netherlands, or temporarily halted the public policy experiment, was also considered and denied by members of the Netherlands Parliament.

The set of motions was supported by members of the PVV, the largest party in the current governing coalition following recent elections. The proposal to permanently end cannabis pilot projects lost by a vote of 110-40, and the proposal to temporarily halt the pilot programs less than four months after they initially launched lost by a vote of 99-51.

Adult-use regional cannabis commerce pilot programs are already operating in multiple jurisdictions in Switzerland, and are also being proposed in Germany as part of the nation’s legalization model. German pilot programs are part of the ‘second pillar’ or phase of Germany’s legalization plan.

Such programs serve as a public policy experiment in which limited cannabis commerce is permitted to gather data and other information. In theory, the research gathered as part of an adult-use regional cannabis commerce pilot program can be used by lawmakers and regulators to be better suited when crafting national policies, rules, and regulations.

“The aim of the experiment is to ascertain whether or not it is possible to regulate a quality-controlled supply of cannabis to coffee shops and to study the effects of a regulated supply chain on crime, safety, public nuisance and public health. In order to allow the experiment to take place, special legislation must be adopted.” the Netherlands’ government stated when pilot programs were first proposed.

On January 22, 2019, the nation’s House of Representatives adopted a controlled cannabis supply chain experiment measure, followed by passage in the Senate on November 12, 2019. That afforded some of the estimated 570 cannabis-selling coffee shops in the country a path to participate in the eventual trials.

The initial timeline to launch the trials was 2021, however, that did not happen. The same was true for 2022, with the year coming and going and the Netherlands seeming to be no closer to achieving the full implementation of initial cannabis trials. The delays were reportedly due to a lack of legal supply at the time.

At one point in 2023, it appeared that the whole year would be lost to more delays, with the nation’s Health Minister Ernst Kuipers indicating that they did not want to roll out the trials in phases. A phased implementation was ultimately pursued. There appears to be no official timeline for the launch of additional pilot programs in the Netherlands.

Pakistan Approves Creation Of Cannabis Regulatory Agency

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.

First Medical Cannabis Prescription Issued In Greece

Greece was one of the first European nations to reschedule medical cannabis back in 2017. The goal of rescheduling was to allow suffering patients to safely access medical cannabis products via a prescription.

However, it was not until recent days that Greece issued its first medical cannabis prescription. Anesthetists, neurologists, and pathologists specializing in cancer, infections, and rheumatism are permitted to prescribe medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis can be prescribed for nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and combination therapy against HIV or hepatitis C, as well as chronic pain, spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, and as an appetite suppressant in palliative care.

“What can I say about this day? A very big thank you, relief, vindication, freedom to live. I was among the first to get the prescription via the electronic prescription system and I didn’t expect it, I couldn’t believe it. I burst into tears…an end to the risks and fear.” stated Anna Panga, Greece’s first patient to receive a medical cannabis prescription.

European Union agreements permit member nations to allow medical cannabis sales. Unfortunately, that was not the case for many years and Europe’s medical cannabis industry is still young by many measures. With the rise of adult-use cannabis reform, Europe’s medical cannabis industry landscape will continue to evolve.

Adult-use reform is gaining momentum in Europe after the recent successful vote in Germany’s Bundestag, and while adult-use legalization is likely far off from happening in Greece, the timeline for such reform occurring may be shorter now thanks to the historic vote in Germany and the ‘butterfly effect’ it provides all European countries.

In the meantime, Greece’s medical cannabis industry will continue to expand, albeit slowly. Many suffering patients in Greece are still left on the outside looking in. Greece’s list of qualifying conditions is limited, and that, in turn, will continue to limit Greece’s medical cannabis industry’s potential.

Is The Cannabis Experiment In The Netherlands In Trouble?

Regional adult-use cannabis commerce trials, which permit consumers, growers, and retailers to participate in legal cannabis commerce for research purposes, were first proposed in the Netherlands in 2017 as part of a governing coalition agreement. Due to a series of delays, trials were not launched until December 2023.

Despite the nation’s cannabis trials being very new in the Netherlands, lawmakers in the European country are already trying to end the cannabis public policy experiment. According to domestic reporting, the nation’s largest political party, PVV, wants to pause the trials until a new governing coalition agreement is finalized.

The ChristenUnie, SGP, and CDA political parties also oppose cannabis trials in the Netherlands. Cannabis trials are still supported by the GroenLinks-PvdA, D66, and VVD parties.

Cannabis and the Netherlands have a long history, with the nation’s capital Amsterdam serving as one of the top international cannabis tourist destinations for several decades. Coffeeshops selling cannabis products are common in Amsterdam.

Such entities are historically ‘tolerated’ versus being outright legal. Public policy in the Netherlands has historically been disconnected from reality when it comes to cannabis, and the trials are a means to try to start bridging the gap.

“The aim of the experiment is to ascertain whether or not it is possible to regulate a quality-controlled supply of cannabis to coffee shops and to study the effects of a regulated supply chain on crime, safety, public nuisance and public health. In order to allow the experiment to take place, special legislation must be adopted.” the Netherlands’ government previously stated.

In September 2019, ten municipalities were selected for participation in cannabis trials, although legislation was still needed to allow the trials to proceed. On January 22, 2019, the nation’s House of Representatives adopted a controlled cannabis supply chain experiment measure, followed by passage in the Senate on November 12, 2019. That afforded some of the estimated 570 cannabis-selling coffee shops in the country a path to participate in the eventual trials.

The initial timeline to launch the trials was 2021, however, that did not happen. The same was true for 2022, with the year coming and going and the Netherlands seeming to be no closer to achieving the full implementation of initial cannabis trials. The delays were reportedly due to a lack of legal supply.

At one point in 2023, it appeared that the whole year would be lost to more delays, with the nation’s Health Minister Ernst Kuipers indicating that they did not want to roll out the trials in phases. However, the trials did launch in December 2023 in Breda and Tilburg.

Arnhem, Almere, Groningen, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis, Maastricht, Nijmegen, and Zaanstad are other municipalities in the Netherlands that were selected for cannabis trials.

Cannabis trials are not unique to the Netherlands. Multiple cannabis trials are already underway in Switzerland, such as in cities like Zurich and Basel, with more expected to be launched during 2024. Cannabis trials are also planned for several jurisdictions in Germany as part of the second phase of the nation’s legalization plan.

Canada Creates Forum To Discuss Cannabis Industry Challenges

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.
Associated links

Smoking And Vaping Cannabis On Public Patios Now Permitted In British Columbia

Cannabis stigma is still an issue in Canada, even five years after the country passed a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure in 2018. Cannabis consumers do not experience some of the same freedoms as consumers of alcohol or tobacco do in many jurisdictions.

An example of that can be found in policies about public cannabis use. Tobacco consumption may not be as widespread as it once was in Canada, however, many tobacco consumers are not as limited in where they can partake compared to cannabis consumption.

Thankfully, that is changing in British Columbia where new rules now permit adults to smoke and vape cannabis on public patios.

Smoking and vaping cannabis on public patios is now permitted where smoking and vaping tobacco are already allowed, subject to local or Indigenous government bylaws and other rules.” British Columbia’s government stated in a recently published bulletin.

That may not seem like a big change to non-cannabis consumers, yet, it’s presumably a significant policy shift in the minds of many cannabis consumers in British Columbia who have had to either hide their cannabis use in many places or consume knowing that they are risking being penalized. The bulletin also contained policy changes for businesses.

“To support the legal cannabis industry in the province, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) is making gradual changes to improve hospitality and tourism opportunities for the cannabis industry.” the bulletin stated.

“With changes to the Cannabis Control Regulation, licensees are able to promote a place to consume cannabis or to spend time after consuming cannabis.” the bulletin also stated.

Cannabis consumption remains prohibited within cannabis stores in British Columbia, and licensees must ensure that any cannabis consumption near their store is not within their establishment where cannabis products are sold.

Social cannabis use is the next horizon for many cannabis advocates in North America, where cannabis clubs and lounges are still prohibited in many jurisdictions that permit other cannabis activity.

Europe’s cannabis policies will seemingly embrace cannabis clubs, with clubs serving as a major component of legalization models in Germany and Malta. Malta has already issued licenses to noncommercial cannabis clubs.

Health Canada: Cannabis Samples Are Permitted

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.

German Health Minister Defends Cannabis Legalization Measure

Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach recently appeared on the Markus Lanz talk show to discuss the looming adult-use cannabis legalization measure vote in the Bundestag, as well as the benefits of the measure.

“Those who are already consuming are no longer dependent on the black market, on the dealers, on crime, on the additives. That means we recognize that cannabis is consumed in society.” Minister Lauterbach states in the discussion (translated from German to English).

Initial components of Germany’s legalization plan are expected to come into effect on April 1st. Adults in Germany will be able to legally cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis. Below is the full episode of Minister Lauterback on the Markus Lanz talk show. Please be aware that the discussion is in German.

The Top Cannabis Firms In Germany In 2024

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 “Luxury Food Regulation”, “Industrial Hemp & Food”, “Medical Cannabis”, “CBD et al.” 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.

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.