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Author: Johnny Green

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Germany’s Federal Finance Minister Defends German Cannabis Legalization

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Germany’s Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner is pushing back on cannabis opponents in Germany, particularly Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff, stating that cannabis legalization “does not lead to chaos.”

Members of Germany’s Bundestag voted in February to approve a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The measure was then considered by the nation’s Bundesrat this month. Members of the Bundesrat refrained from referring the measure to a mediation committee which paved the way for the law to take effect on April 1, 2024.

Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff is part of a small group of domestic lawmakers in Germany that have tried to prevent cannabis policy modernization from happening in Europe’s largest economy and have lobbed various unfounded doomsday predictions about German legalization. It is a common tactic for opponents in jurisdictions that have adopted legalization measures.

“The focus, at least for me, is not on the right to be intoxicated. It’s about overcoming an unsatisfactory situation like we currently have – namely that millions of people consume cannabis on the black market and without any health education.” stated Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner according to Zeit Online about opponents’ expressed concerns. “We can’t leave everything in a black or gray area. And that’s why this regulation is responsible.”

Currently, adult-use cannabis is legal in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, and Luxembourg where lawmakers have passed national measures. In all of those jurisdictions, no significant adverse impacts on society have been reported.

Conversely, legalization is achieving many predetermined goals in those jurisdictions, including reducing the burden on those countries’ taxpayers by no longer enforcing failed prohibition.

According to a 2021 report from Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Germany will save 1.05 billion euros annually by no longer enforcing cannabis prohibition, in addition to judiciary savings of 313 million euros per year.

German Bundesrat President Manuela Schwesig signed the nation’s legalization legislation on Wednesday, which served as the last procedural step before the law’s enactment. Starting on Monday, adults in Germany will be allowed to cultivate up to three plants in their private residences, as well as possess and consume cannabis for recreational purposes.

Additionally, cannabis will be removed from Germany’s Narcotics Law, which is going to provide a significant boost to Germany’s emerging medical cannabis program. Medical cannabis patients will be some of the biggest winners of the upcoming policy change, as it will significantly boost safe access to cannabis.

Historically, patients in Germany have had to go through the process of being approved by a physician to legally access cannabis products for medical purposes. As of April 1st, adult patients will be able to cultivate their own cannabis without having to prove that they suffer from a qualifying condition, and soon, they will also be able to join a cannabis club from which to legally source their cannabis.

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Cannabis Bill Passes In Germany, Legalization Begins April 1st

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Lawmakers in Germany’s Bundesrat voted today to approve a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The measure, CanG, was previously approved by the nation’s Bundestag in February.

The measure had faced opposition in the Bundesrat, a legislative body that represents the sixteen Länder of Germany at the federal level. The opposition within the legislative body sought to delay the implementation of adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany by forcing the measure into a mediation committee.

However, with today’s successful vote, the first provisions of the measure are set to take effect days from now on April 1st.

“This is a historic day for Germany, ultimately even an event of the century. It was time to initiate a paradigm shift in drug policy, ending the failed prohibition policy of the last hundred years. The law, although still stigmatizing and prohibitive in detail, is a start towards introducing a modern drug policy that addresses health protection and the civil liberties of the population equally fairly, not only in the case of cannabis.” stated Kai Friedrich Niermann, leading attorney at KFN+ Law Office, about today’s historic vote.

“The law, which will now come into force on April 1 after the Bundesrat decided not to appeal to the Mediation Committee, will change Germany and make it more liberal, and will also attract attention in other European countries.” Friedrich Niermann also stated.

On April 1, 2024, adults in Germany will be able to cultivate cannabis plants in their private residences in addition to being able to possess a personal amount of cannabis. Noncommercial cannabis clubs will also be permitted as part of the ‘first phase’ of legalization in Germany. Eventually, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot programs will also be permitted in Germany.

“Despite strong voices calling for the convention of the Mediation Committee, which would have further delayed the legalization significantly, the Federal Council has paved the way for the bill to come into effect on 1 April 2024. It appears that the minister of health’s so-called protocol declaration shortly before the Council vote has produced the intended effect of convincing the moderately skeptical state representatives.” stated Peter Homberg of leading international law firm Dentons.

“The more restrictive interpretation the minister promised in his non-binding declaration is, however, not yet reflected in the law itself. The most interesting questions are now how the law will be applied in practice and whether, shortly after entering into force, it will be amended to keep up with the minister’s promises. The development of the coming weeks will be of great interest to the cultivation associations, which may have to adjust their intended organizational setup.” Homberg also stated.

Reactions from lawmakers in the Bundestag were swift after today’s successful vote.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach reportedly issued a “protocol declaration” to the Bundesrat ahead of today’s vote to prevent a delay in the measure’s approval. If the measure was referred to a mediation committee it was expected to delay implementation of legalization by as much as six months. Instead, the measure is still on track to be implemented on April 1st.

“The fight was worth it, legalization of cannabis is coming on Easter Monday!” Lauterbach said in a social media post (translated from German to English). “Please use the new opportunity responsibly and help protect children and young people. Hopefully this is the beginning of the end for the black market today.”

Lawmakers in Germany will now switch their focus to crafting the ‘second phase’ of Germany’s legalization plan which will involve the launch of regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot programs. The pilot programs will permit cultivators, retailers, and consumers to participate in legal commerce at a local level to collect data and conduct research.

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German Health Minister: Legalization Will Greatly Reduce Court Burdens

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Cannabis legalization in Germany will provide many benefits, including benefits to non-cannabis consumers. Arguably one of the most important benefits will be the savings to the nation’s criminal justice system, including Germany’s court system.

Enforcing prohibition policies that outlaw cannabis is often, if not always, extremely expensive. Every law enforcement position that is tasked with enforcing cannabis prohibition comes with a cost. The same is true for court proceedings to convict an individual of a cannabis offense, and in cases of jail time, that costs a considerable sum per offender as well.

Cannabis prohibition is particularly expensive in Germany.

According to a 2021 report from Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Germany would save 1.05 billion euros annually by no longer enforcing cannabis prohibition, in addition to judiciary savings of 313 million euros per year. Imagine what those funds could do when applied to such things as education and infrastructure projects.

Those potential savings are not lost on Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. Minister Lauterbach recently posted on social media about the judiciary savings that Germany will experience once cannabis legalization takes effect:

Auto-translated from German to English, the post states, “If cannabis becomes legal we must remove the penalties. The courts reject this, workload. But legalization will greatly reduce the burden on the courts. We cannot keep people in prison because we want to avoid having to work with them.”

With cannabis legalization inevitable in Germany despite cannabis opponents’ attempts to thwart it, Germany would be wise to immediately suspend cannabis prohibition enforcement against individual consumers within its borders.

Part of that involves releasing cannabis consumers from incarceration and expunging their convictions, as well as expunging all other consumer offenses currently on the books.

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Indigenous Nations Are Making Strides In The International Cannabis Industry

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

The legal cannabis industry has evolved considerably in recent years. It has gone from an industry made up of several silo industries operating at a local level to an international community of emerging cannabis companies, with more entrepreneurs and investors joining every day.

The cannabis import and export markets are increasing in size as a result. Tribal Nations and Indigenous-led cannabis companies in North America, while still underrepresented in the cannabis industry, are at the forefront of international cannabis imports and exports.

Such entities act with autonomy due to tribal sovereignty, giving them a distinct advantage at both producing cannabis for export, as well as creating opportunities for international players looking to do business in North America.

A great example is Indigenous-owned All Nations Cannabis. All Nations Cannabis completed its first export to the international market in 2023. The company, in partnership with Shxwhá:y Village, became a vertically integrated business in 2022, producing and selling cannabis both at their own retail outlets and abroad.

“We’ve continued to grow high-quality cannabis and we’ve put that cannabis into two brands that we’ve launched, our All Nations premium brand, and Uncle Bob, our secondary brand, and we are selling through the provincial distribution system throughout Canada.” Darwin Douglas, CEO of All Nations Cannabis, told The Abbotsford News back in April 2023.

“I think it’s a huge accomplishment as a licensed producer operating not only on First Nations land, but also just as a licensed producer in the Fraser Valley to be making these big moves on the export front.” Douglas also stated at the time. “So we are really, really proud of our team, and all the hard work that’s gone into this, and excited for what the future holds on the export markets.”

Helping drive the Indigenous cannabis industry forward is the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA). A first-of-its-kind organization, the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association exists to promote the exploration, development, and advancement of the cannabis industry for the benefit of all Indigenous communities.

ICIA is dedicated to the advocacy and empowerment of Indigenous cannabis businesses, influencers, and aspiring entrepreneurs along with being a conduit of connection and data for Indigenous Nations as they push towards a vision of an equitable, just, and sustainable Indigenous cannabis economy.

Founded by cannabis entrepreneur and member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians Rob Pero in August 2022, ICIA creates opportunities for Indigenous people in cannabis and empowers the Indigenous community through policy, programming, and outreach initiatives.

In 2016 the National Congress of American Indians passed a resolution approving cannabis production to promote tribal self-determination and self-governance, create job opportunities, strengthen tribal governance, and promote equity in the cannabis industry. The current legal landscape of the cannabis industry is complex.

Tribal corporations are eligible to establish a ‘Foreign Trade Zone’ according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated geographical area where foreign and domestic goods are treated, for tax and tariff purposes, as if they had never entered the United States. It’s an important distinction for cannabis imports and exports and is one of the many areas of public policy and industry regulations that the ICIA helps its members navigate.

Members of ICIA are also given access to ICIA’s network of Tribal Nations, industry partners, advocacy groups, mentors, businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs to help navigate the complex landscape of tribal, state, and federal policy and to provide resources for Tribal governments and Indigenous people to design and advocate for equitable cannabis policies.

“In the rapidly evolving landscape of the international cannabis industry, the most significant yet untapped opportunity lies within the Indigenous cannabis sector. As founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association and a member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, I am proud to say that our communities and partners are pioneering a collaborative approach towards this burgeoning industry,” said Pero. “We are committed to engaging in all aspects of the cannabis industry at the highest level, prioritizing public safety and wellness, while also recognizing the profound economic and workforce development potential. By activating our sovereign rights and abilities to self-determine sustainable commerce in emerging industries, Indigenous Nations are not only building global relationships but also setting a precedent for equity, justice, and sustainability in the cannabis economy.”

ICIA serves Tribal Nations and Indigenous-led businesses as the leading Indigenous trade association in the nation, working to develop Indian Country’s roadmap for federal, state, and local lobbying and advocacy while providing technical assistance to tribes and their members for optimum access to cannabis industry resources.

“Our journey represents a pivotal shift from Indigenous-led cannabis efforts operating locally to a formidable presence in the international market, as demonstrated by milestones like All Nations Cannabis’s first international export,” said Pero. “This is just the beginning. Together, we are charting a course for a future where Indigenous-led cannabis businesses thrive, contributing to the wellness of our communities and the global economy.”

Rob Pero will be presenting at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany. The event, which is the largest and longest-running of its kind in Europe, takes place on April 16-17 at the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel. Register today to come learn more about Rob Pero and the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association along with several other world-class speakers. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets as soon as possible before the event sells out.

Featured image via the Indigenous Cannabis Business Association

Germany German Clock

What Happens Next For German Legalization?

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Members of Germany’s Bundestag recently approved a long-awaited adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The successful vote occurred roughly 2.5 years after Germany’s current governing coalition was first elected and members of the coalition collectively expressed their desire to get such a measure passed.

The recent legalization vote in the Bundestag, which was 407 to 226, was a major victory for Germany’s cannabis movement. Germany is the largest country by far to have ever passed a national adult-use legalization measure.

Germany’s population is roughly 83 million people. The other countries to have passed a national legalization measure (Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg) have a combined population of roughly 43 million people.

The successful vote is a huge milestone, however, it does not mark the finish line for German legalization. For starters, the approved measure must now be considered by Germany’s Federal Council (Bundesrat). The Bundesrat’s approval is not required, however, the legislative body does have the option to challenge the measure.

As it stands, portions of Germany’s legalization measure pertaining to personal freedoms are expected to go into effect on April 1, 2024, with the launch of noncommercial cannabis clubs expected at the beginning of July of this year. However, a challenge by the Bundestrat could delay implementation.

“It is possible that the implementation of the draft law may take some additional time depending on the decision of the Federal Council (Bundesrat) whether it refers the draft law to a mediation committee for further consideration of amendments. This could prolong the whole legalization process even for a couple of months.” stated Peter Homberg, Partner at Dentons.

Per initial reporting by RND, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) does expect constitutional challenges against the planned legalization of cannabis consumption, although he expects that the law will stand up to challenges.

Something that advocates should push for in Germany is the immediate suspension of enforcement of prohibition on individuals when they are within the parameters of the recently approved law. With legalization now inevitable in Germany, subjecting anyone to enforcement is a waste of the courts’ time, in addition to it being harmful to the consumer. Many legal states in the U.S. have taken this sensible approach.

Another thing that advocates need to push for is for Germany’s government to remove personal cannabis offenses from people’s records, which German Health Minister Lauterbach recently spoke about:

“Without amnesty, what would be our message to those convicted of cannabis? “As far as the legislature is concerned, you haven’t done anything wrong, but the punishment remains because the courts don’t want to do the work with you.” Legalization will soon relieve the burden on the courts.” Minister Lauterbach stated in a social media post (translated from German to English).

Advocates also need to keep holding lawmakers accountable in Germany to make good on the planned second phase/pillar of the nation’s legalization model, which involves the launch of regional adult-use cannabis pilot programs.

The pilot programs, combined with noncommercial cannabis clubs and home cultivation, will serve as the backbone for sourcing legal cannabis in Germany for the foreseeable future.

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Germany Votes To Legalize Cannabis For Adults

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Over two years after Germany’s current governing coalition was elected and announced plans to pass a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure, members of the German Bundestag have officially approved the adult-use legalization bill (CanG) by a 407-226 vote.

As was widely expected, the measure received sufficient votes earlier today in the Bundestag to pass, and components of the new German adult-use cannabis legalization law are expected to be implemented on April 1, 2024.

The measure’s approval comes after considerable discussions were held between the measure’s author, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, and representatives from the European Union. The legalization bill faced opposition by various domestic lawmakers in Germany, however, efforts to derail the measure leading up to today’s vote failed.

According to the recently passed bill, adults in Germany will be able to cultivate up to three plants in private for personal use. Personal cultivation is expected to create considerable opportunities for companies that specialize in cultivation-related products and services such as seeds, grow lights, plant nutrients, harvesting equipment, odor control, and drying equipment.

In addition to being able to cultivate cannabis, adults in Germany will be able to possess a personal amount of cannabis. The possession limit will reportedly be set at 25 grams for adults when they are away from their private residence, and 50 grams at their private residence.

In addition to the expressed legal possession limit, penalties for possessing slightly more than the legal threshold will be considered an ‘administrative violation’ rather than a criminal offense yielding jail time.

Cannabis will be removed from Germany’s Narcotics List once the new law is implemented, marking a significant shift in German cannabis policy. The de-listing of cannabis will improve safe access for medical cannabis patients by removing various hurdles in the medical cannabis supply chain and streamlining processes for pharmacies. Cannabis research will be easier to pursue, and academic institutions may begin to receive national and/or EU-provided funds for specific research projects.

Noncommercial cannabis clubs are expected to launch as early as July 1, 2024, as part of the measure. Membership-based noncommercial clubs, from which adult consumers can legally source their cannabis, will be subjected to various regulations. Consumers will also be able to purchase seeds and clones from noncommercial clubs.

One of the sticking points leading up to today’s successful vote was the implementation of noncommercial clubs, and part of the coalition’s compromise is to reportedly stagger the implementation date.

“Cannabis had been banned in Germany since 1929, and even the cultivation of industrial hemp from 1982-1996. It then took over two decades until at least the medical potential of cannabis was recognized in Germany and patients were given access to medical cannabis through a legal reform. It took another 7 years, until today, until at least the possession of 25 g and the cultivation of three own plants was allowed. In so far, we can speak of an once-in-a-hundred-years event, provided of course that the CanG also clears the hurdle of the Federal Council. However, there is still a long way to go before complete destigmatization and fair legalization are achieved. Neither the consumers, nor the activists, nor the industry must let up on this path, but must continue to do everything in their power every day to ensure that this path can be taken successfully.” stated Kai Friedrich Niermann, leading attorney at KFN+ Law Office, about today’s historic vote.

All of the previously listed items are part of the ‘first phase’ of Germany’s legalization plan, often referred to as ‘the first pillar.’ The second phase/pillar involves the launch of regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot programs, similar to what is already in place in Switzerland, but on a significantly larger scale. Nationwide adult-use sales, similar to what is in place in Canada, will have to wait due to European Union restrictions.

“After a long discussion regarding the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes in Germany, the German parliament has today passed the “Cannabisgestz”. This is a major step in the German legalization process and the government intends to implement the law to become effective on April 1, 2024 to allow home grow and from July 1,2024 to allow the cultivation of recreational cannabis in community cultivation associations. However, it is possible that the implementation of the draft law may take some additional time depending on the decision of the Federal Council (Bundesrat) whether it refers the draft law to a mediation committee for further consideration of amendments. This could prolong the whole legalization process even for a couple of months.” stated Peter Homberg, Partner at Dentons, about today’s vote.

Per initial reporting by RND, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) does expect constitutional challenges against the planned legalization of cannabis consumption, although he expects that the law will stand up in court.

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Key Committee Approves German Legalization Measure Ahead Of Friday Vote

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Going into this week, the eyes of the global cannabis community were fixed on Germany, where members of the Bundestag are expected to finally vote on a long-awaited adult-use cannabis legalization measure. While the final vote is still expected to occur on Friday, a key smaller vote occurred today, and the outcome was favorable.

Members of the Health Committee approved the measure, which in its most current form, would legalize cannabis cultivation, possession, and consumption by adults. Cannabis will be removed from Germany’s Narcotics List as part of the measure, and noncommercial cannabis clubs will be permitted to operate.

The measure now moves to a floor vote in the Bundestag:

If/when members of the Bundestag approve the measure on Friday, it will have to go back to the Bundesrat for further consideration. The Bundesrat does not have to approve the measure, however, it can refer the measure to a mediation committee that may slow down implementation. The Bundesrat previously approved a former version of the legalization measure back in October.

According to original reporting by Marijuana Moment, Minister Lauterbach could have struck a deal to avoid a referral to a mediation committee in exchange for extending the law’s implementation timeline, however, Minster Lauterbach has made it clear that he feels the measure will survive any legal challenges. Per RND:

Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) expects constitutional challenges against the planned legalization of cannabis consumption. Although he expects lawsuits, the law will stand up in court, he told the Düsseldorf “Rheinische Post”.

It is a truly historic week in Germany, and assuming the Bundestag approves the measure in a vote on Friday, cannabis would become legal for adults in Germany on April 1st of this year.

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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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Talman Group Co-Founder Alex Rogers Presenting To Slovenia’s National Council

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Alex Rogers, owner and CEO of the International Cannabis Business Conference and co-founder of the Talman Group, is presenting to Slovenia’s National Council next week on Friday, February 16th, at 10 am. Rogers will be joined by several other leading policy and science experts at the conference, which is titled, “New Discoveries and Opportunities for Cannabis
Use in Medicine and Industry.”

Slovenia’s National Council is, according to its website, “the representative body for social, economic, professional and local interests. In terms of state functions performed by state authorities, the National Council cannot be considered to be vested with legislative, executive or judicial powers.”

A coalition of advocates led by the Talman Group is working diligently to educate Slovenia’s government about the benefits of modernizing the nation’s outdated cannabis policies and regulations, including benefits specific to boosting public health and economic outcomes. Below is more information about the upcoming National Council conference in Slovenia:

New discoveries and opportunities for cannabis use: Conference in the National Council on the emerging hemp industry

The Association of Cancer Patients of Slovenia and the National Council invite you to a professional conference titled “New Discoveries and Opportunities for Cannabis Use in Medicine and Industry” on Friday, February 16, at 10 a.m. The conference will be held in the hall of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia at Šubičeva 4 in Ljubljana.

At the beginning of its term, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia prioritized the legalization of medical cannabis use and the adoption of necessary subordinate legislation for its cultivation, processing, and controlled medical use. However, current legislation does not fully exploit the potential of cannabis in industry and medicine and even partially restricts it. Experiences from abroad show that cannabis enables the production of key industrial products with innovative processing methods. Specific cannabis strains have proven beneficial in agriculture and ecology, particularly in phytoremediation, which is important for combating climate change.

The aim of the discussion in the National Council is to highlight key information on the progress of cannabis use in pharmacy and medicine and to emphasize its utility in industry while highlighting the importance of developing science, research, innovations, and appropriate business infrastructure for knowledge transfer into high-value products, which would stimulate the economy and bring benefits to healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

The increasingly relevant topic and opportunities presented by the cannabis industry for Slovenia will be discussed by the President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia, Marko Lotrič; the President of the Association of Cancer Patients of Slovenia, Ana Žličar; the Health Secretary in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Metka Paragi; the Head of the Scientific Research Department of the Engineering Academy of Slovenia, Prof. Dr. Tamara Lah Turnšek; the Director-General of the Public Health Directorate, Vesna Marinko; the State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Tourism and Sport, Matjaž Frangež; and the State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Dr. Blaž Germšek.

Following the introductory addresses, professional presentations will be held by experts from various interdisciplinary fields. The event program is attached to this message.

Confirmation of attendance at the event is desired by sending an email to jakob@thetalmangroup.com by Thursday, February 15, 2024, by 10:00 a.m. The number of applications is limited.

All interested parties will be able to follow the event live at www.ds-rs.si, and the recording will also be available on the National Council’s website.