Author: Johnny Green

What You Need To Know About German Cannabis Legalization

Written by Johnny Green on February 7, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Germany’s governing coalition has reportedly reached an agreement and settled internal disputes about the nation’s current adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The first provisions of the measure, which pertain to personal freedoms, are expected to come into law on April 1, 2024. Below are major items that consumers and patients should know about.

Cultivation

The main initial way for adults to legally source cannabis in Germany once the new law takes effect is to cultivate it in their homes. Adults will be able to cultivate up to three plants in private for personal use according to the proposed measure. Personal cannabis cultivation is popular in other jurisdictions where it is permitted, including in jurisdictions where consumers have other options from which to legally source their cannabis like storefronts.

It’s virtually guaranteed that many adult consumers in Germany will choose to cultivate their cannabis, and that will, in turn, create massive opportunities overnight for companies that specialize in cultivation-related products and services such as seeds, grow lights, plant nutrients, harvesting equipment, odor control, and drying equipment.

Possession

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 50 grams. 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.

Narcotics De-listing

Cannabis will be removed from Germany’s Narcotics List once the new law is implemented, and the significance of that cannot be overstated. One thing that may not be on everyone’s radar, but should be, is that the de-listing of cannabis will improve safe access for medical cannabis patients by removing some hurdles in the medical cannabis supply chain and streamlining processes for pharmacies. Cannabis research will be easier to pursue, and hopefully academic institutions will begin to receive national and/or EU-provided funds for specific research projects.

Clubs

If the reported timeline stays on track, noncommercial cannabis clubs will start as early as July 1, 2024. Membership-based noncommercial clubs, from which adult consumers can legally source their cannabis, will be subjected to various regulations. One of the sticking points leading up to the recently reported final coalition agreement was the implementation of noncommercial clubs, and part of the coalition’s compromise was to stagger the implementation date. After the launch, non-commercial clubs will likely be common throughout most of Germany.

Future Reforms

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.

However, if home cultivation is widespread, cannabis clubs are also widespread, and regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot programs are located in many jurisdictions throughout Germany, domestic access to legal cannabis will not be as big of a problem as some may think. With that being said, Germany needs to continue to lead the way at the European Union level, and hopefully the inevitable success of German legalization will kick those efforts into overdrive.

Czech Government’s Economic Council Recommends Regulating Cannabis Sales

Written by Johnny Green on January 29, 2024. Posted in Policy.

In October 2022, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach held a press conference and announced details of his legalization measure. The announcement came after many months of discussions between Minister Lauterbach and the European Union.

Not long after Minister Lauterbach’s announcement, the Czech Republic’s anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil announced his intent to have his country follow in Germany’s cannabis policy modernization footsteps. Per Radio Prague International at the time:

If national anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil’s proposed plan comes into effect in 2024 as he hopes, Czechia could become the second EU country to legalise the recreational use of cannabis. And not only that – it would even go a step further, also making its sale legal. The anti-drug coordinator presented his plan for combatting addiction – which includes the proposal to legalise cannabis – at a press conference this week.

“At the moment, there is a political consensus for me to create this proposal for the regulation of cannabis, a substance which is illegal at the moment. We want to regulate it with the help of the market and we believe that this regulation will be more effective than the current ban.”

The comments made by Jindřich Vobořil followed a Facebook page post in which he stated, “Germany and the Czech Republic go to a regulated market at the same time.”

As time went on, details would emerge regarding the legalization model that the Czech Republic would pursue, which is expected to differ in some aspects compared to what is being proposed in Germany.

In April of last year, officials in the Czech Republic announced an intent to legalize the possession of 5 grams of cannabis, which customers would be able to purchase from regulated outlets after signing up for a government database.

Legalization has yet to happen in the Czech Republic, however, the Czech government’s Economic Council recently recommended regulating adult-use cannabis sales, which demonstrates that the country is still pursuing such reform. Per BRNO Daily:

The Czech government’s National Economic Council (NERV) has again recommended the introduction of a legal regulated cannabis market in the Czech Republic, within its proposal of 37 measures to boost economic growth in the country, released on Tuesday.

“Criminal rates and sentencing principles should be adjusted. In the area of drug policy, a legal regulated cannabis market should be introduced,” NERV stated.

The council said a repressive approach to drugs is a burden on the budget and does not translate into reduced consumption or harm reduction.

A previous analysis from the nation’s Pirate Party determined that regulated cannabis sales could generate CZK 2 billion per year.

German Legalization Still On Track For April Start According To Health Minister

Written by Johnny Green on January 22, 2024. Posted in Policy.

It is no secret that the current adult-use legalization effort in Germany has experienced some hurdles. Part of that is due to the legalization process itself, which involves various procedural steps in Germany, and part of that is due to continental and domestic politics.

However, despite all of the setbacks and delays, Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach still believes that legalization will be implemented in April, albeit with a vote occurring in February versus this month as previously expected.

»[Das #CanG] soll […] Karl Lauterbach (SPD) zufolge Ende Februar verabschiedet werden. „Ich gehe weiterhin davon aus, dass das Cannabisgesetz in der Woche vom 19. bis zum 23. Februar im Bundestag verabschiedet wird und dann ab 1. April gelten kann“https://t.co/9bc5GUZBNX

— Hanfverband (@hanfverband) January 20, 2024

In addition to making the comments about specific dates, Minister Lauterbach also weighed in on proposed consumption ban zone enforcement around schools and daycares, stating that it “is a decision with a sense of proportion” and that “not every individual violation can be punished.”

Minister Lauterbach seemed to indicate that enforcement will be circumstantial and stated “that’s the case with every law.”

He also reiterated the need to supplant the unregulated market in Germany, stating that “controlled distribution of cannabis is the right way to achieve this, combined with special protection for children and young people.”

If Minister Lauterbach is right about the April 1st implementation date, cannabis possession, cultivation, and consumption would be legalized for adults in Germany. Cannabis would also be removed from the nation’s Narcotics List.

Below is a video from International Cannabis Business Conference alumni journalist Micha Knodt that breaks down what consumers can expect, as well as some frequently asked questions (and answers) about the proposed law (the video is in German):

Cannabis Clubs Are Here To Stay In Barcelona, Spain

Written by Johnny Green on January 8, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni and the Barcelona City Council are ramping up efforts to close down the city’s famed cannabis clubs, with the City Council recently launching a new inspection campaign. The effort is aimed at ‘putting an end’ to clubs in the city, with city leadership stating that “It is a model that we do not want in our city.”

Cannabis clubs in Barcelona have long benefitted from a favorable tolerance of cannabis clubs, which operate in a legal ‘grey area’ of sorts. Commercial adult-use cannabis is still prohibited in Spain, however, it is unconstitutional for Spain’s government to prohibit private cannabis use.

Law enforcement in the Barcelona region of Spain estimates that the area is home to roughly 450 clubs, all of which are essentially unregulated. The clubs are very popular, and even if one is closed down another one pops up to take its place in short order. An effort to close down all of them is an untenable goal by every measure.

Cannabis prohibition is a failed public policy, with no hard evidence existing to back up the claim that it works. Prohibition does not lower consumption rates. Humans have made use of the cannabis plant for thousands of years, and that will never cease to be the case. Barcelona is no exception.

Cannabis is so engrained into the culture of the Barcelona region that it is home to the largest cannabis super-conference on the planet, a collaborative effort between the world’s largest cannabis gathering, Spannabis, and the world’s leading B2B series, the International Cannabis Business Conference.

Barcelona is one of the top international cannabis destinations on earth, with people flocking to the city from all corners of the globe every spring. It’s one of the only places on the planet where cannabis consumers of all backgrounds agree about the quality of the cannabis being amazing, with the same being true about the interesting places in which to consume it in a private setting.

Nowhere else on earth can the same cannabis scene be found that exists in Barcelona, which is why people go there. It is arguably the number one cannabis tourist destination on earth right now.

Barcelona doesn’t have a cannabis use problem. Rather, Barcelona has a cannabis regulation problem, and that problem increases in size and scope with every passing year. Barcelona’s unregulated cannabis market is enormous, and it is largely controlled by organized crime right now.

That, in turn, creates public health outcome concerns with people consuming products that are not tested for contaminants, in addition to public safety concerns.

The best thing that Barcelona policymakers can do is to work to transition cannabis clubs in Barcelona into a regulated system, yet, that is not something that Barcelona politicians can do unilaterally. At one point Barcelona had a regulatory program, however, the Spanish Supreme Court halted the local program.

Ultimately, regulations need to be passed at the national level in Spain. Lawmakers need to recognize the reality of the situation, that cannabis clubs in Spain are here to stay, and that it is better from a public health strategy standpoint to regulate the cannabis industry rather than leaving it to organized crime to continue to fill the void.

International Cannabis Business Conference Exhibitors Berlin Germany 2023

5 Things Attendees Get From International Cannabis Business Conference Events

Written by Johnny Green on January 1, 2024. 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 cannabis leaf plant

What Will Happen In 2024 Within The Global Cannabis Industry?

Written by Johnny Green on January 1, 2024. 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 January 1, 2024. 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 15^th 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.

The Top Global Cannabis Stories Of 2023

Written by Johnny Green on December 25, 2023. 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.

Is The German SPD Parliamentary Group Against Legalization?

Written by Johnny Green on December 25, 2023. Posted in Policy.

The ongoing legalization saga in Germany often feels like something out of a soap opera. Since the summer of 2021, when the current governing coalition was elected in Germany, the push for legalization has experienced several ups and downs.

Between the summer of 2021 and October 2022, cannabis observers inside Germany and around the world watched with collectively held breath waiting for a legalization measure to be formally introduced. What was touted after the 2021 federal election was a robust, nationwide sales system similar to what is in place in Canada.

Several leaks surfaced in news coverage regarding what the legalization measure would include, along with various reactions from German lawmakers every time headlines were made. Many lawmakers expressed frustration with the process during that period.

In October 2021, the world finally got its first glimpse into a legalization measure largely championed by Germany’s Minister of Health Dr. Karl Lauterbach. Unfortunately, the measure that was described in a press conference held by Minister Lauterbach at the time was a rolled-back version of what many advocates had hoped for.

Minister Lauterbach described his measure as being multi-phased, with the first phase permitting personal cannabis cultivation, possession, and consumption, along with permitting noncommercial cannabis clubs to operate. It would also remove cannabis from the nation’s narcotics law.

A second phase, which would need to come later via a separate measure, would permit the launch of regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot programs. Yet, before any of that was to be formally set in motion, Minister Lauterbach made it clear that he would first seek European Union approval of his plan before introducing it.

Minister Lauterbach eventually introduced his measure in 2023, with the measure receiving approval by Germany’s Federal Cabinet earlier this year. The measure also passed the Bundesrat, only to experience some turbulence in the Bundestag. Earlier this month the measure appeared to be dead for the year, then it was announced that a vote was expected, just for the vote to never actually happen.

Various media accounts surfaced this month blaming members of the SPD parliamentary group for the measure failing to receive a vote. Bundestag member Dr. Rolf Mützenich (SPD) was recently asked, “Dear Mr. Mützenich, are you worried about the citizens’ severe loss of trust in the SPD due to the repeated postponement of the vote on the CanG or does it not matter to you?”

Dr. Mützenich replied with, “The SPD parliamentary group continues to support the bill to decriminalize cannabis. It is regrettable that other reports spread a false impression – perhaps deliberately. The SPD has long campaigned for a liberal drug policy and failed to do so due to the Union under Chancellor Merkel.”

“We are now committed to ensuring that the law will, above all, take health protection into account; final discussions are still being held on this matter. The law is scheduled to be passed at the beginning of next year and, we intend, to come into force in April 2024 as planned.” Dr. Mützenich also stated.

The timeline offered up by Dr. Mützenich is in line with previous statements made this month by members of the Bundestag. Whether or not the timeline proves to be accurate is something that we will all have to wait and see.

As far as whether the SPD parliamentary group is for or against legalization in Germany, it appears that at the very least there are mixed opinions within the political party, but hopefully there is more support for policy modernization than there is for continued status quo-maintaining foot-dragging.