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Author: Marguerite Arnold

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Lidl Supermarket Faces Issues Over CBD Products Across Europe

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Business.

One of the world’s largest grocery stores faces repeated problems over “cannabis” products in its European outlets

The going has not been easy for Lidl this summer on the cannabis front. The supermarket giant, with over 12,000 brick and mortar stores across Europe and the United States has now run into its second contretemps over “CBD” in a single month

Last month, in the middle of August, the supermarket chain faced considerable embarrassment after the Munich police raided a Lidl store in the city. By the end of the month, Lidl Ireland had also pulled two hemp products due to concerns over unduly high levels of THC. One of those products was for an organic hemp seed oil product and the other was for that good old standby, hemp tea. They also sent warnings of the recalls to their shops across the country.

Customers are being asked to refrain from consuming the products and to return them to the store of purchase for a full refund.

Even individually, the incidents are embarrassing to Lidl Corporate, an international German company with US headquarters in Arlington Virginia and150 storefronts across the country. In Europe, the chain has a footprint in almost every country.

Taken together, even the largest retailers are now facing the biggest issues that the entire cannabis industry from mom-and-pop hemp farmers to larger players, has struggled with now for the better part of five years – certainly on the CBD front.

Changing Cannabis Policy Globally

It is certainly easy to understand why a global grocery store has gotten it so wrong on cannabis. It is still easy to do. In the United States, CBD products are legit in state markets thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. In Europe, CBD has been declared “not a narcotic” on the EU level by the European Commission. However, on a country-by-country basis, there is still a great deal of confusion. In Germany, for example, cannabis is still part of the German Narcotics Act, no matter that the government is now actively funding several CBD and hemp experiments.

There is no “global” standard – which makes corporate decision-making difficult to do – although other large corporations like Apple and Amazon are clearly moving in this direction also.

Ultimately, full and final cannabis reform is still a global goal – even as countries and regions begin to make headway.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is back! Make sure to check our website and social media for recordings of sessions and stay tuned!

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53% Of Uruguayan Doctors Recommend Medical Cannabis

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Medical.

A survey carried out by the Catholic University of Uruguay reveals that the majority of the country’s doctors are willing to recommend the use of medical cannabis.

A study entitled “Medical cannabis in Uruguay: a study on the medical community and persistent challenges,” conducted by interviewing 275 domestic doctors, has revealed highly encouraging results. The majority of those surveyed said that they would prescribe the drug (64%), and only 21% are undecided, with only 15% responding that they would not administer the drug at all. Neurologists, internists, rheumatologists, and surgeons are the most likely to write prescriptions for their patients.

The most common conditions for which cannabis is prescribed medically in Uruguay are rheumatism, neurological diseases generally, cancer, chronic pain, palliative patients, and those with mental illnesses.

Even more encouragingly, more than 90% of the respondents said that it was relevant to include the endocannabinoid system in both undergraduate and graduate medical education.

Even more intriguingly, even though Uruguay was the first country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis, medical cannabis generally, is lagging in the country.

Encouraging Medical Developments Amid Greater Reform

The survey is certainly welcome news in a world where the medical community has not warmed particularly quickly to the idea of cannabis as a legitimate medical drug. Most doctors in places like Canada or even across Europe still view the drug with a considerable suspicion – due mainly to their unfamiliarity with cannabis not to mention the enduring stigma that still exists in many medical programs.

As of this April in fact, a study from Ontario suggests that the majority of doctors in the province are still reluctant to prescribe cannabis to treat chronic pain. This survey tracks findings also found back in 2019 on a national basis, from the Canadian Medical Association. 

That said, the lack of acceptance from the medical community has not slowed down the growth of the overall industry. Indeed, the number of Canadians who admitted to using cannabis, for any purpose, swelled from under 24,000 in June 2015 to over 370,000 by September of last year.

In places like Germany, where medical cannabis covered by insurance is still less than five years old, doctors remain reluctant to prescribe the drug too, but for reasons beyond its medical efficacy – namely the financial liability they still face for prescribing too much.

Cannabis education – for both doctors and insurers – remains a high priority in almost every legalizing country – but perhaps Uruguay can continue to show the way.

Be sure to stay tuned to more developments from the International Cannabis Business Conference.

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German Politicians Gather To Discuss Cannabis For Historical Meeting In Berlin

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Berlin, Politics.

As the German election nears, the International Cannabis Business Conference hosts a unique panel of politicians from across the political spectrum to discuss the future of cannabis politics aus Deutschland

Germany is facing a national election at the end of September. 

This is a watershed moment in German politics. Germans are going to the polls to decide the next steps of a country that has been helmed by Angela Merkel, herself a unique figure in German politics for the last generation (literally 16 years). There are a lot of issues at stake.

Cannabis reform is just one of them. However, it is a big one.

As a result (and as a first of its kind) the International Cannabis Business Conference is hosting a unique event this year. Moderated by Jürgen Neumeyer, the managing director of the BvCW, a trade group for German cannabis firms, this fascinating hour-long panel will feature top politicians and policymakers from across the spectrum debating the future of legalization in Germany.

From Erwin Rüddel, the CDU-affiliated chair of the German Bundestag’s Committee on Health to politicians and representatives from the SPD, Die Linke and the Greens, the conversation will focus on how to move the needle forward in a political and economic climate that so far has been challenging.

Will Germany follow Switzerland, Portugal, and Holland into a recreational trial in the next several years, or will the question of greater normalization if not full boat recreational reform languishes in more political wrangling and delay? 

But this is hardly the only issue on the table. What is the future of medical cannabis reform in a country where most patients still cannot find doctors, much less gain approvals if they have statutory health care – and how can needed social reforms in health insurance create a better environment for the chronically ill and those who need access now but cannot get it? 

This entire conversation of course is taking place at a time when cannabis by prescription has been legit for over four years, yet the drug is also not even decriminalized (putting patients at even greater risk). 

Beyond the medical discussion, CBD also still languishes in a strange space, even as other countries in Europe begin to experiment with recreational trials.

Neumeyer will guide the panelists through the bigger issues at the table – as well as try to determine a path if not a timeline for future reform. Held on the first day of the International Cannabis Business Conference B2B conference on August 26th, this is a first-of-its-kind event that should not be missed.

Book your last-minute tickets now to the International Cannabis Business Conference when it returns to Berlin August 25-27.

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German-Grown Cannabis Available In Pharmacies For First Time

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Medical.

The Tilray/Aphria owned facility becomes the first GMP certified crop to make its way to German pharmacies since the beginning of the tender bid process.

In a victory that has taken literally four years to accomplish, the first German-grown cannabis, produced by the Tilray/Aphria consortium in Neumunster, near Hamburg, has begun to be distributed to German pharmacies.

That said, the process has been torturous, extended and drawn out. On top of this, the terms of the bid were never going to allow any of the producers to come close to producing enough in-country (at least for four years) of demand, which has also steadily grown here since 2017.

The Importance of imports to the German market

While the beginning of domestically cultivated cannabis is an important step, the reality is that imported cannabis will play an important role in the market for years to come. This in turn has already led to feeder markets in countries like Portugal and Greece and attracted cannabis from as far away as Africa and Australia.

Indeed, in terms of trigger events, it is the German bid itself, with the setting of both certification grade and the mandate for health insurance to cover the same, that has created the beginnings of what is going to be the world’s most valuable medical cannabis market and further one that will, as of next year, begin to also see recreational experiments all over the continent.

Indeed, it seems odd and strangely timed (although of course nobody could have predicted Covid and the slowdowns in all that have occurred) that the Tilray/Aphria coalition, which itself is a strange Frankenweed merged company on both sides of the discussion in both Germany and Portugal, plus one of the largest distribution networks in Germany via the acquisition of one of the larger regular distributors (CC Pharma), would begin distribution right before the Swiss and Luxembourg recreational trials are set to begin.

Whatever the coincidence, the reality is that even in Germany, cannabis, even if of “just” the medical kind, is becoming a normalized reality across Europe – and it is the Deutsch market that has led the way.

In the next few years, the many problems caused by normalization will continue to fragment the industry – until the industry comes together and changes the laws on cannabis at a European level. Until then, it is one step and victory at a time, and this announcement is no small feat.

Be sure to book your tickets now to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin!

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Spanish Court References European Decision On CBD

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Medical.

A Spanish lawsuit acquitting a CBD store owner in Spain becomes the first legal judgment in the country to reference the EU decision that the cannabinoid is not a narcotic.

Legal eagles are paying attention to an interesting Spanish case this month which is likely to be as influential in the country in terms of setting precedent for CBD sales as the French vape case. 

According to legal counsel, Joan Bertomeu of the Brotsanbert law firm which defended the store, “This ruling is very important because, contrary to what the Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office and the Medicines Agency maintain, it is clear that the hemp flower, with low THC content and prevalence of CBD, cannot be considered a narcotic because it does not produce an effect and, therefore, cannot be considered criminally taxable.”

An overview of the case

Much like other CBD precedent cases around Europe, this saga began on August 14, 2018, after two Civil Guards inspected the Valencia-based store. While none of the product on sale violated European limits on THC in the plants and other products on sale to the public, there was hashish and marijuana in a private office that was for personal consumption. The defendant also purchased the for-sale products legally with invoices that were produced in court.

The judge recognized the recent judgment of November 19, 2020, in the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Other Precedents in Europe

The Brotansbert law firm, which is becoming known for activist cases in Spain (they also represented Albert Tio, the Spanish cannabis club activist) is clearly looking for these kinds of cases in the country, and even better, winning them. They are joining other law firms across the region in defending clients from conflicting regulations as the impact of the EU CBD case ripples through impactful court cases and thus precedent.

While this case is very much like the case in France where the sellers of CBD vapes imported from another EU country also were acquitted, there is one case which is not like this. The recent German hemp case is NOT like either the Spanish or French cases in that while the federal court did not convict, they remanded the case back to the lower court because the seller violated the rule on hemp levels in the EU.

In the meantime, it is very clear that the EU precedent on hemp is shaking through national legal systems at minimum via legal battles and victories if not national legislative action. That push must come from the industry.

Be sure to book your tickets now to the International Cannabis Business Conference when it returns to Berlin in August 2021.

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Spanish Agricultural Cannabis Redevelopment Project In Suspense

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Medical.

A large roses to cannabis production facility in Garrray Spain, Europe’s largest greenhouse of red roses, now sits empty as AEMPS delays on granting medical cannabis authorization.

Once upon a time, in a town called Garray, about 9 kilometres from Soria, on the banks of the Douro River sat a large greenhouse. It used to be the largest producer of red roses in Europe. After being bought by an American investment fund that specializes in the cannabis sector, they applied for a license to the Spanish medical authority to produce cannabis.

Aleia Roses, the owner of the greenhouse, was one of the largest companies in Soria, with more than 250 workers. The company had planned to produce 40 million flowers a year. Full Moon investments bought the facility in 2020 and planned to grow roses and medical cannabis. However, last April the owner decided to ditch the rose idea and focus only on cannabis. Since then, the permit has not arrived and everyone is getting nervous.

Cannabis Cultivation Licenses in Spain

The situation with new license development in Spain has been tricky for some time. There are, according to insider sources, 4 licenses, and these are held by various members of the Spanish Royal Family plus Alcaliber, a private company now shipping Spanish-grown cannabis to among other countries, Germany.

One of the reasons that licenses are difficult to obtain in Spain is that AEMPS is highly suspicious of outside investors obtaining licenses and then merely flipping them without developing a site. The AR project is different – namely, the facility is already built, and it is a form of economic development for Spaniards in a depopulated region that desperately needs the work.

However, this kind of waiting game is bad for future projects, no matter what happens. Covid is increasingly not a reason for delays and economies all over Europe are beginning to try to figure out ways to get started once again.

There is a demand for medical cannabis in Europe that so far has not been met, and right now, cultivation projects are needed all over the region – from Portugal and Denmark to Greece.

Be sure to book your tickets to the International Cannabis Business Conference now for the August return to Berlin.

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Germany’s Cannabis Vape Market Likely To Expand Rapidly

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Business, Medical.

An Israeli firm has obtained a first-of-its-kind license from the German regulatory authorities for extracts for inhalation.

The German market remains one of the most interesting in Europe in terms of product approvals and entry. As of last month, an Israeli company, Panaxia, along with its German partner Neuraxpharm, obtained a first of its kind regulatory license from German authorities for the marketing and distribution of medicinal cannabis extracts for inhalation.

The vape market so far is in its infancy so far – namely because of not only approvals but cost. So far, the largest vaped cannabinoid in the country is flower – usually with a medical vape made in Germany.

With the importation of extracts for inhalation, the vape market is likely to expand rapidly – starting with the introduction of Kanabo’s vape pod and associated vape capsules.

How fast they will find acceptance, however, is a discussion that may languish simply because most medical vape products are not affordable to the average patient without specific health insurance approval first.

That said, for existing medical cannabis patients, this alternative may become an alternative their insurers will pick up – especially for those who are fed up with the hassle of vaping flower.

Alternative Product Forms on The German Market

While flos has been the most prevalent new form of the drug for the last five years or so, there are indications that the German medical market is opening to other kinds of medical cannabinoids. Dronabinol is a big part of the market here – about 1/3 of the same – including the liquid kind. Now there will be other forms of cannabinoids that doctors can choose from.

This may increase the interest of doctors in prescribing the drug – especially given medical preference for “dosing.”

What this is also likely to do is create another expensive cannabis drug that insurers are reluctant to cover – and will be more expensive than the average cannabis patient can afford.

Right now, the average cost of cannabis to a patient is still running about 1,000 euro per month if they cannot obtain health insurance approvals upfront. This is a cost that is added to by the cost of a doctor’s prescription.

Change in other words is coming again to the German cannabis market – but the biggest barrier of all to access – cost and doctor prescription, remains unsolved.

Be sure to attend the International Cannabis Business Conference when the conference returns to Berlin in August.

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Denmark To Make Medical Cannabis “Trial” Permanent

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Medical.

The trial scheme for medical cannabis in Denmark will be extended beyond 2021 and enter permanent status

Denmark’s medical cannabis “trial” has become permanent. This is intriguing for both patients in Denmark as well as the industry there. It also spells good news for the permanence of other European medical “trials” set up in the aftermath of 2017 when the first real medical cannabis reform came to the region thanks to the German cultivation bid.

The Parliamentary agreement means that cultivators who currently grow for medical purposes can continue to stay in business – a welcome move for even the bigger companies like Aurora which had established operations there.

Beyond the stability of medical access and cultivation licenses, the trial here has had mixed success. In its first several years, literally thousands of patients were able to gain access. In the final three months of 2020, fewer than 500 patients gained access – but that also might have been due to access issues. All of the medical cannabis used in the trial was imported.

With permanent status, medical cannabis cultivation can begin in earnest. The question is, will this cannabis be affordable to patients in other countries as well as domestic ones?

The German Discussion – And Other European Trials

There are all sorts of trials right now across Europe of the medical kind – from Germany to France. All of these are also expected to become permanent. The question then is, where does Europe’s cannabis come from – and more importantly on the medical side – who pays.

Danish medical cannabis is unlikely to be a big seller in Poland (for example). Just as in Germany, the costs of cultivation are just too high for an agricultural export market to flourish here – even indoors.

Regardless, there is going to be some domestic cultivation that proceeds, inevitably, to begin to meet local demand – and just as inevitably, local producers will look for export markets abroad.

How these two medical markets mesh will also be of great interest across the continent. Holland, in direct contrast, only exports GMP cannabis across the border. Patients in the Dutch market mostly go to coffee shops since Dutch insurers failed to cover medical cannabis post-2017. In Switzerland, next year, the recreational trial will also be run out of pharmacies.

Regardless, it is good news that trials all over Europe are moving forward with results that are starting to be permanent. 

For updates on the latest developments in the European market, be sure to book your tickets now to the International Cannabis Business Conference – coming back to Berlin in August 2021.

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The Coming Vape Invasion Of Europe

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Business.

The cannabis vape market is about to take off in the aftermath of last fall’s decision that CBD is not a narcotic.

It is not just the recent business news that Kanabo is upgrading its British CBD facilities to EU GMP that is heralding what is likely to be a vape explosion across Europe by this time next year – and not just on the CBD side.

Indications are popping all over that the vape trade is about to get a big boost – both from a medical market tired of chasing flos to hybrid markets in need of easier to move and sell products.

The UK market is absolutely primed to be a big market – especially with extraction facilities coming online in several places, including the Channel Islands.

Beyond the UK however, the Swiss market is beginning to see a flood of vape products (and of both the recreational and medical kind).

What are the real possibilities of a liquid market (no pun intended) in the vape trade across Europe in the next couple of years?

GMP Vs. Other Certified Vape Production

On the medical front, there is a clear need for competition in a market where there are few competitors and still-high costs. Medical vapes offer doctors at least, a more regulated dispensation and dosing option while preventing patients from smoking (as most do with flos).

Beyond the medical market, however, the Swiss, Dutch, Luxembourgian and probably Portuguese markets are opening just as the new certified product is available.

Expect to see an explosion of sales – and across the board – just about everywhere in Europe.

The ramp-up is also coming after a raft of bad press for the extraction market – including by medical doctors who examined contents and labeling of particularly CBD extract all over Europe.

With a vape cartridge and certified extract market coming online and further sales channels to sell the product, it is very likely that pent up demand, new trials in several countries of both the medical and recreational kind, will see much higher sales for this vertical of the cannabis market – certainly by next spring.

To get the latest updates on the European cannabis market be sure to visit the International Cannabis Business Conference when it returns to Berlin in August.