International Cannabis Business Conference Blog – Page 10 – International Cannabis Business Conference

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Cannabis Use Associated With “Substantial Improvements” Among OCD Patients

Written by Johnny Green on June 20, 2025. Posted in Science.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious mental health condition that involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts and obsessions. It also involves repetitive behaviors or compulsions that a person cannot control. OCD can significantly interfere with a patient’s daily tasks, work, and relationships.

International researchers estimate that roughly 2% of the world’s general population suffers from some level of obsessive-compulsive disorder, ranging from mild cases to severe cases. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: a “fear of contamination by dirt or germs; constant checking; repetitive, intrusive thoughts of a somatic, aggressive, or sexual nature; extreme slowness; and an inordinate concern with orderliness and symmetry.”

A team of researchers based in the United Kingdom recently examined medical cannabis use and its impact on patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. The researchers’ findings were published in the academic journal Psychoactives.

“Existing treatments may not be suitable or effective for all people with OCD, and there is increasing interest in whether these individuals may benefit from the use of cannabis-based medical products (CBMPs).” the researchers stated.

“We document the characteristics of 257 people reporting a diagnosis of OCD within Project T21, a study of medical cannabis patients, and examined whether the use of prescribed cannabinoids improves quality of life. Individuals with OCD were prescribed an average of 2.2 CBMPs, with most products classified as THC-dominant flowers.” the researchers stated about their methodology.

“Three months after initiating treatment, there were substantial improvements in quality of life (Cohen’s d = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.29–0.65), general health (Cohen’s d = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.26–0.61), mood/depression (Cohen’s d = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.65–1.04), and sleep (Cohen’s d = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.43–0.79). There was a corresponding reduction in anxiety symptoms among the subsample who completed the GAD-7 (Cohen’s d = 1.14; 95% CI = 0.84–1.44). Eight individuals (5.7%) reported a total of 14 adverse effects, with the majority of these (57%) being described as mild.” the researchers found.

“Given emerging evidence that those with OCD can benefit from CBMPs, coupled with the increased availability of these unlicensed products internationally, there is a need for more research, including clinical trials, to identify those who may benefit most from the use of these medicines.” the researchers concluded.

Malta: Cannabis Odor Complaints In Private Spaces To Be Handled By ARUC

Written by Johnny Green on June 20, 2025. Posted in Policy.

The cannabis plant and certain consumption methods can put off a considerable amount of odor, with some members of society finding those odors to be undesirable. In Malta, where lawmakers adopted recreational cannabis legalization in 2021, how cannabis odor complaints in private spaces are handled has changed.

“All complaints about cannabis odours in private spaces will be handled directly by enforcement inspectors from the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), according to recently introduced legal amendments.” reported Malta Independent in its local coverage.

“We are not here to criminalise, but to educate and encourage responsibility towards neighbours and the community. The right for responsible use will remain, but no one has the right to cause inconvenience to others,” ARUC Head Joey Reno Vella said, according to the media outlet.

The change in how cannabis odor complaints in private spaces are handled is part of amendments that were unanimously approved in Malta’s Parliament last month. Cannabis odor complaints involving public spaces will continue to be handled by law enforcement in Malta.

ARUC has set up a private phone hotline for people to submit their complaints. As of earlier this week, only ten complaints had been received by the hotline.

“If ARUC officers deem the complaint to be justified, the first step is to contact the people creating smells, informing them in a friendly and practical manner of ways to mitigate odours,” Vella said, according to local reporting by Times of Malta.

“Should attempts to resolve a complaint amicably fail, Vella said, ARUC would be bound to file proceedings against persistent offenders in front of the Commissioner for Justice, with offenders facing a fine of €235 – described as a measure of last resort.” Times of Malta also reported.

Adults in Malta can legally cultivate up to four plants in their private residences and possess up to 50 grams of cannabis in their homes. Additionally, adults can join a growing list of approved noncommercial cultivation associations.

Hemp Geotextiles Hold “Promising Properties” For Stabilizing River Banks

Written by Johnny Green on June 19, 2025. Posted in Science.

In Germany, Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR) serves as the central coordinating institution for research, development, and demonstration projects in the field of renewable resources. FNR was originally established in 1993 and is a non-profit organization funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

An example of recent projects led by FNR includes the Bioshoreline I and II projects, which involve using “new geotextiles made from local, renewable raw materials that can stabilize newly planted banks in their early years.”

Riverbank erosion is a major issue in many parts of the world, and occurs when the natural soil and vegetation holding a river bank in place are weakened or removed. Riverbank erosion can increase the flood risk in the area where the river is located and destroy vital habitats and ecosystems. Stabilizing river banks is an area of research that is increasing in popularity as a result.

The Bioshoreline I and II projects ran in Germany from 2016 to 2024 and involved coconut mats, sheep’s wool, and plastic nonwovens made of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. The researcher determined that “coconut and wool fibers degrade too quickly when used in wet conditions, while plastic nonwovens are not biodegradable at all.”

“Evaluations of the first years of the field trial showed that, as desired, significant degradation did not occur until the third year, but then somewhat too quickly. In addition, root penetration appeared to be in need of improvement in the early years.” reported FNR (translated from German to English).

“Subsequently, the Bioshoreline team produced optimized geotextiles based on 50 percent hemp and flax and 50 percent PLA fibers. These new prototypes have been undergoing practical testing on the banks of the Rhine since 2023. Initial studies indicate promising properties.” FNR also stated. While the initial results from the hemp-based geotextiles are encouraging, further evaluation will need to be conducted.

Separately, a team of researchers based in China recently examined how incorporating a silicone-containing, water-based polyurethane coating impacts hemp fabric and paper’s level of water resistance and their mechanical stability.

“Hemp fabric and cellulose paper are sustainable materials with high application potential – but their limited water resistance and mechanical resilience hinder their wider industrial use.” reported European Coatings in its original coverage of the research. “A research team from China has now developed a functionalised coating that addresses these weaknesses: A water-based polyurethane acrylate coating with silicone components (WPUASi) increases both the hydrophobicity and the strength of the substrates.”

“The emulsion, which is based on an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), was applied to hemp textiles and filter paper. The water contact angle (WCA) increased from 0° to 127.5° for hemp and to 113.2° for paper. The mechanical characteristics also improved significantly: the tensile strength of the hemp fabric increased by 19 % and the folding strength of the filter paper increased 23-fold.” European Coatings also wrote.

The researchers also applied the protective layer to other materials, including cotton and wood, and it yielded similar results. For hemp specifically, the emulsion seemed to properly adhere, as proven by the treated hemp material retaining ‘most of its hydrophobic and mechanical properties’ after ‘several washing cycles.’

Advances in hemp research increase the potential for the global hemp market. During a recent presentation at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, leading international cannabis industry economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provided data demonstrating that the value of the global industrial hemp industry could be as much as $456.2 billion.

Germany: 49 Applications For Cannabis Model Projects Submitted

Written by Johnny Green on June 18, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in multiple jurisdictions in Europe, and at some point, they are expected to launch in Germany as well. Pilot trials are the primary component of the second phase of Germany’s two-tiered legalization model, which was originally adopted on April 1, 2024.

According to the German Cannabis Business Association’s (BvCW) recent newsletter, over four dozen applications for pilot trials have been submitted so far, although it is worth noting that none of them have received approval to proceed.

“The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food ( BLE ) has responded to a request for information on the FragdenStaat website regarding the processing status of applications under Section 2, Paragraph 4 of the Cannabis Act (KCanG). Accordingly, KCanG-related processes are recorded under the subject unit “Cannabis Research Projects” (No. 06.03).” BvCW stated in its newsletter (translated from German to English).

“A detailed evaluation of applications concerning model projects for the distribution of cannabis to end users for recreational use is not yet available and would involve considerable effort and fees.” BvCW also wrote in its newsletter.

Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials were originally expected to launch in various jurisdictions in Germany by the end of 2024. However, the prospective pilot trials have experienced several delays due to political reasons.

Currently, pilot trials are operating in several local jurisdictions in both the Netherlands and Switzerland. The largest regional adult-use cannabis pilot trial in Switzerland is operating in Zurich, where a total of 4,400 people between the ages of 18 and 80 are participating.

“Over 90 percent of participants now obtain their cannabis products from legal sources, i.e. from one of the three specialist stores or one of the nine pharmacies taking part.” Blue News reported about Zurich’s pilot trial.

Another jurisdiction in Switzerland participating in regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials is Basel, where researchers are finding benefits to allowing adult-use commerce. The results of a previous study, which was the first academic reporting of its kind, were published on the University of Basel’s website in addition to being published in the academic journal Addiction.

“Public health-oriented recreational cannabis access may decrease cannabis use and cannabis-related harms, especially among those using other drugs.” the researchers of that study concluded.

“Furthermore, the study was able to dispel fears that legalization could exacerbate the psychopathological symptoms associated with cannabis consumption in addition to consumption itself: after the first six months, there was no difference between the two study groups in terms of depression, anxiety or other symptoms.” stated the University of Basel on its website.

“The interim assessment after two years of study shows a significant improvement in the mental state of the approximately 300 or so participants who are still taking part.” the University also wrote.

Earlier this year, Marijuana Moment reported that a government-commissioned report found that Switzerland’s adult-use cannabis legalization pilot program is “running smoothly,” with “no indication of any disturbances to public order.”

“About two years after the pilot program launched in seven municipalities across the country, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) study—carried out by the University of Lausanne and the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland—generally determined that the initiative has been a success.” the outlet also reported.

According to initial reporting by krautinvest from earlier this month, Germany’s Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) rejected an application for a cannabis pilot project in Central Holstein.

“The first applications were received by the Federal Agency for Food and Agriculture (BLE) in December of last year. However, the BLE only subsequently created application forms and sent them to all applicants in the spring. In mid-May, the BLE announced to krautinvest.de that it was processing 40 applications.” the outlet also reported.

International Researchers To Send Cannabis Seeds Into Space

Written by Johnny Green on June 16, 2025. Posted in Science.

After decades of cannabis research being greatly hindered, if not outright prevented, due to cannabis prohibition policies, the rate and scope of research around the world are increasing. A great example of this can be found in an international research project that involves sending cannabis seeds into space.

“On June 20, we’re sending plant life beyond Earth’s atmosphere to explore how it evolves in zero gravity.” researchers affiliated with a project titled ‘Martian Grow’ wrote in a recent post on LinkedIn. “From Vandenberg to the stars — this is where cannabis research meets deep space.”

“For too long, discovery has been confined to sterile labs and guarded by gatekeepers, but innovation has always thrived where curiosity is free. This project is a call to action—an open experiment driven not by profit, but by the boundless potential of human creativity.” the researchers state on the project’s website. “We are not funded by big pharma or controlled by financial interests. We are fueled by the desire to explore, to question, and to unlock knowledge that belongs to everyone.”

The research project will be organized into a three-part action plan, and people around the world are encouraged to follow along on X, Facebook, and Instagram, in addition to signing up for email alerts via the project’s website.

“We launch cannabis seeds into space, exposing them to cosmic radiation and microgravity. This helps us study mutations and adaptations that could improve plant resilience, disease resistance, and genetic robustness, offering new insights into cannabis genetics and its potential for agricultural advancements beyond Earth.” the researchers stated about the first step of the project’s action plan.

“We recreate Martian soil conditions on Earth, testing fertilizers and nutrients to optimize plant survival. By studying how cannabis interacts with simulated Martian soil, we gain crucial insights into its adaptability, genetic expression, and potential for sustaining future extraterrestrial agriculture.” they stated about the second step of their action plan.

“By cultivating cannabis clones in controlled low-gravity environments, we analyze root development, biomass production, and genetic changes. This research helps us understand how plants adapt beyond Earth while expanding our knowledge of cannabis biology at a molecular level.” they conclude about the final step of their action plan.

Per the LinkedIn post embedded earlier in this article, the seeds are set to launch on Friday, June 20th, 2025. Per my communications with one of the lead researchers on the project, Slovenian scientist Božidar Radišič, the seeds are expected to be in orbit for 5-6 hours before coming back to Earth.

Tips And Strategies For Establishing International Cannabis Brands

Written by Johnny Green on June 14, 2025. Posted in Business.

Establishing a cannabis brand that resonates with consumers and patients is not for the faint of heart, and that is true in any market. However, it is particularly true for cannabis companies trying to establish their brands at an international level.

From seed companies to smart shops to controlled environment agriculture businesses, cannabis brands are strategically expanding into the global market at an increasing rate, and branding strategies continue to evolve to ensure that companies are effective in their pursuits.

At the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Ricardo Baca, Founder and CEO of international PR agency Grasslands and three-time ‘Marketer of the Year,’ moderated a panel focused on establishing international cannabis brands. Mr. Baca was joined on the panel by:

Nick Avé, General Manager of Zamnesia
Jürgen Bickel, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Storz and Bickel
Lance Lambert, CMO of Grove Bags
Barry Laxer, CEO and Founder of Cielo Verde

This session brought together pioneering executives from leading cannabis brands who have successfully navigated the complex journey from national to international markets. Drawing from their firsthand experience, the industry leaders shared practical insights on market entry strategies, regulatory compliance, and building brand presence in North America, Europe, and beyond.

Panelists provided tips and best practices for leveraging strategic partnerships and distribution networks, among other things. Whether you’re actively planning international expansion or exploring future possibilities, this session delivered actionable intelligence from those who have successfully transitioned. You can watch the panel discussion via this link here.

Australian Researchers: Cannabis May Reduce Anxiety Symptoms

Written by Johnny Green on June 14, 2025. Posted in Science.

International researchers have found that anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental health disorders, and that anxiety disorders affect an estimated 301 million people around the globe. Additionally, anxiety disorders are more common in women than men, and only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment for it.

A team of academic researchers based in Australia and affiliated with various institutions recently conducted a systematic review focusing on medical cannabis use and how it may impact the symptoms in patients with anxiety-related disorders. The review’s findings were published in the academic journal Psychiatry Research.

“With rising anxiety disorder diagnoses, many individuals are seeking alternatives to standard pharmacotherapies, like medicinal cannabis. This systematic review focuses exclusively on anxiety-related disorders and examines a wide range of cannabis-based preparations and interventions.” the researchers wrote about their review.

“We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycInfo (October–December 2023) for peer-reviewed empirical studies, excluding case series, case studies, and review papers. Inclusion criteria were studies on adults (18+ years) diagnosed with anxiety-related disorders, examining the efficacy or effectiveness of medicinal cannabis. Studies on recreational cannabis or cannabis-use-disorder were excluded. The MASTER and QualSyst tools were used to assess bias.” the researchers wrote about their methodology.

“Among the 13 highest-quality studies, 70 % (n = 9) reported a positive improvement for disorders including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 30 % (n = 4) reported a negative result for conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, test anxiety and SAD.” the researchers found.

“Medicinal cannabis demonstrates potential in reducing anxiety symptoms, but the long-term benefits and overall impact on quality of life remain unclear. Further high-quality, longitudinal research with standardised dosing is needed.” the researchers concluded.

The results of the Australian systematic review build on previous research, including a prior clinical trial conducted last year in India, which found that a “CBD oral solution showed therapeutic efficacy, excellent safety, and tolerability in treating not only mild to moderate anxiety disorders, but also associated depression and disturbances in sleep quality with no incidences of withdrawal anxiety upon dose tapering and at the end of the treatment.”

Another prior study conducted in the United Kingdom found that “treatment with CBMPs [cannabis-based medicinal products] is associated with statistically significant improvements across anxiety-, sleep-, and HRQoL-specific PROMs [patients-reported outcome measures] after 12 months…”

Antigua And Barbuda To Expunge Cannabis Convictions

Written by Johnny Green on June 14, 2025. Posted in Policy.

A cannabis conviction on a person’s record can wreak havoc on their life, long after the penalty for the conviction has been completed. It can prevent people from gaining employment, housing, government assistance, and many other things.

My father is an unfortunate example of this. He was convicted of a cannabis-only offense in 1986 in Oregon involving 112 grams of cannabis. He still cannot volunteer as a wrestling coach in Oregon in 2025, even though Oregon legalized cannabis a decade ago, and adults in Oregon can possess up to 224 grams in their homes.

With that in mind, it is always a big deal when a government decides to expunge prior cannabis offenses and/or pardon the individuals involved, which is reportedly what is happening in Antigua and Barbuda.

“The Antigua and Barbuda Government says it will table at the next sitting of Parliament legislation aimed at expunging the criminal records of individuals convicted for possession of small quantities of cannabis and granting them official pardons.” reported Jamaica Observer in its local coverage.

“A statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting said that Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Steadroy Cuttie Benjamin, has been authorised to draft the legislation that will offer a pardon to persons convicted of having less than 15 grams of marijuana.” the outlet also reported.

It is unclear at this time how many individual cases will be impacted. Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth archipelagic country located in the Caribbean, comprising its two namesake islands and several smaller ones.

Lawmakers in Antigua and Barbuda previously approved a cannabis policy modernization measure that decriminalized individual cannabis possession. Further reforms that would legalize cannabis sales have also been pursued but have so far failed to reach the finish line.

The Latest Trends And Innovations In International Cannabis Logistics

Written by Johnny Green on June 13, 2025. Posted in Science.

Right now is the most exciting time for legal international cannabis commerce than any other time in human history. For many decades, cannabis was prohibited around the world, then for a time, the legal industry operated in siloed markets.

However, the legal cannabis industry has truly gone international in recent years, and cannabis imports and exports are becoming more common in legal medical cannabis markets. The increased activity and excitement are paralleled by an increase in challenges and hurdles to overcome.

Shipping legal cannabis halfway around the globe is not an easy task. For starters, all medical cannabis products have to meet all of the regulatory and legal standards and requirements in every jurisdiction that they travel through, which is sometimes more jurisdictions than just where the products originated and where they will be sold.

If people think that one market’s regulations are difficult to navigate, imagine the regulatory labyrinth and hoops involved when there are multiple countries in the equation. On top of all of that, there are the usual challenges that come with any agricultural crop and products derived from them, such as quality and freshness.

One of the most knowledgeable experts on the topic of international cannabis logistics is Yoram Eshel, CEO of Cannabilog. Yoram Eshel recently presented on the topic of international cannabis logistics at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, and the information that he shared was invaluable. You can watch his presentation at this link here.