International Cannabis Business Conference Blog – Page 40 – International Cannabis Business Conference

Germany Judiciary Examines Nearly 280,000 Past Cannabis Cases

Written by Johnny Green on September 17, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Germany’s Judiciary recently announced that federal states have reviewed an estimated 279,000 past cannabis cases after adult-use legalization took effect in Germany on April 1st, 2024. Starting on April 1st, adult consumers in Germany can cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis within certain parameters.

“The most populous federal state, North Rhine-Westphalia, has the most reviews (86,000), followed by Bavaria (41,500) and Hesse (34,000). The smallest federal state, Bremen, has the fewest criminal records reviewed (531).” Augsburger Allgemeine reported (translated from German to English).

Cannabis prohibition previously cost Germany 1.3 billion euros a year according to an analysis by the Institute for Competition Economics (DICE) at the Heinrich Heine University in Duesseldorf. Reviewing old cannabis cases is a massive undertaking in Germany, and the huge number of reviews is a testament to how many lives were needlessly harmed in Germany due to prohibition.

“According to the evaluation, the judiciary in Bavaria has re-examined 41,500 cases, and the courts have so far received more than 6,200 cases for re-determination of sentences. The courts have already made a decision on this in around 3,500 cases. The Hessian authorities have already imposed sentences 450 times, and the sentence has been re-determined in a further 88 cases.” Augsburger Allgemeine also reported.

Meanwhile, in Bavaria, a reported 33 cannabis consumers have been recently released from incarceration thanks to Germany’s new cannabis laws.

“Since the partial legalization of cannabis on April 1, 2024, 33 incarcerated cannabis users have been released from prison in Bavaria.” stated the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) in a recent newsletter. The release of cannabis prisoners in Bavaria was first reported by Süddeutsche Zeitung.

In addition to cannabis being legal for adult use in Germany, recreational cannabis is also legal in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and South Africa, as well as at the local level in certain parts of the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States.

Cannabis Policy Modernization Measure Expected In Slovenia By End Of Year

Written by Johnny Green on September 17, 2024. Posted in Policy.

According to Dr. Metka Paragi, a leading international microbiologist who currently serves as the Secretary for Health in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, lawmakers will introduce a cannabis policy reform measure in the Central European nation by the end of this year.

Dr. Paragi made the announcement at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference held in Bled Slovenia on September 13th, 2024. Earlier this year voters in Slovenia approved two cannabis referendum measures – one focusing on personal adult use decriminalization and another dealing with medical cannabis.

“We fulfill our promise with full responsibility and prepare modern European legislation that will give our citizens access to safe and professionally supported hemp products for health and well-being,” Dr. Paragi stated according to local reporting by N1 SLO. “The current Slovenian legislation allows the use of hemp products for medical purposes, but it has never really taken off. In practice, this manifests itself to a very limited extent and with many obstacles.”

Currently, cannabis is legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Recreational pilot trials are also in operation in a limited number of jurisdictions in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Cannabis is also legal for adult use in two dozen states in the U.S. as well as in Washington D.C. Medical cannabis laws have been adopted by at least 57 countries around the world.

Slovenia is uniquely positioned to fill a substantial void in the international cannabis industry’s research and development sector. Slovenia is already a top global hub for research and development efforts for other large industries, including the pharmaceutical industry, and the nation’s university facilities and leading researchers could develop cannabis products and delivery methods that would revolutionize the cannabis space.

“We should not underestimate how valuable a niche this activity can be for Slovenia,” said International Cannabis Business Conference co-founder and Executive Producer Alex Rogers. The International Cannabis Business Conference event held days ago in Bled was focused on emerging cannabis science and technology.

“In conjunction with the European elections on June 9, Slovenia also held three consultative referendums, including on cannabis. 66.71 percent voted for the cultivation and processing of cannabis for medical purposes, and 51.57 percent of the voters who submitted a valid ballot voted for the cultivation and possession of cannabis for limited personal use.” reported N1 SLO in its coverage.

The legal global cannabis industry is set for significant expansion in the coming years according to a recent market analysis by Skyquest Technology Consulting. The market researchers are projecting that the regulated worldwide cannabis market will surpass $148.4 billion in value by 2031.

“Cannabis market was valued at USD 36.4 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 42.6 Billion in 2023 to USD 148.4 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.9% during the forecast period (2024-2031).” the company stated in a press release.

Suffering patients in Slovenia deserve to have safe access to medical cannabis therapies if their doctor deems it appropriate, just as they do in every other country around the world. Additionally, taxpayers in Slovenia deserve to not have precious public resources wasted on enforcing failed cannabis prohibition policies on consumers, and decriminalization is warranted.

Entrepreneurs and innovators in Slovenia should have the right to gain their share of the next great industry and to compete with other markets on a level playing field, which would, in turn, provide a major boost to Slovenia’s economy. Cannabis policy modernization in Slovenia is a win-win situation, and hopefully lawmakers recognize that as the political process moves along.

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Africa’s Industrial Hemp Industry Projected To Be Worth Up To $2.4 Billion

Written by Hazel Norman on September 17, 2024. Posted in Business.

Policies and regulations pertaining to industrial hemp cultivation and commerce are being modernized around the globe to permit entrepreneurs, investors, and entities to gain their share of the emerging global hemp market, including in Africa.

A recent market analysis by the Africa Hemp Fund projects that Africa’s industrial hemp industry possesses a market potential of $2.4 billion, and the entity’s market projection excludes cannabidiol (CBD), which itself is a massive market.

“Africa has long been known for its rich natural resources, and now the continent is poised to tap into a new industry with immense potential – industrial hemp.” states the Africa Hemp Fund, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development in Africa.

“The Africa Hemp Fund believes that the continent is well-positioned to become a major player in the global industrial hemp market. With its vast land and favorable climate, Africa has the potential to become a leading producer and exporter of industrial hemp. This could not only bring economic benefits to the region, but also create 180,000 job opportunities.” Africa Hemp Fund also stated.

Africa’s emerging industrial hemp industry fits within the larger global industrial hemp market, which is expected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years as more countries modernize their hemp laws and regulations.

According to market analysts at Spherical Insights LLP, the global industrial hemp market is projected to be worth an estimated $24.30 billion by 2033. Spherical Insights describes itself as “a market research and consulting firm which provides actionable market research study, quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight especially designed for decision makers and aids ROI.”

“The Global Industrial Hemp Market Size is to Grow from USD 5.38 Billion in 2023 to USD 24.30 Billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.27% during the projected period.” the researchers stated in a press release.

The worldwide industrial hemp market is embarking on an industry journey that has never occurred before at this scale, so as time goes on projections for Africa’s industry and the global industry could ultimately prove to be too conservative.

Cultiva Hemp Expo 2024 Is Coming To Vienna October 4th-6th

Written by Johnny Green on September 17, 2024. Posted in Business, Entertainment, Policy.

For more than 15 years, the Cultiva Hemp Expo has served as the most exclusive event for cannabis in Austria. Cultiva is part trade fair and part festival, featuring lectures dedicated to all things cannabis under one roof where cannabis enthusiasts can meet and learn.

Europe is the most exciting place on earth for cannabis policy and industry right now, and cannabis advocates in Austria are working extra hard to get their nation’s cannabis policies and regulations modernized. With legalization now in place in Germany, Malta, and Luxembourg, momentum for reform in Austria is greater than ever.

Cultiva Hemp Expo 2024, taking place at MARX Halle in Vienna October 4th-6th, is the perfect meeting place for hemp enthusiasts and interested visitors, as well as producers, decision-makers, journalists, investors, and young entrepreneurs from the cannabis industry.

In addition to the industry-focused component of the event, Cultiva also has an extensive entertainment program planned with a music and street food festival, glass-blowing demonstrations, a joint rolling contest, and much more.

The event’s glassblowing show, Torchland Glass Circus by THCBD, will feature professionals such as Chadd Lacy, Adrienne Di Salvo, Orglasmus, Frank Fleischer, Fedex, Hashba Glass, Scomo, and Tibor Toth. The artists will demonstrate the art of glassblowing and engraving, and their finished products can be purchased after the demonstrations.

The CULTSOUND Music Festival component of the expo will include a variety of genres, from electro to reggae sounds. The three-day music festival with its extraordinary location offers a special experience for attendees. Acts such as the band Mary Jane Soundgarden and Arai will ensure an amazing atmosphere.

Cultiva’s street food festival will bring together the best of local street food vendors, offering a mouthwatering array of dishes from around the world. Alongside the food, the festival will feature live performances, creating a lively atmosphere filled with music and entertainment.

With cannabis policy being such a hot topic right now in Europe, Cultiva’s Hanfexpo Congress is sure to be a popular component of Cultiva’s event. It will offer insight into the topics of law, politics, and medicine, as well as culture and innovation. National and international experts from different fields will share their knowledge and answer important questions about cannabis in the form of lectures and panel discussions. The focus will be on both the current regulations on the subject of cannabis and the future of the industry.

Lastly, in the exhibition hall, there will be a B2B lounge area with a small café and seating. Innovative minds, experts, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers will meet to exchange ideas and explore business opportunities. Exhibitors and business visitors are invited to a B2B brunch in the MARX Halle on Friday, October 4th from 09:00 – 11:00 a.m.

People can find out more about the event and purchase tickets at: https://www.cultiva.at

Colombia’s Cannabis Contains ‘Uncommon Terpenes’ According To Study

Written by Frank Schuler on September 17, 2024. Posted in Science.

Colombia’s emerging legal cannabis industry is growing with every passing year, and according to a recent study, the nation’s climate and environment could give the cannabis produced there an edge over other parts of the world.

A team of researchers based in Colombia, Germany, and the United States recently examined terpenes in cannabis cultivated in Colombia. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that determine the smell of many plants and herbs, including cannabis.

“This study aimed to characterize and assess the phytochemical diversity of C. sativa chemotypes in diverse ecological regions of Colombia, South America.” The researchers stated the objective of their research.

“Ten cannabinoids and 23 terpenes were measured using liquid and gas chromatography, in addition to other phenotypic traits, in 156 C. sativa plants that were grown in diverse ecological regions in Colombia, a hotspot for global biodiversity.” the researchers stated about the study’s methodology.

“Our results reveal significant phytochemical diversity in Colombian-grown C. sativa plants, with four distinct chemotypes based on cannabinoid profile.” the researchers stated in their findings. “The significant amount of usually uncommon terpenes suggests that Colombia’s environments may have unique capabilities that allow the plant to express these compounds. Colombia’s diverse climates offer enormous cultivation potential, making it a key player in both domestic and international medicinal and recreational C. sativa trade.”

“These findings underscore Colombia’s capacity to pioneer global C. sativa production diversification, particularly in South America with new emerging markets.” the researchers concluded.

According to ProColombia, a government agency in charge of promoting nontraditional Colombian trade, the value of medical cannabis exports from Colombia was $10.8 million in 2023, which was an 11.3% increase over 2022, and a 96% increase from 2021.

Per Statista, Colombia’s legal cannabis industry is expected to increase to a value of $64.59 million by the end of this year, and “revenue is anticipated to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 2.09%, leading to a market volume of US$71.64m by 2029.”

Patients With Rheumatic Conditions Report Substituting Cannabis For Prescriptions

Written by Frank Schuler on September 17, 2024. Posted in Science.

Rheumatic diseases affect suffering patients’ joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Common rheumatic conditions include (but are not limited to) osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, infectious arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

Genetics plays a major role in the potential development of rheumatic conditions. Obesity increases the probability of an individual developing a rheumatic condition. Common treatments for rheumatic diseases include medications, regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and rest. Over 18 million people suffer globally from rheumatic arthritis alone.

A team of researchers in Canada recently conducted a survey and determined that a large number of patients with rheumatic conditions report replacing pharmaceutical prescriptions with cannabis therapies. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

Montreal, Canada: Patients with neuropathy, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and other rheumatic conditions frequently substitute cannabis in place of prescription medications, according to survey data published in the journal Open Neurology.

Researchers affiliated with McGill University in Montreal and the University of Michigan surveyed 763 US and Canadian patients with rheumatic conditions.

Consistent with other studies, 63 percent of respondents reported substituting cannabis products for other medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (55 percent), opioids (49 percent), sleep aids (30 percent), and muscle relaxants (25 percent). Following substitution, most participants reported decreases or cessation in their medication use. Respondents typically reported turning to cannabis because it offered “better symptom management” and was associated with “fewer adverse effects.”

Those who substituted medical cannabis in place of other medications reported greater improvements in pain, sleep, joint stiffness, muscle spasm, inflammation, and global health.

“The acceptance of MC [medical cannabis] as a treatment strategy for rheumatic conditions is evolving,” the study’s authors concluded. “These encouraging results of medication reduction and favorable effect of MC require confirmation with more rigorous methods. … Comparative effective clinical trials of MC versus other pain treatments are needed, as are more prospective studies investigating the effects of MC on the use of medications and other substances in rheumatic populations.”

Full text of the study, “Substituting medical cannabis for medications among patients with rheumatic conditions in the United States and Canada,” appears in Open Neurology. Additional information is available in NORML’s publication, Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

Parliament Berlin Government Building Bundestag Germany

The Number Of German Cultivation Association Applications Is Rising

Written by Johnny Green on September 10, 2024. Posted in Business, Policy.

Starting on July 1st, 2024, aspiring cannabis cultivation operators in Germany can apply with local authorities to gain permission to produce and distribute recreational cannabis to cultivation association members.

According to local German reporting, roughly 280 cultivation association applications were received by regulatory officials in the first two months of the application process opening.

“Across the country, more than 280 applications for permits have been received, according to a survey of the relevant state authorities. The most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, is at the top with 69 applications so far. In Lower Saxony, 27 applications have been submitted, and 11 permits have already been granted – in all other states combined, 3.” reports NTV (translated from German to English).

“Larger numbers of applications for cultivation associations have also been received in Baden-Württemberg, where, according to the responsible regional council in Freiburg, there are now 47 applications. In Bavaria, according to the State Office for Health and Food Safety, 24 applications were submitted by August 28.” the outlet also reported.

It is worth noting that KrautInvest has reported that 295 applications for German cannabis cultivation associations have been received so far.

Cannabis cultivation associations are part of the first phase, or ‘pillar 1,’ of Germany’s modernized cannabis legalization model. The associations combine with home cultivation to serve as the foundation of legal recreational cannabis sourcing in Germany. Eventually, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials will also provide a legal means by which consumers can source their cannabis products (pillar 2).

Memberships at cannabis cultivation associations are capped at 500 members in Germany. A maximum of 25 grams of cannabis can be distributed per member per day at German cultivation associations, and a maximum of 50 grams per month per member. For consumers between the ages of 18 and 21 years old, there is a purchasing limit of 30 grams per month with a maximum product limit of 10% THC.

Meanwhile, Burkhardt Blienert, SPD politician and Germany’s Federal Government Drug Commissioner, is continuing to defend the nation’s approach to cannabis policy modernization and regulation. Blienert led Germany’s effort to legalize cannabis for adult use in recent years.

“By allowing cannabis to be grown legally at home and in clubs, the federal government has not legalized the drug, but rather decriminalized its consumption,” explained Burkhardt Blienert according to Oldenburger Nachrichten. “Until now, cannabis was generally prohibited, and yet the drug was regularly consumed by around 4.5 million people in Germany. The ban did not work, especially as cannabis from the black market became increasingly stronger and riskier.”

“We urgently needed to do something to curb the black market and reduce the risks associated with consumption, which is already taking place. That’s what we did.” he also stated.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and South Africa, in addition to Germany and various states in the U.S. Cannabis is legal for medical use in nearly five dozen countries, including in Germany.

CBD Increases Psychotropic Effects Of THC According To New Study

Written by Frank Schuler on September 10, 2024. Posted in Science.

The cannabis plant contains a number of different cannabinoids, with the two most well-known cannabinoids being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). A growing number of medical and adult-use cannabis products contain both cannabinoids, leading to new questions about how THC and CBD interact with each other.

A team of researchers based in the Netherlands and the United States recently conducted a study examining the effects of combined THC and CBD usage. The researchers are affiliated with the Centre for Human Drug Research (Leiden), Verdient Science, Tomori Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont.

The results of the team’s study were published by the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

“This clinical trial investigated the hypothesis that CBD counteracts the adverse effects of THC and thereby potentially improves the tolerability of cannabis as an analgesic. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, five-way cross-over trial was performed in 37 healthy volunteers. On each visit, a double-placebo, THC 9 mg with placebo CBD, or THC 9 mg with 10, 30, or 450 mg CBD was administered orally. Psychoactive and analgesic effects were quantified using standardized test batteries. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects model.” the researchers stated.

“Co-administration of 450 mg CBD did not reduce, but instead significantly increased subjective, psychomotor, cognitive, and autonomous effects of THC (e.g., VAS “Feeling High” by 60.5% (95% CI: 12.7%, 128.5%, P < 0.01)), whereas THC effects with 10 and 30 mg CBD were not significantly different from THC alone. CBD did not significantly enhance THC analgesia at any dose level.” the researchers also stated.

“In a future study, we aim to learn more about the potential phenotypical differences between neuropathic pain patients who respond to cannabinoid-induced analgesia vs. patients for whom cannabinoid-based treatments do not work well.” the researchers concluded.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Canada, and South Africa, in addition to being legal at the state level in the United States as well as in the District of Columbia.

Italian Government Continues Push For Ban On ‘Cannabis Light’

Written by Hazel Norman on September 10, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Cannabis products that are low in THC, often referred to as ‘cannabis light,’ have grown in popularity among consumers in Europe at a seemingly exponential rate in recent years. Whereas cannabis products that contain large amounts of THC remain largely prohibited on the continent outside of medical products, cannabis light products are widely available.

Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the new trend. Government officials in Italy are pushing to ban the products completely, which would significantly impact the nation’s emerging cannabis light industry. Such a policy change may also violate European Union policies.

“The proposed change in the law would not only prohibit extracts made from hemp inflorescences containing the non-psychoactive ingredient cannabidiol (CBD), but would also have massive consequences for the industrial hemp industry, warn Italian farmers’ associations.” stated Proplanta in its local reporting.

“If the new regulations come into force, the production, processing and sale of hemp flowers would be prohibited. This applies even if they have a THC content of less than 0.2%.” the outlet also reported.

Currently, cannabis that is not low in THC is legal for adult use in Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany, in addition to Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa. At least 57 countries around the world have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

Members of Italy’s emerging cannabis light industry are warning of the negative consequences if/when the country bans the sector’s products. According to members of Italy’s cannabis light sector, around 4,000 hectares are currently dedicated to hemp cultivation, and the industry employs thousands of people. Italy’s consumable hemp industry is estimated to be worth roughly 500 million euros.

According to leading Italian trade group Federcanapa, Italy’s emerging hemp-derived consumables industry includes 3,000 businesses and over 15,000 workers. The global cannabidiol (CBD) market was worth an estimated $7.6 billion in 2023 according to a recent market analysis by Market.us, and will climb to a projected $36.6 in value by 2033.

“Between 2023 and 2032, this market is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 27%.” the researchers stated.