International Cannabis Business Conference Blog – Page 7 – International Cannabis Business Conference

Data Suggests CBD Mitigates Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Written by Johnny Green on July 4, 2025. Posted in Science.

Cognitive decline, in which a person experiences a gradual decrease in their thinking abilities, is a natural and unfortunate part of the human aging process. It impacts people’s ability to make decisions by slowing down their mental processing speed and working memory as they get older.

Some people experience cognitive decline earlier in life than other people, and/or at a more rapid pace compared to others. Mitigating age-related cognitive decline is a growing area of scientific research around the globe, including in Canada where a team of researchers analyzed preclinical data focusing on cognitive decline and cannabidiol (CBD).

Canadian scientists affiliated with the University of Lethbridge and McGill University examined preclinical data involving the use of CBD and aging mice. Their findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.

“Aging is associated with cognitive decline, and currently, there are no approved medications that can prevent these impairments. Recently, cannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa have emerged as promising therapeutic compounds with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties.” the researchers wrote about their investigation. “This study investigates the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on memory impairment and brain inflammation in aging mice.”

“Fourteen-month-old C57 mice were administered CBD orally for 7 months and subsequently evaluated between 19 and 21 months of age using behavioral tasks that are sensitive to dysfunction of the perirhinal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and various brain regions that are crucial for motor control and coordination.” the researchers stated about their methodology.

“The findings of this study indicate that CBD reduces inflammatory response in the brain and improves cognitive decline associated with aging.” the scientists concluded.

As with all scientific studies focusing on cannabinoids, the results of this study need to be kept in proper context. Further research, particularly research involving human subjects, needs to be conducted until a final determination can be made regarding CBD’s effectiveness at mitigating age-related cognitive decline. With that being said, the results of this study are encouraging.

DEMECAN Introduces First Live Rosin Products Into German Medical Cannabis Market

Written by Johnny Green on July 4, 2025. Posted in Business.

DEMECAN is one of the top companies in the German cannabis industry and specializes in the production and distribution of medical cannabis. The company holds a license for the cultivation and processing of cannabis for medical purposes in Germany and operates a production facility that supplies high-quality cannabis products to pharmacies and patients in Germany and Europe.

The company recently announced that it has introduced a line of fresh extract live rosin products into the legal German medical cannabis market, which is a major milestone not only for DEMECAN, but also for the wider German medical industry.

“The Saxon company DEMECAN – the only independent producer of medical cannabis in Germany – is introducing DEMECAN FE 800 No.1, the first fresh extract produced using the Live Rosin process, into regulated medical care in Germany.” the company stated in a press release (translated from German to English). “While this manufacturing process has already established itself as a high-quality alternative in North America, it is a market premiere in Europe.”

“They are obtained exclusively from fresh plant material, avoiding heat, light, and drying to preserve the plant’s complete active ingredient profile. The result is a creamy extract with over 90% active ingredients, consisting of cannabinoids and terpenes. Production is purely mechanical and solvent-free, meaning no butane, ethanol, or CO2 is used. This production method distinguishes the fresh extract from other extracts and makes it the ideal basis for patient-specific formulations, for example, for chronic pain patients or in palliative care.” the company also stated.

Live rosin products are widely available in the United States and Canada, both for medical and recreational use. Other forms of solventless extracts include bubble hash and kief, although live rosin is the most popular among patients and consumers in North America, according to available market data.

“With DEMECAN FE 800 No.1, we are bringing an innovative and internationally proven product into regulated medical care in Germany – safe, effective, and of pharmaceutical quality. As the first and only manufacturer to produce a fresh extract using the Live Rosin process under GMP conditions in Germany, we are setting new standards for therapeutic cannabis extracts. In doing so, we are not only strengthening supply security, but also Germany’s position as a center of innovation in the field of medical cannabis research and application,” explains Dr. Adrian Fischer, CEO of DEMECAN.

“This first market launch demonstrates that we are leading the medical cannabis market in Germany with innovative products,” Fischer continued.

DEMECAN FE 800 No. 1 has a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 80%, and a cannabidiol (CBD) content of roughly 5%. The terpene content of DEMECAN’s live rosin is approximately 6%.

Czech Cannabis Legalization To Take Effect On January 1, 2026

Written by Johnny Green on July 3, 2025. Posted in Policy.

In late May 2025, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic voted to approve a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The basic provisions of the measure would permit adults 21 years old and older to cultivate up to three plants in their private residences and possess up to 100 grams of dried cannabis flower.

Longtime Czech cannabis activist Lukas Hurt announced today in a social media post that the measure was also approved by the country’s Senate, and the measure will take effect at the start of 2026:

The approved measure also lowers penalties for individuals caught with amounts over the permitted personal legal possession limit. The approved measure in the Czech Republic does not legalize recreational cannabis commerce.

Czechia is set to join Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany on the list of European nations that have approved a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa have also approved national recreational cannabis legalization measures.

It is also worth noting that two dozen states in the United States have adopted adult-use cannabis legalization measures, although non-hemp cannabis remains prohibited at the federal level in the U.S.

Additionally, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and court decisions have been rendered in a handful of other nations around the globe that provide adult consumers some level of legal protection, although those policies are not the same as the legal protection afforded by an approved national legalization measure.

Forming Strategic Partnerships In The Emerging Cannabis Industry

Written by Johnny Green on July 2, 2025. Posted in Business.

With the emerging legal cannabis industry continuing to expand globally, it is more important than ever for entrepreneurs, investors, and companies to form strategic partnerships effectively. It could mean the difference between a brand being around for years to come or having to close operations.

Partnerships can take many forms, and unique endeavors will require specialized talent, mentorship, capital, and/or many other mutually beneficial components to help ensure success in the increasingly competitive cannabis industry.

A team of experts recently participated in a panel discussion at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, focusing on the topic of forming strategic partnerships. The panel was moderated by Sonny Moerenhout, Managing Partner of Cultivators. Mr. Moerenhout was joined on the panel by:

Michael Torrey, CEO of Vertosa
Scott Olin Schmidt, Executive Director of Emerald Village West Hollywood
Narkis Tessler, Chief of Strategy and Business Development of Medocann Group
Andrew Baukham, CEO of Leven Therapeutics
John Slaughter, Founder and CEO of High North Laboratories

You can view the panel discussion at this link here.

Legal Cannabis Market Projected To Surpass $110 Billion By 2030

Written by Johnny Green on July 2, 2025. Posted in Business.

The legal global cannabis market is projected to experience major growth, according to a recent economic report published by analysts from Research and Markets. The analysts’ latest market projection demonstrates the profit potential of the emerging international industry.

“The global market for legal cannabis was estimated at US$33.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$110.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21.8% from 2024 to 2030.” stated Research and Markets in a press release.

“The global legal cannabis market has witnessed unprecedented growth due to increasing legalization, rising medical applications, and shifting consumer attitudes towards cannabis use. Governments worldwide are recognizing the economic and medicinal potential of cannabis, leading to widespread regulatory reforms.” they also wrote.

“The legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in key markets such as the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe has created significant business opportunities.” the press release also stated.

Over 100 countries worldwide have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures, with medical cannabis industry models varying around the globe. Models range from being very limited and only permitting safe access to select products for certain conditions, to models that offer a wide variety of safe access options to patients suffering from a range of medical conditions.

Additionally, Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa have adopted national adult-use cannabis legalization measures, although not all of those nations currently permit regulated adult-use cannabis sales. Regional adult-use commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and two dozen states in the U.S. have approved recreational cannabis measures.

The emerging international legal cannabis industry is obviously made up of various sectors, with some individual sectors projected to experience more potential growth in the future than others.

Cannabis-infused beverages are increasing in availability and popularity in many legal markets, and Coherent Market Insights recently projected that the “global cannabis beverage market is estimated to be valued at USD 251.7 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1,054.4 Mn by 2032.”

The cannabis pharmaceutical sector is another area of the industry that holds a lot of potential, with many governments around the world still only permitting cannabis pharmaceutical products to be sold in their jurisdictions.

Research and Markets recently published a sector market analysis, finding that “the global market for cannabis pharmaceuticals was estimated at US$5.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$72.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 55.1% from 2024 to 2030.”

A common regulatory requirement in legal cannabis markets around the globe is that cannabis products be tested for such things as contaminants and cannabinoid levels. Cannabis testing requirements are presumably going to be a mainstay of legal cannabis commerce in the future.

Economic researchers with Future Market Insights project that “the global automated cannabis testing market is poised for significant expansion, with industry experts forecasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 11% to 13% from 2022 to 2032.”

French Survey Examines Medical Cannabis And Parkinson’s Disease

Written by Johnny Green on July 2, 2025. Posted in Science.

A team of researchers affiliated with various academic and health institutions in France recently examined results from a survey that asked French patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) about their medical cannabis use and how it impacts their quality of life. The analysis results were published in the journal Parkinson’s Disease.

“In the context of suboptimal symptom management, or due to the appeal of more natural treatments, PD patients may seek alternative approaches to care, including consuming cannabis-based products. In line with findings from subsequent reviews, Urbi et al.’s 2021 meta-analysis concluded that in terms of cannabis use in PD patients, “a potential benefit was identified with respect to alleviation of PD–related tremor, anxiety, pain, improvement of sleep quality, and quality of life”.” the researchers wrote.

“Regression analyses helped identify factors associated with current cannabis and CBD use (regardless of their form). Patterns of use and self-reported effects were also documented.” the researchers stated about their methodology.

“The study sample comprised 1136 participants, with a median age of 68 years. Six percent (5.9%) and 17.9% reported using cannabis and CBD, respectively. Both substances were associated with better knowledge of cannabinoids and a poor self-perceived household economic situation. The most common routes of cannabis administration were oral ingestion (44.8%) and smoking (41.4%); for CBD, they were oral ingestion (82.8%) and smoking (6.4%). Users reported that cannabis and CBD were very effective for sleep disorders, pain, and rigidity/cramps. The satisfaction level for both substances was also high.” the researchers stated about their findings.

“Cannabis and CBD use among people with PD was associated with better knowledge about cannabinoids and a poor self-perceived household economic situation. Furthermore, users reported high levels of satisfaction for both substances. An enhanced communication with healthcare providers and facilitated access to safe cannabis/CBD products are needed in France to enable people with PD to maximize the benefits of cannabinoids when clinically appropriate.” the researchers concluded.

According to international researchers, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has doubled in the past 25 years, with an estimated 8.5 million individuals living with the serious health condition.

“Parkinson’s disease resulted in 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years, an increase of 81% since 2000, and caused 329,000 deaths, an increase of over 100% since 2000.” states the World Health Organization.

Medical Cannabis Legislation Submitted In Türkiye

Written by Johnny Green on July 1, 2025. Posted in Policy.

The cannabis policies and regulations in Türkiye, historically referred to in the West as ‘Turkey’, are somewhat complicated. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is strictly prohibited, and cannabidiol (CBD) is only legal in certain instances.

Still, the nation is home to an emerging cannabis industry, albeit a limited one. A measure was recently submitted to Türkiye’s Parliament that would expand the transcontinental nation’s use of cannabis to the domestic pharmaceutical industry.

“Türkiye has significantly expanded its industrial cannabis production over the past five years and is now poised to harness the plant’s medicinal benefits through a new health care regulation, aligning with global advancements in the field.” reported Hürriyet Daily News in its local coverage.

“Included in a legislative package recently submitted to the parliament, the regulation includes expanding the scope of cannabis cultivation to cover pharmaceutical and health care products, supplements and personal care items.” the outlet also reported.

In 2016, hemp cultivation became legal in 19 provinces in Türkiye for industrial purposes. Aspiring hemp producers must obtain the country’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock permission before beginning operations. Hemp product permits are valid for a maximum of three years in Türkiye.

The modern push to boost Türkiye’s emerging hemp industry came in 2019 when the nation’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, announced that the country would take steps to increase production. Türkiye was experiencing an economic crisis, and increased hemp production for medical cannabis product exports was established to try to address the problem, although the nation’s policies and regulations have remained limited.

Industrial hemp harvests are widely used for natural fiber components in Türkiye. Industrial hemp is also somewhat common in construction, textiles, the paper industry, and for biofuel. Domestic production has increased from a reported 280 tons in 2020 to more than 1,700 tons in 2024.

Pharmaceutical product imports like Sativex are permitted in Türkiye and can be prescribed for specific conditions. The recently submitted legislative proposal would help the nation’s industry produce its own products and reduce the reliance on pharmaceutical imports.

“Under the bill, medical cannabis products would be sold exclusively through pharmacies under government oversight, with electronic tracking systems ensuring supply chain integrity.” reported Türkiye Today. “The legislation aims to meet domestic demand for cannabis-based medicines while maintaining strict control mechanisms.”

“The country’s experience may serve as a model for other nations seeking to reform cannabis policies while maintaining strict drug control frameworks. The outcome of current legislative efforts will significantly impact Türkiye’s future approach to cannabis regulation and its role in the global medical cannabis market.” the outlet also reported.

Canada’s Legal Cannabis Industry Continues To Gain Market Share

Written by Johnny Green on June 30, 2025. Posted in Business.

Canada’s legal cannabis industry remains the best national legalization model on the planet, as evidenced by recent market data that demonstrates how the North American country’s industry continues to displace the unregulated market and provide an economic boost.

“The gross domestic product (GDP) at basic prices for the legal cannabis industry in Canada in April 2025 was $9.2 billion. The figures are up from $9.1 billion in March.” reported StratCann in its local coverage. “While licensed cannabis producers’ contribution to Canada’s GDP ($8.2 billion) increased 9.8% from April 2024, unlicensed cannabis production’s contribution ($1.7 billion) declined 4%, adding to the ongoing trend of market share shifting from the illicit sector since legalization in 2018.”

“Licensed cannabis stores contributed just under $1 billion to Canada’s GDP as of April 2025, a 6.4% year-over-year increase from April 2024. Unlicensed cannabis stores contributed another $839 million, representing a 4.1% decline.” the outlet also reported.

Canada became the second country to pass a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure in 2018. The only other country to adopt a national recreational cannabis legalization measure before Canada was Uruguay, which legalized cannabis in 2013.

However, Canada was the first G7 nation to adopt a national legalization measure, and unlike Uruguay, Canada permits legal recreational cannabis sales to anyone of legal age. Uruguay limits legal recreational cannabis sales to residents only.

Legal cannabis sales in Canada set a new record in April 2025, with the legal industry reaching roughly $470 million in total sales for the month. The previous record was set in August 2024 when Canada’s legal industry sold roughly $462.4 million in legal products. The August 2024 figure was recently adjusted from a previously reported $476 million total.

Ontario continues to be Canada’s largest legal cannabis market, with a reported 38% of all legal cannabis sales being made in the province.

The Evolving Industrial Hemp Industry

Written by Johnny Green on June 29, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

The hemp plant is arguably the most versatile crop on the planet, and humans have made use of it for thousands of years. Prohibition policies have hindered hemp research and the hemp industry, but thankfully, that is changing as governments modernize their laws and regulations.

Historically, hemp was used for food, fiber, and medicine, and while that is still true, hemp is used for many other things these days, including recreational products and bioremediation strategies.

The hemp sector is big business. 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.

The evolving industrial hemp industry was a major topic at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin. I moderated a panel dedicated to industrial hemp and was joined by the following experts:

Morris Beegle, President of We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA)
Robert T. Hoban, Member and Co-Chair of the Cannabis Industry Group, and Member-In-Charge of the Clark Hill Denver Office
Daniel Kruse, CEO of SYNBIOTIC SE
Chris Day, CO-Founder of the Global Cannabis Network Collective (GCNC)

You can view the panel discussion at this link here.