Business – Page 15 – International Cannabis Business Conference

Is Medical Cannabis For Animals The Next Big Thing?

Written by Johnny Green on January 7, 2025. Posted in Business.

When most people think of medical cannabis, they think of how it pertains to suffering human patients, and rightfully so. Medical cannabis has helped countless human patients as a growing body of scientific research and patient testimonials demonstrates.

However, the benefits of medical cannabis are not limited only to humans. Many household pets and livestock can also benefit from the wellness properties contained within the cannabis plant and medical products derived from it.

More governments around the world are recognizing this fact and modernizing their cannabis policies and regulations to reflect it. For example, back in late 2019 Malta’s Minister for the Economy announced plans to permit the production of medical cannabis for veterinarian use.

Late last year, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency decided to amend Ordinance SVS/MS 344/1998 to allow the regulation of medical cannabis products for animals by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Other examples of similar policy modernization can be found elsewhere around the globe.

Medical cannabis for animals is an underrated sector of the emerging legal cannabis industry and possesses tremendous profit potential for innovative entrepreneurs and savvy cannabis industry investors.

Industry analysts at Research and Markets recently projected that the CBD pet market size alone is expected to reach $1.72 billion by 2030 and increase at a compound annual growth rate of 32.47% between now and then. This of course does not take into account other cannabinoids and non-pet animals like farm livestock.

Researchers estimate that there are over 900 million pet dogs globally, and another 370 million pet cats. In the United States alone pet owners spend an estimated $136 billion on pet products annually. Add to the mix tens of billions of cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, and other livestock around the world, and the potential market for medical cannabis wellness products for animals is off the charts.

The medical cannabis for animals sector is very young and has hurdles to overcome to be sure, not the least of which is the need for more research. Determining which cannabinoids and in which specific doses for each animal type and size is no small feat.

With that being said, individuals and entities who can figure it out safely and reliably are sure to reap considerable financial rewards in the future. Medical cannabis for animals is virtually guaranteed to be the next big thing. It is not a question of if, but rather, a question of when.

Textile Industry Members In India And South Korea Forge Hemp Partnerships

Written by Hazel Norman on January 4, 2025. Posted in Business.

At a recent meeting hosted by the Wool and Woolens Export Promotion Council, members of the textile industries in both India and South Korea announced plans to, among other things, forge partnerships to tap into the industry potential of the industrial hemp fiber sector.

“Attendees discussed innovative ways to greater integrate hemp into India’s textile ecosystem, and the benefits of blending hemp with wool to create sustainable products that can help meet the rising global demand for eco-friendly materials.” reported Hemp Today in its original coverage.

“Also during the meeting, India’s Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering the growth of commercial hemp production, pledging to collaborate with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami to draft a proposal aimed at aligning policies and promoting growth within the sector.” the outlet also reported.

Despite a long history with the hemp plant, India does not currently have national hemp industry regulations permitting such activity. However, some local jurisdictions have adopted industry rules and regulations, and India’s hemp industry should experience continued growth in the foreseeable future.

According to a recent market analysis by Technavio, “the global industrial hemp market size is estimated to grow by USD 13.90 Billion from 2024 to 2028,” and “the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 25.25% during the forecast period.”

In other news out of India, senior state police officials in India recently told Al Jazeera that they have “seized about 600 tonnes of cannabis in the three years until 2023, goods worth $200m, and have also arrested 8,500 drug traffickers.”

“The police have also destroyed about 28,000 hectares (70,000 acres) of cannabis plantations in Odisha between 2021 and 2023, the highest for cannabis in the country, JN Pankaj, a former inspector general of the Special Task Force of the Odisha Police, told Al Jazeera.” the media outlet also reported.

Morocco’s Legal Industry Produced 4,000 Tons Of Cannabis In 2024

Written by Hazel Norman on January 4, 2025. Posted in Business.

Morocco’s National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) Director General Mohamed El Guerrouj recently announced at an annual board meeting that the nation’s emerging legal cannabis industry produced thousands of tons of cannabis last year.

“In 2024, approximately 4,000 tons of cannabis were produced over an area of 2,169 hectares,” ANRAC Director General Mohamed El Guerrouj stated about Morocco’s legal cannabis industry according to local reporting by APA News. “No infractions related to non-compliance were recorded.”

APA News also reported the following statistics for Morocco’s legal cannabis industry in 2024:

3,371 licenses were granted out of 4,158 applications, reflecting an approval rate of nearly 81%
3,056 permits were issued to 2,907 farmers for cannabis cultivation and production – up from the 430 licenses issued in 2023
315 licenses were granted to 158 sector operators

The climate in parts of Morocco is well-suited for large-scale cannabis production, which is why the North African nation has long served as a leading source of unregulated cannabis, particularly as a source for the European market.

In recent years, Morocco’s government has worked to modernize the nation’s cannabis policies and regulations to permit legal cannabis production and commerce.

Currently, cannabis is legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, nearly five dozen countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization policies to some degree.

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Global Industrial Hemp Market To Experience Continued Growth

Written by Johnny Green on December 30, 2024. Posted in Business.

The global market for industrial hemp and hemp-related products is far from being a new thing. Humans have valued hemp fibers and hemp seeds for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the 20th century that policies prohibiting the hemp plant were implemented.

Thankfully, more and more nations are realizing that hemp prohibition makes no sense and that it is time for a more sensible approach. Hemp policy and regulatory modernization efforts are spreading across the globe, and with it, tremendous economic opportunities are being created.

“The APAC region is a major player in the industrial hemp market, with China, Japan, and South Korea being key producers and consumers. The region’s market growth is driven by increasing product adoption in various industries and legalization of hemp cultivation in countries like China, India, Bangladesh, Japan, and Australia. China, as the largest producer, contributes significantly to the global market, with a long history of hemp use in papermaking, textiles, and medicine.” Technavio stated in its market analysis.

In a separate analysis, market analysts at Research and Markets determined that “the global market for Industrial Hemp was estimated at US$7.5 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$23.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.7% from 2023 to 2030.”

“The growth in the industrial hemp market is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials, favorable regulatory changes, and the rising popularity of CBD-based products. As industries such as automotive and construction seek eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials, hemp’s versatility and low environmental impact make it an attractive choice. Regulatory shifts, especially the legalization of hemp cultivation in many regions, have opened new market opportunities for hemp-derived products.” Research and Markets stated about the global industrial hemp market.

In yet another market analysis, Allied Analytics found that “The global industrial hemp market size was valued at $4.9 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 22.4% from 2021 to 2027.”

The Business Research Company also recently published a global industrial hemp market analysis, finding that, “the hemp market size is predicted to see exponential growth in just a few short years, reaching a staggering $15.08 billion by 2028, a CAGR of 20.6%.”

In its market analysis, the IMARC Group determined the following about the emerging global industrial hemp market:

The market is expected to reach USD 20.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% during 2025-2033.
Asia Pacific holds the largest share of the industry, driven by a large agricultural workforce, growing hemp product acceptance, and rising demand for eco-friendly, sustainable materials.
Hemp seeds lead the market, accounting for the majority of the market share owing to their high protein, fiber, and essential fatty acid content, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Food and beverages represent the leading application segment spurred by increasing consumer demand for plant-based, sustainable, and nutrient-rich alternatives in diets.
The rise of hemp-based cosmetics in the beauty industry, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, is boosting the market demand.

For the hemp seed market specifically, The Business Research Company has determined that the sector “will grow from $6.71 billion in 2023 to $7.48 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%.”

“The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing demand for plant-based protein, increasing awareness of health benefits, rising use in cosmetics and personal care products, expansion of industrial applications, and rising popularity of organic and natural products.” the researchers stated about the hemp seed market.

Regarding the global hemp protein powder market, Global Market Insights estimates that “market valuation is predicted to exceed USD 530 million by 2032.” The market analysis determined that “growth is largely fueled by the increasing demand for plant-based protein options among health-conscious consumers, including vegans and vegetarians.”

Lastly, hemp clothing continues to experience increased demand around the globe, with market researchers affiliated with Allied Analytics estimating that “the global Hemp Clothing Market Size was valued at $2.29 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $23.02 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 27.1% from 2022 to 2031.”

The Top International Cannabis Stories From 2024

Written by Johnny Green on December 30, 2024. Posted in Business, Policy, Science.

This year was one of the biggest years in the history of the cannabis movement for both policy and industry. Below are the best international cannabis stories from 2024 (in no particular order):

German Adult-Use Legalization Enacted

The top international cannabis story from 2024 is the enactment of adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany. Starting on April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate a personal amount of cannabis plants in their private residences and possess a personal amount of cannabis. Additionally, starting on July 1st, 2024, people can apply to launch a member-based cultivation association in Germany.

Historic Cannabis Votes In Slovenia

In conjunction with the European elections on June 9th, 2024, Slovenia voted on two consultative cannabis referendums. 66.71% of Slovenian voters approved a measure for the cultivation and processing of cannabis for medical purposes, and 51.57% voted for the cultivation and possession of cannabis for limited personal use.

South Africa Legalizes Recreational Cannabis

Back in 2018, South Africa’s Constitutional Court issued a landmark ruling that deemed cannabis prohibition as it pertained to adult individuals to be unconstitutional. This year, after a long delay, South Africa’s president signed a measure to codify the Court’s 2018 decision. Another major news story out of South Africa this year was the certification of the Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy’s Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management. The cannabis education program is the first on the African continent to be accredited by the Council on Higher Education.

Australian Medical Cannabis Sales Quadruple

Medical cannabis sales in Australia have quadrupled during the last two years, with Australians expected to spend an estimated $1 billion on medical cannabis in 2024. Medical cannabis was first legalized in Australia in 2016. Another major news story from Australia this year, albeit for less favorable reasons, was the failed vote on adult-use cannabis legalization.

Uruguay Adds A High-THC Strain To Legal Pharmacy Sales

Legal sales at pharmacies began in Uruguay in the summer of 2017, and consumers could initially choose from two different strains. The two strains are named ‘Alpha’ and ‘Beta’, each with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels equal to or less than 9%, and cannabidiol (CBD) levels equal to or less than 3%. Then, in 2022, Uruguay permitted a third option, ‘Gamma,’ which has a THC level of equal to or less than 15%, and CBD levels of equal to or less than 1%. Regulators in Uruguay approved a fourth option in 2024 that contains a higher level of THC than the other three options.

Spain Ministry Of Health Publishes Medical Cannabis Royal Decree

The effort to bring Spain’s medical cannabis policies into the modern age passed a major milestone in 2024 with the nation’s Ministry of Health publishing a draft royal decree focused on medical cannabis. Spain is home to one of the largest cannabis communities in Europe and is in desperate need of updated cannabis laws.

Czechia Ministry Of Justice Proposes Legalization

The Ministry of Justice in the Czech Republic issued a proposal in 2024 to allow all adults to be able to cultivate up to three plants in their private residences, in addition to possessing up to 25 grams when away from their residences and up to 50 grams in their homes. Another major story from Czechia was a landmark court decision that found that a cannabis educator, Robert Veverka, was previously wrongly prosecuted for publishing cannabis education content.

Mexico Authorizes Low-THC Hemp Cultivation

Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks authorized the cultivation of low-THC hemp plants (less than 1% THC content) earlier this year. The announcement came in the form of a letter from the regulatory entity to Semillas Endemicas Mexicanna SA de CV.

Japan’s Cannabis Market Expanded Six-Fold

A new cannabis law took effect in Japan in 2024, and market researchers announced this year that Japan’s legal cannabis industry has increased six-fold in recent years. Japan’s new law that took effect in 2024 allows for the importation of certain medical cannabis products, which should further increase the size of Japan’s legal cannabis industry going forward.

Legalization Is Crushing The Unregulated Market In Canada

Health Canada released the results of its 2024 cannabis survey, and one of the main findings of this year’s survey is that only 3% of consumers “reported accessing cannabis through illegal sources,” which is a decrease from a reported 16% back in 2019.

France’s Medical Cannabis Trial Receives Another Extension

Health authorities in France announced this month that the nation’s medical cannabis trial experiment will be extended until July 31st, 2025. The announcement is welcomed news to the reported 1,800 suffering patients estimated to be currently participating in the trial.

Legal CBD Sectors Are Set For Significant Growth

Written by Johnny Green on December 30, 2024. Posted in Business.

The cannabis plant contains several cannabinoids, with one of the most popular ones for consumers and patients being cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is being incorporated into more recreational and medical products now than ever before, and that is leading to some eye-popping projections for the overall CBD industry and various CBD industry sectors.

According to a recent market report by Coherent Market Insights, the global CBD industry “is estimated to be valued at USD 8.12 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 23.41 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.3% from 2024 to 2031,” although, time may likely prove that projection to be too conservative as individual sector projections below will demonstrate.

A particularly popular consumption method for cannabidiol is gummies. Many consumers and patients prefer ingesting gummies versus consuming cannabidiol in forms that involve smoking or vaporization. CBD gummies are discrete and convenient, making them a great option for many people.

According to a market analysis by Straits Research, “the global CBD gummies market size was valued at USD 1.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach from USD 2.44 billion in 2025 to USD 19.93 billion by 2033, growing with a CAGR of 30.02% during the forecast period (2025–2033).”

“North America is the most significant global CBD gummies market shareholder and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The increased prevalence of CBD-infused gummy bears within the United States can be ascribed to the escalating consumer interest in CBD merchandise and the burgeoning acceptance of alternative medicinal practices.” Straits Research also stated in its market analysis.

CBD nutraceuticals are also poised for tremendous growth in the coming years. According to market analysts at Research and Markets, “the global CBD nutraceuticals market size is expected to reach USD 23.17 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 14.2% from 2024 to 2030.”

Research and Markets also determined the following in its analysis:

CBD tinctures segment dominated the global market and accounted for a revenue share of 41.9% in 2023
The edibles and fortified foods segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023
North America CBD nutraceuticals market dominated the global industry with a revenue share of 54.5% in 2023

Many countries around the world are modernizing their cannabis policies and regulations to allow legal CBD commerce. Every country that does so adds further momentum to the global CBD industry.

helios medical cannabis pharmacy munich germany

Alex Rogers Visits Cannabis Pharmacy In Munich

Written by Johnny Green on December 21, 2024. Posted in Business.

Germany first started legally dispensing medical cannabis products through a pharmacy model back in 2017. Since that time, Germany’s medical cannabis industry has become the largest on the European continent.

Helios Cannabis is one of the leading medical cannabis companies operating in Germany and runs a medical cannabis pharmacy in Munich. Helios is comprised of an enthusiastic, committed team that deals with the topic of cannabis as a medicine and its use in the treatment of suffering patients.

Thanks to their many years of experience and continuous training, Helios provides patients with comprehensive advice and improves their quality of life.

The Munich public prosecutor’s office conducted a search of the Helios pharmacy on Königsplatz on October 24th, 2024, accusing the location of ‘producing hash illegally.’ As legal counsel for Helios pointed out, the company is well within legal parameters to produce necessary medical cannabis products for its patients.

“Pharmacies are allowed to legally manufacture cannabis products for medical and scientific purposes. No special permission is required for this. Ensuring that the population is supplied with medicines – including cannabis – is the legal responsibility of pharmacies.” stated Konstantin Grubwinkler, legal counsel for Helios.

The recent unfounded search of the Helios location in Munich serves as an unfortunate reminder that cannabis opponents will continue to do what they can to try to thwart the progress of entities doing things the right way such as Helios.

Alex Rogers, founder and CEO of the International Cannabis Business Conference, recently visited Helios’ Munich pharmacy location to see their world-class operations firsthand. Below is a video that captures the highlights of the visit, and includes a brief discussion about the recent incident mentioned above.

First Cannabis Higher Education Course Receives Accreditation In Africa

Written by Johnny Green on December 16, 2024. Posted in Business, Policy.

Earlier this year, South Africa’s president signed a measure legalizing cannabis for private use by adults. With the law’s enactment, South Africa joined Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany in adopting a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure.

Recently cannabis education provider Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy launched its Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management. The cannabis education program is the first on the African continent to be accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). CHE is an internationally recognized accreditation body.

“It comes at the same time as Cheeba Africa has announced a partnership to bring its offering to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. The economically-stressed province is hoping to see benefits from provincial government efforts to roll out an investment in the local medical cannabis industry that is expected to reach R1 billion over the next five years.” Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy stated in a press release obtained by the International Cannabis Business Conference.

“It has been a rigorous four-year journey for our Academy to reach this important accreditation milestone and we’re excited to set this benchmark in cannabis education by offering this powerful programme to potential cannabis entrepreneurs and workers. It is a proud moment for our industry, and for South Africa, as we lead the way in one of the most important sectors of our time. The emerging cannabis and hemp industry has so much potential to create sustainable and dignified livelihoods in South Africa, especially in some of our most underserved communities.” states Trenton Birch, CEO and co-founder of Cheeba Africa.

The new partnership that Cheeba Cannabis and Hemp Academy has formed with the Township Cannabis Incubator (TCI) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape is a partnership that recognizes the significant potential of cannabis-related job creation and sustainable development in one of South Africa’s most rural and underserved provinces. Official unemployment rates in the Eastern Cape are above 40%, and the expanded unemployment rates are close to 50%. With 60% of the population living below the poverty level, it is recognized as one of the country’s poorest regions.

Since 2003, Training Force has delivered training to over 3,000 companies and upskilled thousands of workers across South Africa in various sectors.

“This collaboration strengthens our long-standing relationship with Cheeba, and we are excited to extend our footprint in the Eastern Cape, a region deserving of job creation and economic revitalisation.” Daniel Orelowitz, Managing Director of Training Force stated about the collaboration.

Cheeba Academy’s Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management program is a 120-credit, NQF Level 5 qualification. The program will be offered at the Academy’s
flagship campus in Johannesburg making it easily accessible to students from other African countries and the world. This full-time, in-class experience which includes practical training is
designed to be one of the most unique cannabis learning opportunities in the world. Covering crucial topics such as medical cannabis, cultivation techniques, commercial operations, cannabis business, sustainable farming, futurism, and wellness, the Higher Certificate course equips students for various roles across the entire cannabis sector value chain.

The Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management education program will start in early 2025. Find out more at: www.cheebaafrica.com.

International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2023 Crowd

Israel Government Offers Co-Financing For Participation At International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin 2025

Written by Johnny Green on December 9, 2024. Posted in Business, Entertainment, Policy, Science.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry of Israel has included the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin 2025 as an event for which companies can receive co-financing for the cost of exhibiting or participating.

The grant falls under the Foreign Trade Administration’s “Growth for the World” program, allowing Israeli entities to apply for and reimburse up to 4K euros for expenses related to participation/exhibition at the Berlin conference, which is Europe’s largest and longest-running cannabis B2B event.

Applications to participate in the program can be submitted until December 17, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Prospective applicants can apply at this link here. The International Cannabis Business Conference is noted under the ‘Med & Bio’ category in the list of conferences for which companies can receive grants.

The Berlin conference could not be timelier, with Germany’s legal cannabis industry currently undergoing a historic expansion. Starting on April 1st, 2024, cannabis became legal for adults to cultivate, possess, and consume in Germany. Additionally, as of July 1st, 2024, aspiring cultivation association operators can apply with their local regulatory authorities in Germany.

“Europe is by far the most exciting place on the planet for cannabis policy and industry right now. Germany is leading a continental revolution and creating opportunities that we have never witnessed before and may never witness again. Entrepreneurs and investors who get in on the ground floor now could reap the benefits for generations to come.” says Alex Rogers, founder and CEO of the International Cannabis Business Conference.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is the leading cannabis B2B event series on the planet, with previous conferences occurring in several countries on multiple continents. The event series is owned and operated by cannabis advocates who believe in celebrating cannabis culture, in addition to providing world-class cannabis industry education and networking opportunities.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to gain an edge on the competition in the emerging international cannabis industry, and people need to get their ideas, products, or services in front of the right people at the right time.

With executives, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry service providers converging from across the planet, the International Cannabis Business Conference B2B trade show event in Berlin is the perfect place to put cannabis ideas on the global cannabis stage.

Over 5,000 cannabis leaders from over 80 countries are expected to be represented at the conference in Berlin and that includes representatives from every sector of the industry as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers.

Bring your company to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin to network with the best and take your industry pursuits to the next level. Secure your exhibitor and/or sponsorship slot now before the event sells out.