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When Will France Tap Its Cannabis Industry Market Potential?

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

As cannabis policy modernization efforts continue to gain momentum in Europe, and more European nations reform their outdated and harmful cannabis policies, one country that is on every cannabis advocate’s radar is France.

France is home to one of the largest cannabis consumer bases on earth. With a total population of roughly 68 million people, an estimated 10.6% of French adults reported having consumed cannabis within the last year according to a 2022 survey conducted by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies in partnership with the Santé Publique France agency.

Applying the estimated cannabis usage rate to France’s adult population works out to potentially millions of adult cannabis consumers for an eventual legal adult-use market in France. Of course, many of the adults who report consuming cannabis in France are doing so for medical reasons and the market potential for an effective medical cannabis program in France is also huge.

In March 2021, France launched a limited medical cannabis experiment involving between 2,000 and 3,000 suffering patients to gain insight into possibly crafting national medical cannabis policies and regulations.

The French medical cannabis experiment received initial approval from the federal Senate back in 2019, however, the launch of the trial was delayed until the spring of 2021 due to various reasons. Cannabis producer LaFleur was eventually selected as the cultivator for the program and has supplied participating patients since the experiment’s launch.

Initially slated for two years, France’s medical cannabis experiment was eventually granted a one-year extension and was set to end in 2024. The program is now expected to end in 2025.

A national medical cannabis program was initially expected to launch in France in 2025, although, 2026 appears to be a more realistic timeline for the program’s launch. Meanwhile, adult-use cannabis reform is likely to occur further into the future in France. With that being said, cannabis activists in the country are doing everything they can to speed up both timelines.

Currently, cannabis is legal at a national level for adult use in three European countries – Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany. Additionally, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are currently operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, affording enrolled consumers a legal way to source their products.

Further delays in cannabis policy modernization in France come with an opportunity cost. If France institutes a regulated industry it could easily become a continental and international powerhouse.

Conversely, if lawmakers in France continue to drag their feet, the nation’s market potential will decrease with every passing year. Surrounding nations will gain a larger market share and their domestic cannabis companies will create advantages that will be hard for France-based companies to compete with.

To be clear, large numbers of cannabis consumers and patients consume cannabis every day in France, albeit illegally. French lawmakers would be wise to recognize this fact and work to transition the market from an unregulated one to a regulated one which would, among other things, boost positive public health outcomes.

The situation is fluid in France and it can be difficult for cannabis enthusiasts to navigate. A great opportunity to learn the latest and most important information about France’s shifting cannabis landscape is coming up next month in France at the Science in the City International event in Bordeaux on October 26th, 2024.

Science in the City International is a unique opportunity for international industry stakeholders, medical healthcare professionals, functional and integrative medicine practitioners, and community healthcare changemakers and leaders to come together for a historic event. It’s a great opportunity to learn and network with other like-minded people.

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

Written by Hazel Norman on . 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.

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

Written by Johnny Green on . 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

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The Number Of German Cultivation Association Applications Is Rising

Written by Johnny Green on . 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.

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Volkswagen To Research And Develop Hemp Materials

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

The hemp plant has been used by humans for many centuries for various purposes before it was prohibited in the 1900s. Thankfully, policies are being modernized around the globe to permit the use of the hemp plant, and hemp products are making a major comeback.

A recent example of the modern hemp revolution can be found in an announcement by Volkswagen. Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.

“Volkswagen has entered into a cooperation with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH from Darmstadt. The aim is to research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp.” the company stated in a press release. “These could be used as a sustainable surface material in Volkswagen models from 2028. The material made from 100% bio-based hemp uses residues of the regional hemp industry. It can be produced on existing industrial plants and recycled or composted at the end of its service life in an automobile.”

“Our innovative surface material called LOVR™ that we are developing and testing for the automotive industry in cooperation with Volkswagen is scalable and groundbreaking for sustainability in the automotive sector.” stated Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder of Revoltech GmbH.

The main focus of the new partnership will be hemp-based leather materials to be used on some of Volkswagen’s automobile lines. If successful, innovations yielded by the new partnership between Volkswagen and Revoltech could be incorporated by other automobile makers, as well as by other industries.

“Together with the Revoltech GmbH start-up, the predevelopment team at the Volkswagen brand is working on a material innovation as a substitute for imitation leather. This material made from what is known as industrial hemp cultivated for the food industry is an all-natural, 100% biological single-layer surface material called LOVRTM (the letters stand for leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) that is being developed specifically with the automotive industry in mind.” Volkswagen stated.

“The hemp fibers and a fully bio-based adhesive are combined using a special technology and processed to become a surface material. This truly circular material is sourced from regional hemp fields and is fully recyclable or compostable once it has reached the end of its service life. It is produced from residues of the hemp industry that have no further use. In addition, it can be manufactured on existing industrial plants, thus enabling swift scalability – and is therefore also suitable for use in large-scale production.” Volkswagen also stated.

According to a recent market analysis by Spherical Insights LLP, the global industrial hemp market is projected to be worth an estimated $24.30 billion by 2033.

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What Is Holding Back Zimbabwe’s Hemp Industry?

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Humans harnessing hemp is far from being a new thing. Hemp fiber was used as far back as 10,000 years ago during the Early Jomon Period in Japan. Consumption for medical purposes goes back at least as far as back as 2,800 BC. Cannabis was included in Emperor Shen Nung’s (regarded as the father of Chinese medicine) pharmacopeia around that time.

Unfortunately, many countries began prohibiting hemp in the early 1900s as overall cannabis prohibition took hold. From an agricultural standpoint, hemp and cannabis are the same plant. However, from a legal standpoint, hemp and cannabis are now treated differently by many governments.

In countries that permit hemp activity, below a defined THC threshold (.2-1%) is considered to be hemp, and above the defined THC threshold is cannabis. Hemp and cannabis laws vary across the globe, with some countries still prohibiting both.

One nation that has modernized its hemp laws to permit production and commerce is Zimbabwe. The African nation adopted reforms in 2019 and 2020 that now govern the domestic hemp industry. Still, the industry is taking longer to thrive in Zimbabwe than advocates have hoped.

“The key challenges are production, seeds, access to finance from local financial institutions, market access, certification of our farmers, and value-addition,” Jonathan Mukuruba, agribusiness director at the Agriculture Marketing Authority, said during a recent panel discussion according to HempToday. “We still do not yet have good agricultural control and control practices applicable to agricultural practices for our processors locally.”

“As of this year, the Agricultural Marketing Authority has issued a total of 61 licenses for hemp production, including cultivation, trade, research, and breeding. Reports suggest Zimbabwe has so far exported over 8,000 ton of hemp – most likely flower biomass for CBD — primarily to Poland, Switzerland and Germany, but figures are difficult to verify.” HempToday also reported.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use at the national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa, although recreational cannabis commerce remains prohibited in Luxembourg and South Africa.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

The legal global cannabis industry is set for significant expansion in the coming years, and a new report by Skyquest Technology Consulting is projecting that the regulated worldwide cannabis market will surpass $148.4 billion in value by 2031.

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First Cannabis Cultivation Association Approved In Berlin

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Marzahn-Hellersdorf recently became the first district in Berlin to approve a cannabis cultivation association. Starting on July 1st, 2024, entities can apply with local regulatory authorities in Germany to create cannabis cultivation associations for adult cannabis consumers.

“The Green Leaf Society eV association received permission, which, according to district councilor Gordon Lemm (SPD), is due to the high sense of responsibility and the well-thought-out structure of the application.” the German Cannabis Business Association stated in a recent newsletter (translated from German to English).

“After a thorough review of the submitted documents, they meet the approval criteria set out in the law. The law places particular emphasis on the issues of youth protection, security, non-commercial structures and information on health and addiction risks for club members.” the District Office of Marzahn-Hellersdorf stated in a news release announcing the application approval.

“The Green Leaf Society’s proposal can certainly be seen as exemplary in many ways. I am sure that other potential cultivation associations can and will learn from it. I fundamentally hope for a responsible approach to cannabis in our society, the protection of our young people and the decline of criminal structures surrounding the issue. Every consumer can contribute to this.” stated district councilor Gordon Lemm (SPD).

After a rocky start, local German governments have started to receive applications for cultivation associations at an increasing rate, with over 200 applications received so far. Cultivation association memberships are capped at 500 members, and associations must adhere to various rules and regulations.

The first cultivation association approval occurred in Lower Saxony in early July. Officials in North Rhine-Westphalia previously estimated that their state could eventually be home to as many as 3,000 cultivation associations based on population. Applying the same population-based calculation, Berlin could eventually be home to over 600 cultivation associations.

Cannabis cultivation associations are part of the first phase (pillar 1) of Germany’s adult-use legalization model. Starting on April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis for recreational purposes.

The second phase of Germany’s legalization model (pillar 2) involves permitting local municipalities to launch regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot research trials. Per our recent reporting, over two dozen municipalities in Germany have indicated that they will launch their own pilot trials once the regulatory process is implemented.

A supermajority of respondents in a recent survey in Germany hold a positive or neutral view of the nation’s modernized approach to cannabis policy and regulation.

“According to a recent representative survey by the Björn Steiger Foundation, 61 percent of Germans have never consumed cannabis, or at least not in the last 12 months. In the new federal states, the figure for never-consumers is almost 50 percent, which is almost 10 percent higher than the figure in the old federal states.” stated the Björn Steiger Foundation.

“Around 70 percent of respondents see the partial legalization as positive or neutral, with male respondents showing significantly greater approval.” the organization also stated.

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Renowned Czech Cannabis Expert To Keynote International Cannabis Business Conference In Slovenia

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

The European continent, and much of the rest of the world, is undergoing a historic shift when it comes to cannabis policy and industry. After many decades of failed cannabis prohibition policies, a growing number of jurisdictions are finally pursuing a more sensible approach.

Jindřich Vobořil is at the forefront of Europe’s cannabis policy revolution. Vobořil is one of the leading world experts on drug policy and proponents of rational regulation and harm reduction. He has lectured and developed community and social projects in Hungary, Afghanistan, Great Britain, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is pleased to announce that Jindřich Vobořil will provide a keynote address at its upcoming cannabis science and technology event in Bled, Slovenia on September 13th, 2024. Vobořil’s keynote address will focus on exploring the relationship between international, EU, and national laws, and examining the ongoing dynamic between the EU and its member states when it comes to cannabis policies.

Vobořil has also worked as a consultant for the European Union, the UN, and the Open Society Foundations. Between 2010 and 2024, he served twice as a national drug coordinator of the Czech Republic. In that role Jindřich Vobořil worked on a draft bill to regulate cannabis in Czechia and stop the criminalization of consumers. The policy modernization measure is now ready to be introduced by Czechia’s Parliament.

In September 2024, Jindřich Vobořil became a strategic adviser to Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala which should further boost the Czech Republic’s cannabis policy modernization efforts.

“The new position will allow Mr. Voboril to be closer to the PM whose support is crucial for any meaningful reform of Czech cannabis laws, at the same time freeing him from pressure from conservative forces in the ruling coalition because as a national drug coordinator he was their subordinate (employee of the whole government), whereas strategic advisor is not a full-time job and his employer will be only the PM himself, not all five coalition parties.” states Lukáš Hurt, co-founder of NGO Rational Regulation which is working closely with Voboril on regulation efforts.

“Also, Voboril has many friends and supporters among MPs and Senators and his influence on legislative processes related to cannabis will thus remain strong.” Lukáš Hurt also stated.

The International Cannabis Business Conference will be held in Bled, Slovenia on September 13th at the iconic Rikli Balance Hotel. The conference will also feature an after-party hosted by acclaimed multi-Grammy winning DJ and producer Native Wayne. The conference after-party is sponsored by Metaflora and will be held at the Grand Hotel Toplice.

The conference in Bled is the first major cannabis event to be held in Slovenia after the nation’s historic cannabis votes in June. A majority of voters in Slovenia selected ‘yes’ when asked, “Should the Republic of Slovenia allow the cultivation and possession of cannabis for limited personal use on its territory?”

Additionally, a super-majority of Slovenian voters (66.71%) selected ‘yes’ during the June election when asked, “Should the Republic of Slovenia allow the cultivation and processing of cannabis for medical purposes on its territory?”

Cannabis and hemp science and technology are expansive topics involving ecological remediation, biology, horticulture, chemistry, and nearly every other scientific field of study. Leading regional and international experts will participate in keynote presentations and panel discussions as part of the event’s curriculum.

The conference, which is a recent addition to the International Cannabis Business Conference series, is expecting attendees and speakers from all over the world to participate in the science and technology event. The title sponsor for the Slovenia conference is global hemp industry leader Laurelcrest.

As the emerging international cannabis industry continues to expand in size and scope, the demand for research and development is increasing. As an established international leader in research and development, Slovenia is uniquely positioned to gain a meaningful market share in the sector, and this event will explore potential options that the nation and region can pursue.

“With so much going on, it is vital for the future success of the industry, and for unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant, that leading scientists, researchers, and innovators network with and learn from each other. I am excited for my team to facilitate this conference in Slovenia and to bring the world’s leading minds together to help push cannabis science and technology forward.” states Alex Rogers, co-founder, and CEO of the International Cannabis Business Conference.

Visit the International Cannabis Business Conference’s website for a full list of speakers and the conference schedule. Conference topics will include:

  • Endocannabinoid research
  • Emerging cultivation science
  • Technology industry sector trends
  • Global policy modernization efforts
  • Regulations and compliance
  • Business opportunities for the Balkan region
  • The current state of international markets

A limited number of tickets are still available to the International Cannabis Business Conference in Bled, Slovenia on September 13th. Find out more information, including how to purchase tickets, at Internationalcbc.com/slovenia.

Cannabis Plants

Thousands Of Farmers In Morocco Have Received Authorization To Cultivate Cannabis In 2024

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

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. According to recently released statistics from Morocco, production authorizations have increased exponentially in 2024.

According to the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-related Activities (ANRAC), Morocco has issued 2,837 authorizations to 2,659 farmers so far in 2024, up from 430 authorizations in 2023.

Additionally, regulators in Morocco have issued 60 authorizations for processing, 49 for marketing, 39 for exports, and 24 for seed imports. The increase in authorizations in 2024 demonstrates the growth of Morocco’s emerging legal cannabis industry.

Earlier this month, Morocco’s king pardoned nearly 5,000 farmers previously convicted of cultivating cannabis. The pardons issued by King Mohammed VI should “encourage farmers” to get involved in Morocco’s emerging legal cannabis industry to “improve their revenue and living conditions” the head of ANRAC stated according to initial reporting by Reuters.

Currently, cannabis is legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization policies to some degree. Morocco is trying to gain a meaningful share of a legal global cannabis industry that is estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars.