Business – Page 4 – International Cannabis Business Conference

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%.

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.”

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.

Italy Issues Authorization To Distribute Medical Cannabis Flower

Written by Johnny Green on June 28, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Against the backdrop of an ongoing legal battle between Italy’s ‘cannabis light’ industry and the Italian government, regulators in Italy have reportedly issued an authorization to Tilray to distribute medical cannabis flower for therapeutic use.

“Tilray’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FL Group, has become the first company in Italy to receive official authorization from the Ministero della Salute (Italian Ministry of Health) to import and distribute proprietary Tilray Medical-branded medical cannabis flower for therapeutic use.” Tilray stated in a company press release.

The company is approved to distribute flowers containing the following cannabinoid content in Italy:

Cannabis Flowers 25%
Cannabis Flowers 18%
Cannabis Flowers 9% / CBD 9%

Meanwhile, Italian companies that distribute hemp-derived products are vowing to continue to operate despite the legal uncertainties involved. Earlier this month, Italian lawmakers approved a ban on cannabis light products.

A ‘security decree’ measure received final passage by Italy’s Senate in early June by a vote of 109-69. In addition to the ban on cannabis light, the measure also involved several other provisions championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition government, including the introduction of 14 new crimes.

“It bans the trade of “cannabis light”, or hemp, which unlike marijuana has no mind-altering qualities, infuriating local entrepreneurs who say the move will cost thousands of jobs and imperil millions of euros of investments.” reported Reuters in its original coverage at the time.

All processing, distribution, trade, and transport of ‘cultivated hemp inflorescences’ is, in theory, prohibited under Italian law, although industry and policy advocates point out that the new law is in direct conflict with European Union policies.

“Italian industrial hemp dealers are regularly operating and their businesses have never closed. They will work as they always worked before the entry into force of Article 18 of the Security Decree.” reported DolceVita about comments made by Negozianti Italiani Canapa (translated from Italian to English).

“Basically, to date, a definitive decision on the issue of industrial hemp, effectively does not exist. There was no warning for commercial activities, there were no indications on how to act towards the products, much less towards the fiscal area. Also for this reason we shopkeepers, arrogate to ourselves the legitimacy to continue working exactly as before.” the outlet also reported.

Ultimately, the situation in Italy will take a while to play out before the various sectors of the emerging industry know what they are truly dealing with. In the meantime, the landscape will continue to shift, and selective enforcement by the Italian government will presumably occur to some degree.

European Industrial Hemp Association Announces Leadership Change

Written by Johnny Green on June 28, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) is one of the most established, respected, and important organizations on the planet. EIHA is the only pan-European membership organization in the industrial hemp sector and represents the common interests of hemp farmers, producers, and traders working with hemp fibers, shives, seeds, oil, leaves, and cannabinoids.

The organization’s main task is to represent, serve, and protect the hemp sector in the European Union and international policymaking. EIHA focuses on the different areas of the application of hemp, including its use for textiles, construction materials, paper, cosmetics, feed, food, and supplements.

EIHA recently announced a big change in the organization’s leadership. Below is more information about the leadership change via a press release from the organization:

The European Industrial Hemp Association announces an important leadership change: Lorenza Romanese will be stepping down as Managing Director, and Francesco Mirizzi, currently Senior Policy Advisor at EIHA, will take over the role.

Mr Mirizzi has been part of the EIHA team for the past five years, where he has worked closely with members and stakeholders on all policy files. His expertise spans key dossiers such as feed, construction, food, and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is especially timely, as these dossiers are currently in active development at the EU level. His leadership comes at a crucial moment and positions EIHA strongly for the next phase of advocacy and growth.

Ms Romanese, who has led EIHA since 2019, was instrumental in establishing the association’s Brussels presence and building up its influence at the EU level. Her strategic vision and relentless commitment over the past six years helped position hemp as a serious and growing sector in Europe. “It has been a privilege to lead EIHA through these transformative years. I am proud of what
we’ve achieved together. Francesco’s leadership comes at the right time—his topics are hot and his expertise unmatched. I’m not going far—I’ll continue to support Francesco, the board, and all of you as an advisor, especially on the Novel Food Consortium.” – she states.

While stepping back from the day-to-day role, Ms Romanese will remain involved with EIHA, as a senior advisor, continuing to support the Novel Food Consortium. She will stay on board part-time to advise on strategy and the next steps for the Novel Food applications in the EU and in the UK.

This announcement comes after the EIHA General Meeting on the 11th of June. While negotiations were already underway, Ms. Romanese was still in the middle of the transition process and no formal announcement was made. With everything now confirmed, we are pleased to share the news.

Monica Solano Leon will remain a central point of contact for members, continuing to handle administration, Consortium coordination, and general support. Monica’s continuity ensures stable operations and consistent communication for the entire EIHA network.

We welcome this change with optimism and trust you will receive it with the same enthusiasm as we do. Mr Mirizzi has our full confidence – his dedication, insight, and collaborative spirit have already proven invaluable, and we are eager to see his leadership in action. “I am honoured to step into this role and build on the incredible work Lorenza has done. As the policy landscape
evolves, EIHA must stay proactive, informed, and united. I look forward to working closely with our members and partners to strengthen our voice and impact in Brussels.” – Mr Mirizzi affirms. “In the coming year we will focus on clarifying once and for all the legal status of all parts of hemp, accelerating the Novel Food applications and further increasing awareness of the potential of hemp in the bioeconomy sector” – he adds.

We thank Ms Romanese warmly for her remarkable contributions over the past six years, and we look forward to continuing this journey with Mr Mirizzi leading the way.

Thailand Is Moving Backwards On Cannabis Policy

Written by Johnny Green on June 25, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Thailand adopted a historic measure in 2022, which involved the removal of cannabis from the nation’s narcotics list, making it the first nation in the region to do so. However, that policy change is proving to be short-lived, with the nation’s Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin confirming this week that he signed a measure that will place cannabis back on the narcotics list.

“Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said on Tuesday he had signed an order restricting cannabis use to strictly medical purposes.” reported the Bangkok Post in its local coverage. “People wanting to purchase cannabis would in future have to present a doctor’s prescription and a medical certificate detailing their condition, Mr Somsak said.”

“The director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Somlerk Jeungsmarn, said on Monday that authorities would allow a grace period before changes come into effect, so the parties concerned could prepare for it.” the outlet also reported.

The announcement was expected, albeit unfortunate, with government officials in Thailand having repeatedly indicated in recent months that they would implement the regressive approach to cannabis policy and regulation. The recently signed order will take effect when it is published in the Royal Gazette, although the exact date of publication is still unclear. Thailand’s emerging cannabis industry is currently estimated to be worth over $1 billion.

Part of the shift in regulations will involve the requirement that all shops have a licensed medical professional on their staff, and that shops must complete and pass monthly inspections. Any cannabis shops in Thailand found to be out of compliance two times will lose their license to operate.

As we previously reported, a ramp-up in cannabis shop inspections has already begun in Bangkok, Thailand, where the Ministry of Public Health, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board collaborated to deploy over 100 officers in a coordinated sweep of 20 shops.

“A group of cannabis advocates said Wednesday that the change in regulations was politically motivated. The group said they will rally at the Health Ministry next month to oppose the change and the attempt to make it a criminal offense again to consume or sell cannabis.” reported the Associated Press regarding pushback by local cannabis advocates.

Medical Cannabis Is Now Available In Costa Rica

Written by Johnny Green on June 24, 2025. Posted in Business.

Safe access to medical cannabis has finally become a reality in Costa Rica, where suffering patients diagnosed with qualifying conditions can now make legal purchases from the nation’s pharmacies. Legal purchases will require a prescription, although local advocates are working to increase legal medical cannabis commerce options.

The push for increased safe access in Costa Rica via permitting dispensaries to operate is being opposed by leaders of the domestic pharmacy industry.

“The pharmaceutical industry insists that this regulation seeks to protect patients, ensuring that therapeutic cannabis is dispensed by specifically trained professionals and under pharmaceutical supervision.” reported The Costa Rica News.

“The possibility of sales in dispensaries should not be open. These products cannot be sold over the counter, as they pose risks such as drug interactions, adverse effects, or misuse,” stated Dr. Andrés Guzmán Tacsan, representative of the Costa Rican College of Pharmacists, according to The Costa Rica News.

Medical cannabis advocates in Costa Rica point out that not all of the nation’s pharmacies are willing to carry medical cannabis products, and that dispensaries would help ensure that there is enough availability for all qualifying patients.

They also point out that giving a virtual monopoly to pharmacies by not permitting dispensaries to operate limits Costa Rica’s emerging cannabis industry’s potential. Entrepreneurs and investors are largely locked out of Costa Rica’s industry under the current framework.

Pharmacists in Costa Rica who are advocating for medical cannabis to only be dispensed by pharmacists in pharmacies, due to previously mentioned concerns, fail to recognize that medical cannabis dispensary staffers specialize in medical cannabis and are very knowledgeable. Compare that to a pharmacist who may have little to no experience or background with medical cannabis specifically.

A potential compromise may be to require aspiring dispensary owners and staff to complete a certain type of training or certification to establish that a standard of accreditation has been met, which is what many state-level markets in the United States require. For now, qualifying patients have at least some level of safe access to their medications.