Policy – Page 19 – International Cannabis Business Conference

Support For Cannabis Legalization In Germany Rises To 59%

Written by Johnny Green on December 22, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Support for comprehensive adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany has increased to 59% according to the results of a new poll commissioned by the German Hemp Association (DHV). Lawmakers in Germany adopted partial cannabis legalization earlier this year.

“For the first time, according to infratest dimap, an absolute majority of Germans are in favor of legalizing cannabis, i.e. regulated distribution to adults, as originally agreed in the coalition agreement of the traffic light government. A similarly large majority opposes the CDU/CSU’s plans to make possession of small amounts of cannabis and the cultivation of some plants a criminal offense again.” DHV stated in a press release announcing the results of the recent poll (translated from German to English).

“After three years of stagnation in support for legalization at just under 50%, there has now been a spectacular and surprising increase to 59%! This is surprising because since the traffic light government took office, opponents of cannabis legalization, such as the German Medical Association and police unions, have regularly spread negative information about the discussed and implemented Cannabis Act (CanG) with high media reach.” DHV also stated.

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 for recreational purposes. Additionally, starting on July 1st, 2024, people can apply to start a cultivation association in Germany.

“The CanG, which was drafted under the leadership of Karl Lauterbach and came into force on April 1, 2024, does not involve the legalization of cannabis because it does not provide for legal sales. This is why we commissioned additional questions from infratest dimap this year. And here, too, there is overwhelming agreement in Germany. Only 37% are in favor of making possession of small quantities a criminal offense again (or 41% for home cultivation).” DHV stated about why they commissioned the poll.

“The surveys conducted by infratest dimap for the DHV are the best data basis on the opinion of Germans regarding the legalization of cannabis, because the survey is formulated neutrally in consultation with the institute and, apart from a few small updates, has been carried out almost identically every year since 2014. This not only allows a snapshot, but also a long-term trend to be identified.” DHV stated.

“Looking at the party supporters of those surveyed, it is also clear that the Union is alone in its demand to reverse the reform. The majority of supporters of all potential coalition partners are against a renewed ban on possession and home cultivation. The SPD, which does not comment on cannabis in its current draft program, can also be bolder and stand by its law.” DHV stated.

27 German Jurisdictions Express Interest In Cannabis Model Projects

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

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) was recently tasked with the responsibility of overseeing adult-use model project applications. The announcement cleared the way for entities in Germany to start submitting applications for scientific model projects on the legal distribution of recreational cannabis.

The German Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW) called on interested universities and companies to submit applications “as soon as possible” in its newsletter this week. BvCW is pointing interested entities to BMEL’s website to learn more about how to apply.

According to BvCW, the following German municipalities have expressed interest in launching cannabis model projects:

Freiburg
Munich
State of Berlin
Pankow
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Lichtenberg
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Neukölln
Center (Berlin)
Treptow-Köpenick
Bremen
Hamburg
Marburg
Wiesbaden
Offenbach
Darmstadt
Groß-Gerau
Frankfurt
Hanover
Cologne
Dortmund
Bonn
Muenster
Bielefeld
Düsseldorf
Mainz
Leipzig

“We are very pleased that this important step has been taken. Various research projects are enabling a new range of knowledge on what the best possible future regulation of the recreational cannabis market could look like. This is an essential contribution to significantly reducing the black market in the medium to long term,” said Dirk Heitepriem, President of the Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW), about BMEL’s authority over the application process (translated from German to English).

“No black market dealer asks for ID. However, as part of these model projects, there will be strict age checks – as in the cannabis cultivation associations. Safe sources will guarantee quality and thus exclude the greatest health risks – additives and cutting agents,” added Michael Greif, Managing Director of the BvCW.

BvCW has also published a checklist for model project applications to help potential applicants.

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.

Regulated Cannabis Sales Policy Evolves In The Netherlands

Written by Johnny Green on December 15, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are permitted by European Union law since they are research-based. Pilot trials involve allowing local recreational cannabis sales to help national lawmakers and regulators gather information to be better informed when crafting national policies and regulations.

The Netherlands officially launched its first pilot trials in Breda and Tilburg back in December 2023, and since that time the research projects have expanded to Groningen, Zaanstad, Almere, Arnhem, Nijmegen, Voorne aan Zee, Heerlen, and Maastricht.

Starting in April 2025, all licensed cannabis shops in those jurisdictions will be required to only sell regulated cannabis products. Currently, shops participating in pilot trials can sell a combination of regulated cannabis products and ‘tolerated’ cannabis products.

“All coffee shops in all 10 participating municipalities are allowed to sell regulated products, in addition to tolerated products, to consumers. After almost a year of regulated supply, 70 of the total of 75 participating coffee shops have sold regulated weed and hashish.” the Netherlands government stated in a recent news release (translated from Dutch to English).

“The ‘Closed Coffee Shop Chain Experiment’ aims to investigate whether a regulated chain of production, distribution and sale of cannabis is possible. A team of researchers under the supervision of an independent Guidance and Evaluation Committee will also investigate the effects of this on public health, crime, safety and nuisance. The results of this research can contribute to decision-making on future cannabis policy in the Netherlands.” the government also stated.

In addition to the Netherlands, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trails are also operating in various jurisdictions in Switzerland, and they are expected to launch in Germany sometime next year.

“The next phase of the experiment is the experimental phase. This phase starts on April 7, 2025. From then on, coffee shops in the 10 participating municipalities may only sell regulated products. This phase will last 4 years in principle. With a definitive date in sight, growers will have clarity about when they can start producing in full. This way, the supply of regulated weed and hash can be further tailored to the demand of coffee shop owners. In addition, the 5th, 6th and 7th growers are also expected to be ready to deliver in April. This will benefit both the choice of coffee shops and the stability of the supply.” the Netherlands government stated about the pilot trials going forward.

Czech Constitutional Court Rules In Favor Of Cannabis Educator In Free Speech Case

Written by Johnny Green on December 15, 2024. Posted in Policy.

This week the Constitutional Court in Czechia ruled in favor of a cannabis magazine and its director, asserting in its ruling that a prior decision by a lower court to convict the journalist and his media outlet violated the country’s free speech laws.

In October 2021, Robert Veverka, a journalist and director of the Czech-based cannabis magazine Legalizace, was targeted over his journalism, with officials accusing him of “inciting and promoting toxicomania.” Legalizace is a bimonthly periodical focused on cannabis and drug policy relating to human rights and environmental issues.

Veverka and his media outlet would later be convicted. Following two court hearings, the district court in Bruntál sentenced Veverka to one year in prison contingent on a two-and-a-half-year probationary period and fined him 50,000 CZK, and after an appeal, the Regional Court in Ostrava upheld the decision, albeit reducing the fine. An appeal to the Highest Court also resulted in an upheld decision.

“The judge mentioned that he is not competent to assess the benefits of the current legislation, the benefits of cannabis products in healthcare, or the negative effects of cannabis use, but that he must base his verdict on the existing legislation which is binding for all. He stated that according to his judgement, Legalizace magazine evidently and factually constituted the criminal offence of inciting and promoting toxicomania.” Veverka stated at the time of the November 2021 verdict in a press release.

“He did not take into account the legislative provisions allowing for cannabis to be handled legally in certain cases or the comprehensive and educational nature of the information published in the magazine. On the contrary, the judge expressed his doubts as to whether the individuals who granted interviews to the magazine were made aware of its content and overall message. Personally, I consider the verdict to be very biased and severely restrictive of the freedom of expression, the right to express political opinion, and the right to information,” Veverka also stated.

As first reported on LinkedIn by fellow Czech journalist and cannabis advocate Lukas Hurt, Robert Veverka later appealed the lower courts’ decisions, and the Czech Republic’s Constitutional Court overturned the lower court’s ruling.

“We didn’t expect much from the Constitutional Court, but Robert had to try – for freedom of speech and for the freedom of our plant. To everyone’s surprise, yesterday, the Court issued a landmark ruling.” Lukas Hurt stated in his social media post.

“Without open and free debate – even on controversial issues such as substance abuse – democracy cannot function effectively…The dissemination of information related to the issue of cannabis use, including criticism of current legal status, is a contribution to the social debate on issues of public interest.” the Constitutional Court stated in its landmark ruling.

Cannabis advocates in Czechia are urging lawmakers to modernize the nation’s cannabis policies. More information about their proposal can be found at: www.racionalniregulace.cz

Two Berlin Districts Want To Launch Cannabis Pilot Trials In 2025

Written by Johnny Green on December 11, 2024. Posted in Policy.

Germany’s approach to cannabis legalization implementation is multi-phased. The first phase of German legalization, often referred to as ‘pillar 1,’ took effect earlier this year. As of April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate and possess a personal amount of cannabis. Additionally, cultivation associations became legal starting on July 1st, 2024.

‘Pillar 2’ of German legalization involves launching regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. Two districts in Berlin, Germany’s largest city, announced plans this week to launch their pilot trials next year.

“The Berlin districts of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Neukölln want to start selling cannabis through several specialist stores next year.” the city announced today on its website. “This is made possible by a pilot project that will be scientifically monitored. Customers who want to buy cannabis must take part in the scientific study and register, the districts announced on Wednesday. They must also be resident in one of the two districts.”

“The sale is organized by a company that buys the cannabis from legal producers in Germany or abroad and sells it on to registered consumers in specialist stores.The two districts, Humboldt University and the Danity Group company signed a letter of intent to this effect on Wednesday.” the city also stated (translated from German to English).

“The application for approval of the project is to be submitted to the relevant federal authority as soon as possible. The sale could begin next summer, it was said.” city officials concluded.

As we previously reported, Germany took a major step forward this week in implementing pilot trials by announcing that the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food will help oversee the nation’s adult-use cannabis research projects, part of which includes pilot trials.

“By passing the Consumer Cannabis Act, the Bundestag has given the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) was given the task of appointing the responsible body for processing research applications on consumer cannabis and industrial hemp. The regulation that has now been issued – the Consumer Cannabis Science Responsibility Regulation – stipulates that the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food will examine corresponding research applications and monitor the approved projects.” the German government stated in a news release (translated from German to English).

“Previously, this task was carried out by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). The BfArM remains the responsible authority for research into medical cannabis.” German officials also stated.

Germany Finalizes Recreational Cannabis Pilot Projects

Written by Hazel Norman on December 11, 2024. Posted in Policy, Science.

A major component of Germany’s adult-use cannabis legalization model involves launching regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. The European nation took a major step forward in implementing pilot trials by announcing that the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food will help oversee the nation’s adult-use cannabis research projects, part of which includes pilot trials.

Germany enacted the first provisions of the CanG legalization law on April 1st, 2024. Adults in Germany are now allowed to cultivate cannabis in their private residences and to possess a personal amount of cannabis in their homes and while away from their residences.

Starting on July 1st, 2024, adults could apply to start a member-based cultivation association in Germany. Personal cultivation, possession, and consumption combined with cultivation associations were part of ‘pillar 1’ of Germany’s CanG law.

“Research on and with consumer cannabis is now possible again, but requires a permit. Applicants must meet the criteria set out in the Consumer Cannabis Act, demonstrate the required expertise and demonstrate an interest in research. Not only universities, but also companies can submit research applications. Research can help to effectively curb the black market, expand health prevention and make the debate more objective.” the German government stated.

While this week’s announcement gets Germany a step closer to launching pilot trials, more steps are necessary before final implementation.

“The regulation pursuant to Section 2 Paragraph 4 of the KCanG regulates the scientific use of cannabis for consumption. Anyone who wants to possess, cultivate, produce, import, export, acquire, receive, hand over, pass on, extract cannabinoids from the cannabis plant or trade in cannabis for consumption for scientific purposes requires a permit from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food.” German officials state on a recently published FAQ page.

“This is not the “second pillar” of the key points paper. The “second pillar” should test cannabis specialty stores nationwide in a comprehensive and detailed law. The Federal Ministry of Health is responsible for drafting such a draft law.” the FAQ page also states.

Malta Cannabis Legalization Has Not Led To Increased Consumption Rates

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

Malta became the first European country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure back in 2021. According to the results of a recent survey, the policy change has not led to an increased rate of cannabis consumption.

“People who admitted smoking cannabis in the past year account for 4% of the population, a decline from 7% in 2021, a Eurobarometer survey shows.” stated Malta Today in its local reporting.

“The survey shows that 53% of respondents across all EU member states are in favour of regulating cannabis for recreational use.” the outlet also reported.

In addition to Malta, cannabis is legal at a national level in Luxembourg and Germany, as well as in Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa. Each legalized nation has a different model with different provisions and limits. In Malta, cannabis cultivation is permitted by adults (up to 4 plants), as is personal possession of 7 grams when away from home and up to 50 grams at home.

Cultivation associations, often referred to as cannabis clubs, are also permitted in Malta. Adults can become members of a club and legally source their cannabis from them. As of August 2024, roughly 2,000 had joined a registered cannabis club in Malta. According to the nation’s top regulatory chief, legalization in Malta is working.

“The country’s harm reduction approach is working,” ARUC Chairperson Joey Reno Vella stated in a recent interview according to separate reporting by Malta Today.

“Before 2021, before the reform was enacted, you had a reality where studies showed a large section of the population used cannabis, but they had no regulated market from where they could buy it. The cannabis they bought was not cultivated in a safe manner, and so posed more risks. They had to turn to the black market where they did not know what they were buying,” Vella also stated.

Since recreational cannabis legalization took effect in Malta in 2021, a total of 39 people have faced prosecution for consuming cannabis in public spaces according to Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri’s recent testimony to parliament.

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.