Cannabis Europa 2024: Key takeaways from the first morning’s sessions

The team at Curaleaf International is once again in attendance at Cannabis Europa , the largest international cannabis conference, held in the heart of London. The event is always a convergence of the most innovative thought leaders, and stakeholders in the field of medical cannabis, providing a unique platform to share insights, explore emerging trends, and collaborate on shaping the future of our growing industry.

First on stage at the event was Thomas Schatton , Managing Director of Four 20 Pharma, who took part in a panel discussion alongside Dirk Heiterpriem, President at Cannabis Industry Association Germany, and Dr Constantin von der Groeben, Managing Director at DEMCAN. The panel addressed the pivotal topic:

Cannabis in Germany: the starting pistol for Europe?

Discussing the historic move to decriminalise cannabis in Germany in April this year, the group focused on both the national impact and the broader European implications of this policy shift. Ultimately, asked the moderator, is the German move a ‘big bang’ heralding a widespread change, or just ‘a water pistol’ which is unlikely to have broader impact.

On the domestic front, the panellists highlighted that Germany’s shift in policy will enhance public safety by reducing black market risks through quality control - a ‘relief’ they say for law enforcement. However, Dirk Heitepriem pointed out that transitioning from ‘pillar one,’ which removes cannabis from the narcotic list, legalises limited cannabis possession and cultivation, to the forthcoming ‘pillar two,’ which will legalise commercial production and distribution models as part of scientific pilot projects, will be challenging.

Despite these challenges, he noted, this transition allows much more freedom for the cannabis industry to grow.

And looking further afield, the panellists agreed that Germany's legalisation could also inspire similar reforms across the continent. Thomas emphasised that Germany's regulatory framework could serve as a model for other countries, potentially leading to harmonised EU regulations and improved cross-border cooperation. Furthermore, Germany's focus on public health education and responsible consumption may set a standard for integrating cannabis into society responsibly.

Cannabis in the UK: The growth of Europe’s second biggest medical market

The second panel of the morning featured Jonathan Hodgson , Curaleaf International’s Managing Director UK, who discussed the rapid expansion of the UK’s medical cannabis market.?

Featuring alongside a number of industry speakers, Jonathan was able to highlight the rapid growth of the medical cannabis market in the UK, exploring its potential for further growth.?

The discussion delved into the UK's approach to medical cannabis, with a strong focus on enhancing patient access, advancing clinical research, and exploring economic opportunities within the sector. A central topic of discussion was how to improve access and awareness, which sparked considerable interest and debate.

Jonathan emphasised the critical importance of fostering innovation and upholding high standards to safeguard patient safety and maintain market integrity amidst the industry's evolution. He also underscored the imperative to enhance outreach efforts towards new patients, addressing the confusion surrounding product availability and access. Moving forward, he said, this remains Curaleaf International’s primary focus.

Valuable insights ahead

So Cannabis Europa 2024 has already provided invaluable insights into the future of cannabis in Europe, from Germany’s trailblazing legalisation efforts to the UK’s expanding medical market.?

With a line up of many more thought leaders sharing their expertise, the conference is set to explore the dynamic changes and opportunities within the industry. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Cannabis Europa as the event continues to unfold, shaping the future of cannabis in Europe and beyond.