In just under a month the Cannabis Europa will return to London on May 2-3 at the Barbican Centre.
More than 1,500 policymakers, industry operators, investors, and advocates from more than 37 nations will attend the conference.
The state of the industry and emerging global opportunities in the region are two topics set for discussion.
Cannabis Europa says it will provide a meaningful discussion and action form to help shape the European industry as it grows.
The European cannabis industry is preparing for significant growth due to changing attitudes, economic factors, and social justice issues.
A recent Prohibition Partners report forecasts that legal adult-use cannabis sales in Europe will reach €1.6 billion by 2027.
Estimates place medical cannabis patients in countries like France, the UK, and Poland at 1.43 million–a 234 percent rise over the same period.
Prohibition Partners expects the combined CBD, medical, and adult-use cannabis markets to reach nearly €6.5 billion by 2027.
But panelist & Netherlands MEP Dorien Rookmaker says significant questions for the industry exist.
“The expanding legalization of the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana has created enormous opportunities worldwide,” says Rookmaker. “International standards and improvement of legislation is of high importance. What are the next steps?”
Focusing on the Future
Cannabis Europa says this year’s conference will examine the key market growth drivers and future challenges and opportunities.
Legalization timing across Europe and how regulations will affect market speed and growth are top concerns.
“Even if it feels slow,” says Deputy Chairman German Cannabis Industry Association Dik Heitepriem. “Europe is on its way to creating a new way of dealing with cannabis—fair, accessible, but still highly regulated.”
Heitepriem will speak at the State of Play Session: Germany at Cannabis Europa.
Despite cannabis policy progress, the European market has a strict history compared to the U.S. regarding product diversity and access–even in the medical cannabis market.
But Czech National Drug Coordinator Jindrich Voboril says a regulated market has more potential for policy-based harm prevention.
“A strictly regulated market can regulate what is produced where by whom and how much is sold,” says Voboril. “A total ban cannot do this.”
Voboril says prohibition seems to be failing completely in the cannabis sector, and the market is growing.
The two-day Cannabis Europa conference will feature a diverse speaker group, including advocates, innovators, policymakers, and investors.
Speakers will participate in in-depth conversations about how to drive the market forward.
Prices start at £420 for the general two-day conference and expo ticket.
VIP tickets are available for £720, and include a May 2 networking breakfast and a May 3 drinks reception.
The drinks reception will be at the Barbican Conservatory.
VIP tickets include an exclusive networking lounge pass and complimentary food and beverages on both days.