| 10:30 -11:30 | Track 4: Marketing and Advertising in the European Cannabis Sector: A time for Courage. Moderator: Robert Jappie (Fieldfisher), Panelists: Josh Normanton (UK Barrister – Trinity Chambers), Nick Kenny (KBS), Aleksandra Vujinović (Lito Law Academy), Jon Robson (Mamedica Clinic) Description: Marketing and Advertising in the North American cannabis industry is well established. As the European market grows, both in medical and adult-use/recreational sectors, this panel will consider what lessons can be learned from the US & Canada, what marketing endeavours have already been successful in Europe, and what are the risks involved in engaging in aggressive promotional activities. Joe Hodas leads Wana Brands, the largest and best-known gummie company in North America and will provide detailed insights into how they established such a successful brand. Jon Robson will speak on the challenges of implementing a controversial but effective marketing strategy on behalf of Mamedica in the UK. Josh Normanton will provide legal expertise, advising on the risk of regulatory intervention in respect of marketing activities. |
| 12:00 -13:00 | Track 5: Semi-synthetical cannabinoids: Where to go from there? Moderator: Marie Sanchez, Panelists: Kai-Friedrich Niermann (KFN+), Vojtech Sucharda (Arrows), Amber Lengacher (Kight Law Office) Description: Over the past few years, many new psychoactive substances have emerged on the global and European markets. Among those substances, many are semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC, THCP, H4-CBD. While most European countries are taking a prohibitive approach by classifying any new psychoactive substance as a narcotic substance, the Czech Republic seems to be taking a less restrictive route with the Act on Psychomodulatory Substances that is expected to enter into application in 2025. This panel will discuss the current status of semi-synthetic cannabinoids, the effects and consequences of the prohibitive approach on the European market and explore different paths that could lead to a safer market for both consumers and business operators. |
| 13.30-14.30 | Track 6: New Developments in North America: Updates on Canada and the US Moderator: Jason Moscovici, Panelists: Shane Pennington, Jana Weltzin Description: In the past two years, updates touching cannabis legalization in North America have sparked many conversations between cannabis professionals in North America. Canada has just completed its mandated review of the Cannabis Act, the piece of legislation at the center of legalization in Canada, and the resulting report has raised many eyebrows. On the US side, discussions surrounding rescheduling have renewed an interest in cannabis-derived therapeutic products and their development. It is therefore an exciting time to take another look at the status of cannabis in the US and Canada and to study how things have been evolving. What were the conclusions of Canada’s legislative review? In the US, what new regulatory hurdles will stakeholders have to face on both local and international markets? How has the regulatory framework for cannabis changed in North America and what foreseeable updates are coming down the pipeline? Join us for a presentation of the updates and challenges that have emerged in North America and how they are being addressed by industry and legal professionals alike. This session is for anyone looking to understand for an update of the framework for regulated cannabis in the US and Canada, as well as anyone looking to discuss the commercial opportunities that these legal changes provide. |
| 15.00-16.15 | Track 7: International Panel – A mixed sauce of legal challenges in dynamic cannabis jurisdictions, Moderator: Ohad Kiperstok (Panama), Panelists: Ricardo Almanza (Colombia), Guillermo Fernandez (S&F Abogados), Giacomo Bulleri (Italy), Susanne Pech (CMS Germany) Description: This panel will shed light on the most pressing legal challenges in a wide variety of jurisdictions, including Panama, Colombia, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic. Panama is on the verge of introducing a comprehensive medical cannabis program, Colombia is still fighting legacy related stigmatization, Spain’s cannabis framework is confusing and legislators are dragging their feet on a medical cannabis legalization. Italy stuns the world with expanding restrictions and a near irrational vendetta on CBD products, and Germany is emerging as a bright, innovative star in the European cannabis markets. Our speakers will explore the main challenges in their jurisdictions, followed by an engaging conversation. |
| 16:15 -17:15 | Wrap-Up At The Main Stage - For two days, the CB Expo's three stages—the Main Stage, the Deep Dive Stage, and the INCBA Stage—hosted presentations, discussions, and commentary on the current issues affecting the cannabis industry. At the end, selected speakers from all three stages will come together for the final panel. Where do we stand, and where do we want to go to build a sustainable European cannabis industry? |
