For Attorneys Practicing
Cannabis Law In Europe

Meet the Co-Chairs

Co-Chairs of INCBA Europe: Kai-Friedrich Niemann and Daniel Haymann.

Co-Chairs of INCBA Europe: Kai-Friedrich Niemann and Daniel Haymann.The International Cannabis Bar Association Europe (INCBA Europe) belongs to the International Cannabis Bar Association which was formed in 2015 by a group of lawyers who saw a need to educate and connect with other cannabis industry lawyers for the purpose of providing excellent, ethical, and advanced legal assistance to this growing industry.

INCBA is the leading provider of Cannabis-focused Continuing Legal Education (CLE) in the World! We offer some of our on-demand content for free (no CLE available). Click each graphic to watch free or click the button below to view our complete catalogue of Cannabis Continuing Legal Education.

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CBExpo Zurich 2022 Recap

This year, INCBA Europe held the first-ever conference of lawyers active in the cannabis industry in Europe. INCBA Europe @ CBExpo was a tremendous success!The program included deep-dive sessions and panels on the following subjects:

  • Cannabis and the free movement of goods in Europe: EU law at its best?

  • CBD in the US and Canada: A regulatory overview

  • Adult-use legalization in Germany: Licensing model, Social Equity and more legal ramifications

  • A regulatory overview of cannabis legislation in Switzerland: What’s new?

  • CBD as a consumer good: Novel food, cosmetic or therapeutic product?

  • Cross-border cannabis trade in Europe: Legal challenges and contractual matters

  • One step ahead: CBD in the UK, Cold Press in Ireland, and Hemp Food in Poland

Let's Succeed Together

Join the International Cannabis Bar Association and become part of INCBA Europe, a growing constituency of attorneys practicing law in the cannabis industry.

Member Benefits

  • Discounted CLE

  • Discounted Live Conferences

  • Private Social Network - Learn More

  • ... and much more

INCBA Europe at CBExpo 2024

Second Cannabis Law Conference In Europe | 19-20 September 2024, Dortmund

After 2022 in Zurich, the International Cannabis Bar Association Europe (INCBA Europe), in cooperation with CB Expo, again organized a conference on European cannabis law in September 2024 in Dortmund. Top lawyers in this field from all over Europe were present and discussed the latest developments. Due to the regulatory environment, entire markets have collapsed, but new opportunities and possibilities are also emerging in a liberalizing environment in Europe. The conference deliberated these opportunities and challenges from a legal perspective.

INCBA Europe 2022 Recap

Meet the Conference Co-Chairs

INCBA Europe at CBExpo 2024 Speakers

INCBA Europe 2024 Schedule

Second Cannabis Law Conference In Europe | INCBA Europe Legal Track - a CB Expo Special Event

Thursday, 19 September

TimeTitle
12:45 -13:00Opening Address by Kai-Friedrich Niermann, Daniel Haymann, Marie Sanchez, Robert Jappie
13:00 -14:00Track 1: Single Convention vs. Free Markets and Free Movements of Goods – which regime will prevail when it comes to medical cannabis distribution in the EU and globally? - Moderator: Kai-Friedrich Niermann (KFN+), Panelists: Constantin von der Groeben (Demecan), Bob Hoban (Clark Hill), Jason Moscovici (Provisions Legal Services) Andrés Lopez Velasco (Avextra) Description: In November 2023, the German government decided to lift all restrictions on the cultivation of medicinal cannabis in Germany. Since April 1 the three already licensed growers of medical cannabis in Germany will be able to produce cannabis without quantity and product restrictions, as well as any other company that can grow cannabis to pharmaceutical standards. The panel will discuss what consequences this decision will have for the national and international markets, as Cannabis has a special status as an international commodity. Different legal regimes like the Single Convention from 1961 and resulting import bans for medical cannabis, the fundamental freedoms of the EU, and numerous domestic regulations are causing a mess and make it impossible to give clear and comprehensible guidance to the industry. The panel will discuss the state of affairs and future developments for medical cannabis in the EU and globally.
14.30-15.30Track 2: All over the place: The journey to GMP compliance. Moderator: Daniel Haymann (MME), Panelists: Elias Galantay (IG Hanf, Cannavigia), Daniel Gelemanovic (Swisscan Tec), Jana Weltzin (JDW Counsel, Alaska), Peter Steger (IG Medcann, Heidak), Peter Homberg (Dentons) Description: Join us for an in-depth discussion on the legal nature of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and the intricacies and complexities of achieving this coveted certification. We are honored to feature the President of the Association of the Swiss Cannabis Industry (IG Hanf), who also serves as a consultant to cannabis companies navigating the rigorous GMP certification process through his role as co-founder of a successful start-up. Our distinguished panel includes representatives from a company that recently achieved GMP certification in a record time of less than 1.5 years, offering valuable insights into their successful journey and practical advice on the do's and don'ts of the process. Additionally, we will hear from the market leader in the medical cannabis sector in Switzerland, sharing extensive experience and best practices in operating under GMP conditions. We are also joined by an expert from the United States who will provide a perspective on the evolving quality standards for cannabis in North America, covering both medical and non-medical sectors. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders on the challenges, successes, and future trends in GMP compliance.
16.00-17.00Track 3: Medical Cannabis in Ukraine and Israel – two keynotes from two special jurisdictions - plus discussion, Moderator: Borys Danevych, Panelists: Hanna Hlushchenko (Ukraine), Adi Rozenfeld (Herzog Fox & Neeman) Description: Medical cannabis has been established in Israel for decades. The research for medical cannabis in Israel is even older, and world-leading. Cannabis is used in a variety of medical applications, including in nursing homes and the military. The legal framework for medical cannabis in Ukraine will be liberalized in the summer of 2024. What the market will look like and how it will develop is still difficult to predict at present. In this panel, we will hear two keynote speeches by Hannah Hlushchenko and Adi Rozenfeld about the history of medical cannabis in both countries, the current legal status, the next developments, and what Ukraine can learn from Israel in the further process of establishing medical cannabis. Followed by a discussion.

Friday, 20 September

TimeTitle
10:30 -11:30Track 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 -13:00Track 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.
13.30-14.30Track 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.
15.00-16.15Track 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 -17:15Wrap-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?

*All events take place at the INCBA stage.

INCBA Europe 2022 Recap

Venue

Messe Dortmund, Rheinlanddamm 200, 44139 Dortmund, Germany