ICBC: What can we expect as legalization spreads across Europe?

The European continent is at the forefront of cannabis legalization reform for adult use. Late last year, legislators in Malta passed an adult-use measure, making the the first country in Europe to do so. With 2022 in full swing, many other European countries could follow suit.

Members of Germany's ruling coalition have already announced their intention to legalize cannabis for adult use and launch a regulated adult-use industry. German lawmakers have not announced a specific timetable for this, but hope to do so over the next 4 years.

Cannabis activists in Italy had collected enough signatures to put a referendum on the legalization of cannabis to the voters. Hopes were dashed, however, by the refusal of the Constitutional Court to take into account referendum. In Luxembourg, legalization is scheduled to take place this year.

Switzerland and The Netherlands are both pursuing adult-use cannabis «pilot programs», under which cannabis will be legal in certain locations for research purposes, in order to contribute to the development of possible national legalization policies. Switzerland already authorizes the sale of products cannabis-based products containing less than 1% THC. In every measurable area, cannabis legalization is on the march in Europe.

Opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and consumers

These are truly exciting times for cannabis enthusiasts in Europe and, looking ahead, the situation can only continue to improve as more and more countries pursue and adopt sensible reform measures. Every European country that legalizes, starting with Malta, creates a momentum for reform in other countries across the continent. Legislators must decide whether they want to be on the right side of history and see their countries reap the benefits of cannabis reform, or continue to cling to failed public policy and pass up once-in-a-generation opportunities.

Now that the first domino has fallen, we can expect an upsurge in policy changes in Europe over the coming years. It is extremely important for investors, operators and consumers to know what to anticipate and to choose the right moment, as the inevitable policy changes will create immense opportunities.

The perfect time and place to find out more about what to look out for in Europe is the B2B event of the’International Cannabis Business Conference to be held in Barcelona on March 10. This event is part of the world's largest superconference, the’International Cannabis Business Conference teaming up once again with Spannabis.

Jamie L Pearson, President and CEO of Bhang Inc (CSE:BHNG OTCQB: BHNGF) will deliver the keynote address at the B2B event.

Ms. Pearson is a recognized leader in the cannabis industry and brings nearly a decade of experience operating an internationally recognized brand in the ever-changing North American cannabis markets. In her keynote address, she will present her top ten observations on social justice, banking, taxation, wellness and leadership.

Additional participants

The rich history and culture of cannabis in Barcelona, Spain, makes it the perfect backdrop for the upcoming International Cannabis Trade Conference in March. The conference is co-sponsored by Bhang Inc and Grow Glide. Following the superconference, the International Cannabis Business Conference will host one of its famous after-parties. This year, the after-party will be sponsored by Juicy Fields.

The funniest man in the cannabis world, Ngaio Bealum, will be master of ceremonies at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Barcelona. Other speakers include:

• Bernardo Soriano Guzmán, CO-CEO, S&F Abogados
• Guillermo J Fernandez Navarro - CO-Founder, S&F Abogados
• Nic Easley - CEO of 3C Consulting and Managing Director of Multiverse Capital
• Luna Stower - VP Business Development, Ispire
• Òscar Parés - Deputy Director, ICEERS Foundation
• Sergio González aka Weedzard - President, Mouvement 420
• Iker Val - CPO, Sovereign Fields
• Chloe Grossman - Executive Director of Corporate Growth, Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
• Roberto Algar - General Manager, Curaleaf Switzerland
• Santiago Ongay - CEO, Sabia
• Kai-Friedrich Niermann - Founder, KFN+ Law Office
• Dr. Juana Vasella - Lawyer, MME Legal Zurich
• Joan Simó Cruanyes - Cananbis Hub UPC Coordinator
• Albert Tio - Founder of Airam and President of Fedcac
• Aaron Smith - Co-Founder and Executive Director, National Cannabis Industry Association
• Lisa Haag - Founder, MJ_Universe
• Juanma Fernández - CEO, Groupe Easy CSC
• Patricia Amiguet - Founder of the Pachamama Cannabis association and President of CatFAC
• Zeta Ceti - Founder and CEO, Green Rush Consulting
• Ruben Valenzuela Moreno, Technical Director of Valenveras.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is also organizing further events in Berlin in July 2022 and Zurich in September 2022. You can also book your tickets now and take advantage of the early-bird discount.