Unprecedented interest in the global cannabis industry at ICBC Berlin 2025

On April 29 and 30, 2025, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) held its flagship event at Estrel Berlin, Germany's largest hotel and conference center. The 2025 edition marked a turning point for the conference, bringing together some 5,000 participants from over 80 countries, making it ICBC's most ambitious and successful event to date.

This gathering illustrates the growing interest in the global cannabis industry, and in particular in the booming European markets, with Germany as the figurehead. Indeed, ICBC Berlin highlighted the strategic shift of global attention to Europe. As Peter Homberg, legal expert at gunnercooke, pointed out, German medical cannabis imports almost quadrupled between the first and last quarters of 2024 - a clear indicator of the market's acceleration.

This dynamic is largely driven by the CanG law, effective April 2024, which legalized the cultivation, possession and personal consumption of cannabis in Germany. This reform also includes the creation of cannabis associations for adult use, over 200 of which have already been approved. But perhaps the most significant development was the removal of cannabis from Germany's list of narcotics, paving the way for an unprecedented expansion in medical use. Today's developments, more than one in seven pharmacies in Germany already offers cannabis-based products.

A bridge between Europe and North America

One of the central themes of this edition was the parallel between the current European trajectory and the evolution of the North American market since 2012. The the famous «green rush» in the United States and Canada continues to inspire European entrepreneurs, investors, legislators and service providers.

It was against this backdrop that Charlie Bachtell, CEO and founder of Cresco Labs, opened the conference with a much-anticipated speech. Active in many American markets, he shared valuable strategic insights for European participants.

His speech was followed by that of Peter Homberg, who gave a comprehensive overview of the German political and industrial situation, marked by the recent arrival of two key figures in the government: Nina Warken as Minister of Health and Alois Rainer as Minister of Agriculture. Both will play a decisive role in shaping the sector's regulations and opportunities.

European pilot projects and global investment

One of the highlights of the first day was the round table on European pilot projects. Moderated by Kai-Friedrich Niermann (KFN+), it brought together experts from Switzerland, Germany and Canada to discuss the latest developments in the field. regulatory trials underway in the Netherlands, in Switzerland and Germany - a route authorized by the European Union for public health research purposes.

Another key panel was on global investment, led by Jamie Pearson (New Holland Group), alongside executives from High Tide Inc, Artemis Growth Partners, SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals, Hyde Advisory and Rubicon Organics. The message was clear: despite its growing complexity, the global cannabis industry holds solid opportunities for those who know how to navigate its multiple regulatory, cultural and economic dimensions.

Diverse themes and a unique atmosphere

The first day continued with a series of presentations covering a variety of themes:

• Status of medical cannabis in Germany
• Technological advances in cultivation
• Logistics trends
• International brand development
• Research, emerging markets and industrial hemp

The day concluded with an exclusive after-party hosted by DJ Muggs, hip-hop legend and icon of cannabis culture, founding member of Cypress Hill and Soul Assassins. An unforgettable evening, true to ICBC's DNA, where business, politics and culture meet.

Day two: looking to the future

The second day began with a keynote address by Dr Can Ansay, CEO of DR. ANSAY LTD and founder of the DrAnsay.com platform. He discussed the evolution of access to medical cannabis in Germany and the outlook for the European market.

The day's panels covered major strategic topics:

• Partnerships and expansion
• Regulatory compliance
• Cannabis tourism
• Genetics and innovation
• Imports to Japan
• Automation and digital
• Extraction, packaging and GMP

ICBC, more than ever at the heart of the global ecosystem

For over ten years, the International Cannabis Business Conference has established itself as a key international meeting place for industry professionals. With the 2025 edition, ICBC Berlin confirms its status as the largest B2B cannabis event in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Between networking opportunities, cutting-edge information and an incomparable atmosphere, ICBC Berlin remains the absolute benchmark for those wishing to shape the future of cannabis in Europe and beyond.

To find out about forthcoming editions: Internationalcbc.com