On April 13th-15th, 2026, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) was held once again at the iconic Estrel Berlin, Germany’s largest hotel and conference center. The B2B cannabis industry tradeshow was ICBC’s biggest and best event to date, setting new conference records for attendance and exhibitor participation.

The level of excitement surrounding the emerging global cannabis industry right now is enormous, particularly in Germany and Europe. Representatives from every legal cannabis market on the planet were in attendance at ICBC Berlin, networking, learning, and exploring opportunities for lucrative collaborations. The cannabis industry tradeshow, which is Europe’s largest and longest-running cannabis B2B event, was sponsored by all of the largest cannabis companies in the world, including Aurora Cannabis, Organigram, Tilray, and Demecan.

The impact of ICBC Berlin 2026 was also reflected in feedback publicly shared by participating companies and organizations after the event.

MJBizCon described ICBC Berlin as featuring “high impact panels” and “quality conversations,” calling the event “a powerful opportunity to join the industry as it comes together to explore cannabis growth in Europe — where global markets converge and momentum for international expansion continues to build.”

Demecan shared that “the German cannabis market is developing faster than its regulatory framework,” adding that with its booth at ICBC Berlin, the company was “right in the middle” of conversations with the people “building, regulating and working in this market on a daily basis.”

Four 20 Pharma described ICBC Berlin 2026 as “three days full of exchange, perspectives, and meaningful impulses for the future of the medical cannabis market,” highlighting how important dialogue between industry, policymakers, and healthcare stakeholders is at a time when regulatory developments are shaping the market in a significant way.

Cannabis industry activity is rapidly evolving to be more similar to other large medical and agricultural industries, with certain markets specializing in production and others focusing more on research and development, processing, or retail. The ICBC Berlin tradeshow was attended by 90% of the licensed producers from around the world, along with all European wholesalers.

“The legal cannabis industry has taken its rightful place as a mainstream international industry, offering entrepreneurs, investors, and industry service providers with once-in-a-generation opportunities,” says Alex Rogers, CEO and founder of the International Cannabis Business Conference.

“The ICBC team worked harder than ever to build on the past success of our Berlin conference and ensure that this year’s installment was our biggest event to-date. The excitement level throughout ICBC Berlin 2026 was inspiring, and we will continue to do everything that we can to push the industry forward at an international level. We are already planning big things for 2027, and we look forward to bringing the international cannabis community back to Berlin next year.” Rogers added.

Kicking off the ICBC Berlin 2026 two-day curriculum was gunnercooke’s Judith Heimbürger, who provided a very thoughtful tribute to ICBC alumni Peter Homberg as part of her keynote presentation. Mr. Homberg unexpectedly passed away last year and will be forever missed by everyone who was blessed to know him. Judith Heimbürger then turned to the topic that had mattered deeply to Peter: the draft amendment to the MedCanG.

Another timely keynote presentation was provided by Dr. Adrian Fischer, co-founder and CEO of Demecan. Dr. Fischer’s keynote address examined what Germany’s ongoing cannabis evolution means for the wider European market. His presentation offered a strategic perspective on how Germany’s regulatory transformation is redefining the European cannabis landscape.

Alex Miller, Executive VP of operations and supply chain at Aurora Cannabis, followed up with an insightful presentation about cannabis genetics and how they serve as a growth engine. Miller discussed why potency, yield, and disease resistance are critical competitive drivers, how protected cultivars and IP are being commercialized in regulated markets, and why indoor cultivation is competitive for high-quality flower when paired with the right genetics.

The Day 1 presentations then transitioned to several panel discussions, starting with a panel analyzing how companies can remain profitable in Germany’s increasingly competitive market. The panel was moderated by leading journalist Moritz Förster of krautinvest. Mr. Förster was joined by:

• Finn Age Hänsel, Managing Director & A Founder, Sanity Group
• Dr. Oliver Stöckel, Partner, SKW Schwarz Rechtsanwälte
• Daniel Kruse, CEO, SYNBIOTIC SE
• Torsten Greif, Founder & CEO, Four 20 Pharma
• David Henn, CEO, Semdor Pharma Group; CEO & Founder, Cannamedical® Pharma GmbH

Medical cannabis featured prominently throughout the conference, including during a panel discussion focusing on medical cannabis as a pharmaceutical market. The professional medical and healthcare community is continuing to recognize the wellness benefits of medical cannabis at an increasing rate, especially in Germany and other European countries. The panel was moderated by EUMCA General Secretary Sita Schubert. Panel participants included:

• Hannah Bellman, Medical Cannabis Lead, Medios Pharma GmbH
• Timo Bongartz, Managing Director, Kündig Pharmaceutical Solutions
• Thomas Porstner, General Manager & Head Counsel, PHAGRO, the Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Full-Line-Wholesalers of Germany
• Dr. Christiane Neubauer, Managing Director, Verband der Cannabis versorgenden Apotheken e.V. (VCA)

One of the most popular topics in the global cannabis industry right now is international cannabis investment opportunities. A panel moderated by Jeanne M. Sullivan, Chief Inspiration Officer at Sullivan Adventures LLC and Partner at New Holland Group, examined how to develop effective investment strategies as the international industry continues to evolve. Panel participants included:

• David Hyde, Founder & CEO, Hyde Advisory & Investments Inc
• Raj Grover, Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, High Tide Inc.
• Rachel Wright, Founder & CEO, Verdant Strategies
• Kim Sanchez Rael, CEO & Co-Founder, Azuca
• George Bellow, Co-Founder, Somaí Pharmaceuticals

The investment panel was then followed by a discussion focusing on the continued globalization of medical cannabis, and how increasing import and export activity is yielding significant opportunities for current and aspiring multi-country operators. Jamie Pearson, international consultant at New Holland Group, moderated the panel and was joined by:

• Andrew Miller, VP International Business Development, Organigram Global
• Sasho Stefanoski, CEO, PHCANN International
• Tyson Cramer, Founder and CEO, Peak Profit Yields
• Deepak Anand, President, ASDA Consultancy Services
• José Tempero, Director, International Medical Affairs, Tilray Medical
• Paul Furfaro, President, Global Medical Cannabis Division

With the cannabis industry now a truly global industry, and an increasingly competitive one at that, it is more important than ever to develop and execute effective branding strategies. Establishing a successful cannabis brand at an international level presents unique challenges and hurdles that localized companies in single markets do not experience.
 
A team of global cannabis branding experts with proven track records provided tips and best practices for creating and expanding cannabis brands on a worldwide scale. The panel was moderated by award-winning journalist Ricardo Baca, founder and CEO of Grasslands. Other panelists included:

• Melanie Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer, Rubicon Organics
• Min Siratcha Patchharasopachai, Entrepreneur & CEO, Iridescent Med
• Cameron Clarke, CEO, Sunderstorm / KANHA
• Harrison Radie, Vice President, Sales & Partnerships, MJBizCon
• Douglas Mignola, Founder & Principal – T.H.Seeds®, FRESHEMP®, Hemp Works®

You can watch all of the tradeshow’s presentations and panel discussions
at the International Cannabis Business Conference’s YouTube channel.

The International Cannabis Business Conference has served as the premier gathering for the emerging global cannabis industry for over a decade, with ICBC events held in several countries across multiple continents.
 
ICBC Berlin is the largest cannabis B2B event in the Eastern Hemisphere. It will continue to provide the best opportunity for members of the worldwide cannabis industry to learn, network, and explore potentially lucrative collaborations.
 
To find out more about ICBC, including details for the 2027 tradeshow, go to: Internationalcbc.com