2023 ICBC Slovenia
Science & Technology
Schedule
Science & Technology
Schedule
7-8 September 2023
Thursday, 7 September 2023
19:00 – 21:00
VIP Reception

Friday, 8 Septemeber 2023
10:00
Conference Introduction
Alex Rogers, Executive Producer of the International Cannabis Business Conference, welcomes conference attendees and provides an overview of the conference schedule, including the panels and speakers that will be providing presentations and interviews. Ngaio Bealum will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Alex Rogers
CEO & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, ICBC

Ngaio Bealum
CONFERENCE MASTER OF CEREMONIES
10:05
Conference Greetings from the Office of the Prime Minister of Slovenia
Dr. Metka Paragi welcomes ICBC Slovenia conference attendees
Leading international microbiologist Dr. Metka Paragi welcomes attendees of the first-ever International Cannabis Business Conference held in Slovenia. Dr. Paragi currently serves as the Secretary for Health in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and will provide a brief overview of current usage rates in Slovenia, as well as discuss the level of support for policy modernization efforts in the region. Dr. Paragi will also provide an update on the current state of cannabis policy and research in Slovenia.

Dr. Metka Paragi
10:15
Keynote Speaker – Dr. Lumir Ondrej Hanuš
Endocannabinoids and secrets of hibernation: Unlocking the cannabis plant’s full potential to help the world
The cannabis plant is arguably the most versatile plant on the entire planet. It possesses the power to feed, to clothe, and in some cases, to heal. Dr. Lumir Ondrej Hanuš will discuss the importance of medical cannabis research and why it is vital for the medical and scientific communities to embrace cannabis for the sake of humanity.

Dr. Lumír Hanuš
10:45
Cannabinoid Science
Understanding the unique traits of cannabis

Prof Dr. Tamara Lah Turnšek
BIOCHEMIST, RESEARCHER, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY, LJUBLJANA

Prof. Dr. David Neubauer
PAEDIATRICIAN AND CHILD NEUROLOGIST

Dr. Ilya Reznik
BOARD-CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN ADULT FORENSIC & CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY, MARENA DIAGNOSTIC AND CONSULTING CENTER, ISRAEL

Prof. Dr. Borut Štrukelj
From a scientific standpoint, the cannabis plant is both complex and fascinating. Unlike many other industries, a direct knowledge of the science behind the crop is extremely important for entrepreneurs and investors alike, and the same is true for policymakers and regulators. A team of panelists will examine the science of the cannabis plant, and provide insight into what scientific trends people should have on their radars.
11:40
Research and Industry
Harnessing research to move the industry forward

Roman Štukelj, Ph.D.
RESEARCHER AT RESEARCH INSTITUTE, FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA

Ascoc Prof. Andreja Čerenak, PhD
PROJECT LEADER, SLOVENIAN INSTITUTE OF HOP RESEARCH AND BREWING

Luka Bitežnik
PHD STUDENT, DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY, BIOTECHNICAL FACULTY, UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA

Bence Mátyás, PhD
FOUNDER AND CEO, GENESIS SFL

Klemen Zupančič, PhD
CO-FOUNDER, PLAN Z
Cannabis involves far more than just tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The cannabis plant contains dozens of cannabinoids, with THC being just one example. Researchers are working around the globe to better understand cannabinoids and how they interact with the human body, and with it, how to develop the best cannabis-derived products for medical and adult-use. Panelists will discuss the latest cannabis research, and how it is being used to create the next generation of cannabis products.
12:20 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30
Keynote: Modernizing Germany’s Cannabis Policies
What does Germany’s new law actually entail?
Lawmakers in Germany are currently considering a multi-faceted measure that will overhaul the nation’s policies and regulations. The first phase of the proposal involves removing criminal penalties for personal possession, consumption, and cultivation, as well as permitting non-commercial clubs. The second phase of the measure is focused on the launch of regional adult-use commerce pilot programs. Attorney Peter Homberg, partner at leading international business law firm Dentons, will provide in-depth details about both phases of Germany’s current legalization strategy, as well as provide insight regarding what may happen after the two-phase measure is implemented.

Peter Homberg
14:00
Policy Reform and Industry
Anticipating policy changes to maximize industry opportunities

Boštjan Koritnik
DEPUTY MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF LJUBLJANA

Gašper Friškovec
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER, THE TALMAN GROUP

Alex Rogers
CEO & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, ICBC

Božidar Radišic
PROJECT MANAGER AND FOUNDER, RESEARCH NATURE INSTITUTE
Momentum for significant cannabis policy changes at the continental and global level is greater than ever, and the same is true for domestic reform efforts in the Balkan region. However, before the entire region becomes home to legal adult-use sales, entrepreneurs and investors need to know what the political and regulatory processes will likely involve. Panelists will discuss what major policy and regulatory changes are likely to occur in the near future, and how Slovenia and the Balkan region can be strategically positioned to benefit.
14:45
Emerging Cannabis Opportunities for Slovenia
How can Slovenia benefit from the emerging cannabis industry?

Vida Petrovčič
LEADING JOURNALIST, COMMENTATOR AND TALK SHOW HOST

Luka Freyer
FOUNDER, MANITU

Petra Marinko
FOUNDER AND OWNER, PHARMA G, NABIE

Primož Zorec
MANAGER & OWNER, COGREEN D.O.O.

Saša Bajilo
CEO/FOUNDER, ILESOL PHARMACEUTICALS D.O.O
Slovenia is already a major international research hub and a regional leader for CBD-focused product development. As the legal cannabis industry continues to spread across the globe, Slovenia is uniquely positioned to gain a significant share of multiple sectors, particularly research and development. A team of experts will provide a status update for Slovenia’s current legal cannabis industry, as well as discuss how Slovenia’s industry will evolve in the coming years.
15:30
Break
15:45
Emerging International Markets
What can Slovenia learn from other countries’ modernization efforts?

Stephen Verbeek
PRESIDENT & CEO, HELLO CANNABIS

Jean Claude Scicluna
CANNABINOID SPECIALIST PHYSICIAN, NEUROSCIENCE PHD CANDIDATE, CO-FOUNDER CELLOTEX

Carmen Doran
CEO OF HELIUS THERAPEUTICS, BOARD MEMBER OF THE NEW ZEALAND MEDICINAL CANNABIS COUNCIL

Kai-Friedrich Niermann
FOUNDER, KFN+ LAW OFFICE

Nima Kaempf
CEO CHARLIE’S LAB AND SWISS HEMPCARE
Several countries around the globe are in the process of modernizing their outdated cannabis policies after years of wasting limited public resources enforcing failed prohibition. Nations such as Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Thailand, New Zealand, and Switzerland have passed national reform measures to permit varying levels of cannabis activity in their jurisdictions, with no two jurisdictions having exactly the same medical and/or adult-use cannabis policies. Panelists will discuss the various approaches that governments around the world are incorporating into their cannabis policy modernization efforts, and what lessons Slovenia can learn from those nations’ experiences.
21:00
After Party at Bled Castle
Featuring International Sensation, Magnifico
