ISSUE 1 - FALL / WINTER 2019
THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS pg 28
CROSSING THE FRONTIER pg 38
SAVING SOPHIE pg 44
THE MEDICAL CANNABIS REVOLUTION pg 64
WORLD’S
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MALTA 27-29 NOV 2019 SIGMA.MT MANILA 8-9 JUN 2020 SIGMA.PH
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-J S E SAL e on il b a T tt u a s r u u B La ne ti s i r h C
Editor’s Note The cannabis industry is one that has traditionally
of these two spheres promises great things for the
been fraught with regulatory hurdles, gray areas
future of medical cannabis, something we’re sure
and ethical pot holes. It is refreshing then to see the
many of the investors attending our back-to-back
medical cannabis industry begin to receive the attention
summits on medical cannabis and blockchain this
it deserves, and as restrictions lift, new business
November will be exploring.
opportunities move into play.
This shift in perspective is also alluring for the hope it
Recent Maltese legislation approving the use and
brings to patients suffering from chronic illnesses, a
possession of medical cannabis with a prescription
call to action eloquently laid out in our interviews with
follows a blazing trail left by other pilgrims, such
Hannah Deacon and Tracy Ryan.
as Canada, Israel and Thailand. The regulatory turnaround has opened up a new space for local industry to flourish, bringing economic growth to the island and rejuvenating a flagging agricultural scene.
Finally some thanks. SiGMA Group’s foray into this unchartered new vertical would be but a pipe dream if not for founder and CEO Eman Pulis’ pioneer spirit, and our inaugural issue of the magazine nought but a Word
And of course, better regulation means better
document on a laptop, if not for Jessica Camilleri’s
products, which is why many new entrants to this
inspired design.
lucrative market are catching on to the benefits emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain,
Katy
Enjoy the issue,
have to offer. From seed-to-sale tracking to personal, patient-based medical products, the convergence
TY
Y
JESS
KA
ALEKS E
CONTENTS
10
Medical Cannabiz Start-up Pitch Find out what’s on offer for selected start-ups at the competitive summit activity - Medical Cannabiz Start-up Pitch.
11
Malta: Island of Innovation The Prime Minister of Malta elucidates his thoughts on the Maltese scene at the London Cannabis Europa Conference earlier this year.
16
Taking the Plunge MEP Dr. Miriam Dalli elucidates her thoughts on what the future holds for the high-growth medical cannabis market in Malta.
28
The Future of Cannabis Alvit Pharma is building one of Europe’s larger EUGMP certified cannabis manufacturing facilities in Malta. CEO Yona Levy gives an exclusive interview.
34
From Seed to Sale Dr. Angele Azzopardi, Managing Director at Starpharma writes about how ZenPharm is leading the pack in Europe by maintaining high standards of quality in the sector.
38
Crossing the Frontier Katy Micallef takes a look at how Hoban Law Group has gone from ordinary lawyers to industry experts in an interview with founder Bob Hoban.
CANNABIZ .1 6
CONTENTS
28 Hand delivered to various expos worldwide, executive lounges, Maltese embassies and government institutions. The magazine is also delivered by post to 5,000 leading related companies worldwide. For information regarding promotion and advertising kindly call (+356)2700 2836 / 2133 6670 or email laura@sigma.com.mt www.cannabizsummit.world
16 38
44 61 34
44 Saving Sophie CEO of CannaKids and advocate for the medical cannabis industry,
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior consent in writing. Opinions expressed in Cannabiz are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations.
Tracy Ryan shares her story in an exclusive interview.
61 Growing Pains We speak to Hannah Deacon, a mother who spearheaded the campaign that
Cannabiz is published by Viking PC Health Ltd., Gaming Hub, Judge Paolo Debono Str., Msida Skate Park, Msida. MSD2032, Malta.
changed UK law on medical cannabis.
CANNABIZ .1 7
The free blockchain traceability platform for cannabis.
WHAT TO EXPECT
MEDICAL CANNABIZ START-UP PITCH Over 100 start-ups will be selected to showcase their products and initiatives throughout Medical Cannabiz World. Start-ups based across all verticals of the medical cannabis supply chain will receive advantageous exposure on the expo floor, with access to a small booth, as well as proximity to top investors and mentors. Each start-up will also be invited to attend lavish networking dinners and additionally will benefit from online opportunities through the Medical Cannabiz World website. However, only the judges’ top ten will make it to the pitch stage during the final leg of the Summit. Expect the competition to be fierce with so many investors to impress!
EXPERIENCE THE EXPO FLOOR 1m booth at Medical Cannabiz World. PRIZED NETWORKING Benefit from a chance to mingle with prestigious industry leaders at premium networking events during and around Medical Cannabiz World. PRESENTATION TIME Present your project on stage to the judges and audience. Each of the 10 finalists will benefit from stage time at the Start-up Pitch, including an opportunity to meet the investors on stage. VALUABLE EXPOSURE Receive invaluable space across Medical Cannabiz World media. Take part in interviews and share your company news in our magazines, website and email newsletters. CONSULTANCY AND ADVICE Free consultancy and potential leads from leading industry veterans are much coveted prizes for any start-up looking to make their mark. Benefit from canny advice and encouragement from successful stalwarts of the industry. HOT LEADS We will personally connect you to potential customers and/or investors.
CANNABIZ .1 10
INTRODUCTION
Malta: Island of Innovation PRIME MINISTER OF MALTA, THE HON. JOSEPH MUSCAT SPEAKING AT THE LONDON CANNABIS EUROPA CONFERENCE THIS YEAR.
“We see the production of medical cannabis as a progression
exporting medical cannabis from Malta to Europe as early as
within the life sciences sector, which already includes the
Q1 of 2020.
production of pharmaceuticals, active ingredients, medical devices, testing and batch release operations, research and clinical work, dossier building and so much more.
As a matter of fact, while we have accepted 20 projects, we have refused another 19 proposals. This shows that we will only pick the best, most innovative and reputable.
By being the first in most of these areas, Malta is proud to be Europe’s island of innovation, where ideas are born, tried and tested, then shared with the whole world.
MGC Pharma, Supreme, Aurora, Aphria, Columbia Care, MPXI, Wayland, Alvit and Panaxia are amongst the renowned names which have received Malta Enterprise’s approval and Letter of Intent.
Since laying the rules in this specific bill, Malta Enterprise received 46 project applications, of which, 20 projects
All the applications which were submitted have gone
have been approved and issued with a Letter of Intent. It
through a minute evaluation process and a very thorough
is estimated that the approved projects are investing over
due diligence exercise, in order to ensure that only those
€110M into capital expenditure. Once operational these
applications which met our criteria and shared our vision
projects are expected to create over 700 new full-time jobs
were eventually approved. We do not say ‘yes’ to everyone
and supplement Malta’s exports by over €900 M by 2022,
that knocks on the door. So those of you who make it through
mainly to European Union markets. The government is
our system know that you are working in an environment
informed that a number of companies are projected to start
which includes the industry’s elite.”
CANNABIZ .1 11
INTRODUCTION
CANNABIZ .1 12
INTRODUCTION
GETTING THE GREEN LIGHT We know from experience that if the climate is right
any global industry looking for a foothold in the future.
little ideas will put down healthy roots and thrive,
Efficiency and seed-to-sale transparency will be crucial to
reaping huge success for those that care to nurture
refining and producing products of the highest quality, with
them. This year we’re investing our energies into the
AI-driven research an imperative part of the equation.
launch of the inaugural edition of our first Medical
That being said, Malta is not the only ship in the sea
Cannabis World in Malta.
to chart its course in this direction. A bounty of
The Maltese government, always on the ball when it comes
business possibilities are flourishing in forward-
to innovation and smart legislation, has thrown open
thinking countries such as Canada, Israel and Thailand.
the doors to this high growth sector, unlocking the huge
People often underestimate the cannabis marketplace;
potential developing within the medicinal cannabis sphere.
however statistics show that the global medical market alone could be a $180 billion industry.
Malta’s visionary stance on regulation is well known to the global industry, landing it a place on Lattice80’s top 100
In fact, developing a medical cannabis industry is
list of blockchain influencers and earlier last year - the
among one of the top 10 priorities for Thailand’s
internationally-recognised title of Blockchain Island. The
government. While the country has a long historical
government’s proclivity to support new industry is slated
tradition of using cannabis to alleviate pain, the
to engender huge economic benefit for the country and
announcement of recent legislation is without
has already lured a number of investors to our shores.
precedent in Asia, making it the first country in the continent to pursue the medical cannabis market. These
With all eyes on Malta this November, the summit is
are heady days for a country that relies heavily on the
a natural fit for Malta Week, which hosts the Medical
medical tourism industry, with the green gold rush
Cannabiz World in the same week as the AIBC Summit.
already seeping out into neighbouring countries such as Malaysia.
Here we hope to shine a spotlight on the regulatory benefits for businesses setting up shop in Malta,
It goes without saying of course that our ability to
whilst providing a solid platform for investors, medical
pursue innovation and breathe life into new projects
researchers, policy makers and entrepreneurs looking
has been made all the smoother through the support
to forage a wealth of opportunities from this sector and
and encouragement from colleagues and friends, both
forge lasting relationships with the people that matter.
old and new.
And of course, there is no doubt that technology,
Enjoy the issue,
particularly emerging tech, has a crucial role to play in
Eman Pulis, Medical Cannabiz World founder & CEO
CANNABIZ .1 13
FEATURE
s n o z i r o H New CANNABIZ .1 14
FEATURE
OLIVER DE BONO, COO FOR SIGMA GROUP WRITES ABOUT MALTA’S FORAY INTO NEW AVENUES OF INDUSTRY AS THE ISLAND DEVELOPS ITS REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE BUDDING MEDICAL CANNABIS SPHERE. BY OLIVER DE BONO
In keeping with its trademark approach
Mediterranean adopting this thriving
as a global hub for medical cannabis
to new industry, Malta has opened its
market, but many other regions too,
regulation, research, and development.
doors to the medical cannabis industry
with a very solid North American
and the economic boons it promises
market flourishing and even more
to deliver. That being said, most
unexpectedly South East Asia, a region
businesses are now asking what’s next,
that is quickly dispensing of past
with many keen to find out where this
conservative notions as it looks to a
marketplace will go. Looking at what
future that is open to possibility and
we have managed to achieve with the
development. For many South East
online gaming industry, I believe there is
Asian countries, adoption of medical
huge scope for this new market to truly
cannabis regulations has opened
prosper on the island. Without looking
doors to innumerable benefits and
at the potential medical benefits and the
opportunities, both for growing local
relief this product brings to so many in
populations and for international
need, there is much to be said for the
businesses seeking to carve out a
other huge benefactor at play – there is
space to thrive.
an intriguing success story to be told if the economy adopts this market.
In a recent initiative, The Malta Medicines Authority, in collaboration
This creates not only huge potential
with the Organisation for Professionals
revenues but new and interesting
in Regulatory Affairs (TORPA) initiated
opportunities for persons based
industry-level training in the regulation
here - with a number of research and
of medical cannabis for medical
development hubs soon to be setting
professionals, industry consultants,
up on the island. The ripple effect goes
pharmacists and regulatory officers.
even further with legal professionals
The training targets both the local and
adopting this new market. Our goal
international community and is aimed
is to shine a light both on what Malta
at research in the three key areas of
is setting out to achieve but also the
safety, quality and efficacy.
industry as a whole and the greener
“We have managed to gather some of the great contributors and minds from all over the world with the intent to not only question old ideas but provoke new ones” With our Medical Cannabiz World just around the corner we hope to touch on both the economical benefits as well as dive deeply into the future
Both Malta Enterprise and The Malta
of this industry and explore what
Medicines Authority have taken
breakthroughs will come out of the
Like any new industry adopting new
huge strides here in creating what is
recent adoption of this huge potential
regulatory frameworks, we are still
our current framework, along with
product with such huge potential. We
at very early stages; however, looking
the backing of both the health and
have managed to gather some of the
out at neighbours currently leading
economic ministries. With so many
great contributors and minds from all
the pack, such as Israel, we can also
great people rowing steadfastly in this
over the world with the intent to not
see what huge potential lies in the
direction, I believe it’s only a matter
only question old ideas but provoke
not too distant future. It’s not only the
of time before Malta solidifies itself
new ones.
pastures that await us!
CANNABIZ .1 15
FEATURE
TAKING THE PLUNGE MEP DR. MIRIAM DALLI WRITES ABOUT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE HIGH-GROWTH MEDICAL CANNABIS MARKET IN MALTA. BY DR. MIRIAM DALLI
In March 2018, Malta took the plunge to tap into the medical cannabis industry whilst strengthening its research and development in the area by legalising on the matter. This paved the way for the Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Research Purposes Act, opening the door to a new era in one of the fastest emerging industrial sectors in the world. Such a decision has the potential to place Malta at the forefront of innovation, hitting two targets at the same time: serving citizens and patients by increasing research in the public health sector, and promoting Malta as an attractive investment destination. Pushing for progressive and innovative policies, Malta continues to position itself as a centre of excellence. Accountability and compliance remain key. Considering that Malta enjoys a long and extensive history in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, such reputation can provide more peace of mind when it comes to producing medical cannabis.
CANNABIZ .1 16
FEATURE
A robust regulatory infrastructure
is estimated that this will generate
Blockchain can also contribute to the
is what helps Malta evolve as the
exports to the tune of €900 million. From
functioning of IoT. It can be used to
market key player. The regulation is
an employment point of view, Malta is
track data measurements and prevent
aimed at maintaining quality standards
expected to create 700 jobs.
duplication. Put simply, blockchain
whilst placing patients’ safety and
technology can assist licensed
dignity at the forefront. This is where
producers to fully comply with quality
Malta’s certification as a European Good Manufacturing Practice gains relevance. All medical cannabis products must meet the stringent European GMP certification standard, which represent the highest levels of standards and traceability. Last year, the European Parliament made serious requests to the European Commission in this regard. I myself urged the European Commission to start seriously investing in research and development in the area of medical cannabis to ensure safety and provide peace of mind to medical professionals. Member States need to encourage increased knowledge among both patients and medical professionals regarding the use of cannabis-based medicine whilst making sure that patients have proper and equal access to medical cannabis products. We must ensure that medical cannabis is provided as a safe and equal choice for patients to cater for their actual needs.
“I urged the European Commission to start seriously investing in research and development in the area of medical cannabis to ensure safety and provide peace of mind to medical professionals”
that physicians will prescribe cannabis for medical use and no longer search for a compromise between medical necessity and legislative restrictions. Fifteen months of enforcing the right
other regulatory requirements. The so-called ‘cannatech’ is the innovative side of digitisation. With efficient legislative framework that demands a seed-to-sale system, the focus is on the lifecycle of the product. In this way, authorities can guarantee high quality and safety in use. This is just the beginning. The way forward between blockchain and medical cannabis should be focused on research. Research on medical cannabis received no direct support during the current EU research programme and there is very little coordination about research projects on medical cannabis in Member States. Further investment in research and development can help provide and disseminate new evidence to medical professionals and the public, ensuring that what is being put on the market is safe. Scientific research will allow more doctors and medical professionals to prescribe
It is education, research and a robust legislative framework that can ensure
assurance, privacy, transparency and
With good governance and progressive legislation such as blockchain, Malta has an added value. We are open to utilise multiple technologies ranging from the
medical cannabis, but will also help policy makers to re-evaluate, improve and adapt practices related to prescription and production of medical cannabis.
Internet of Things (IoT), to blockchain, in
Cooperation and sharing of best
our path towards digital industrialisation.
practice is key for the future, creating a far-reaching legislative framework
legislative framework for production and research of medical cannabis have seen
Blockchain can offer solutions in the
that encourages research, access to
Malta approving 20 project proposals.
medical cannabis industry by regulating
this beneficial treatment and further
From an economical point of view, it
medication and conducting research.
growth in this market.
CANNABIZ .1 17
SAVE
THE
DATES
WHAT THE VIPS H A D T O S AY
BEN GOERTZEL
DAVID GUNKEL
FOUNDER AND CEO OF SINGULARITY NET & CHIEF SCIENTIST AT HANSON ROBOTICS
FOUNDING CO-EDITOR - THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ŽIŽEK STUDIES
“This is the beginning of an AI revolution. We are going to usher in a new era where AIs and humans live together peacefully.”
“The question is whether we can tie liability and accountability to a human being when you have machines enabling independent decision making.”
BOBBY LEE
LORD MARLAND
CRYPTO ENTREPRENEUR “Even though Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency and people can use it in their daily lives, I think for the next 10 years its primary use should be as an investment.”
CHAIRMAN COMMONWEALTH ENTERPRISE & INVESTMENT COUNCIL “Regulation has got to be handled carefully, where the framework for malpractice is prevented but the industry is allowed to develop”
BROCK PIERCE
NOEL SHARKEY
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD THE BITCOIN FOUNDATION “In 2017 the cockroaches came out, the market was infected and we had all of the wrong people doing things for the wrong reasons.”
COMPUTER SCIENTIST
“AI can work really well a lot of the time, but when it makes a mistake, boy does it make a mistake. ”
AIBCSUMMIT.COM
WHAT TO EXPECT
MEDICAL CANNABIZ WORLD CONFERENCE 1, 4TH NOV - Regulation, Legislation and Research As the industry continues to produce
Agency considers cannabis to have no
Additionally, the adoption of technology
impressive figures predicting rapid
accepted medical use and to have a
such as DLT can help define an uneven
economic growth for the medical
high potential for abuse and misuse – in
legislative landscape.
cannabis sphere, the question of
fact it is listed as a Schedule 1 narcotic.
legalisation finds itself at the top of the
This is despite a 2019 recommendation
agenda – all the more surprising when
from WHO that the UN remove cannabis
you consider many of the countries
from their most restrictive category
involved had clear, non negotiable policies
– Schedule IV. The recommendation
against the therapeutic use of cannabis
itself has faced its own challenges, with
only a year or two ago. Nonetheless, the
rulings on amendments to cannabis
cannabis landscape remains complex,
guidelines continually put on hold.
full of challenges and contradictions that regulators must navigate if they want to capitalise on the benefits this emerging market has to offer.
As the Cannabis Legal Report notes, without “international agreement, regulatory arbitrage is common given
The benefits of operating on a blockchain offers jumpy legislators a sense of security by mitigating unpredictability through seed-to-sale tracking and tackling the threat of black market operators. The benefits to patients suffering from chronic and painful illnesses have also been a strong motivator, especially when young children are involved.
the myriad approaches taken by
It is undeniable that the media has been
With no global strategy in place,
regimes looking to boost state finances
key in bringing their stories to wider
those trading and operating in the
by growing, selling and taxing the drug.”
audiences, and in many cases swaying
international sphere face an uphill battle as they steer their way through a patchwork of legal requirements and contradictory policies.
Initiatives like the SAFE Banking Act offer some respite to the twists and turns of the legal system. Aimed
the court of public opinion. In some cases, such as in the UK, this has provided crucial leverage against more
at safeguarding the interest of
conservatively minded governments.
The US is a great case in point: the
international banks from persecution,
Take in the conference on Regulation,
FDA licensed medical cannabis back
the act is a crucial step for the health
Legislation and Research at the
in 2018 for the treatment of severe
of international trade when it comes to
Medical Cannabiz World.
epilepsy, yet the Drug Enforcement
medical cannabis.
HON. DEO DEBATTISTA Member of Parliament, Malta Medicines Authority
MIRIAM DALLI
Member of the European Parliament
CANNABIZ .1 20
TRACY RYAN CEO, CannaKids
WHAT TO EXPECT
MEDICAL CANNABIZ WORLD CONFERENCE 2, 4TH NOV - Investment Opportunities As more countries catch on to the
competition in what have become
twice the number of jobs going in
economic benefits, a favourable global
increasingly cramped quarters.
Silicon Valley.
framework for the legal production and
Cannabis production offers small
sale of cannabis derivatives is starting
agricultural businesses facing an
to take shape. With growth rates being
uncertain future a real life line.
compared to the dotcom boom, even conservative estimates are projecting a market worth billions of dollars.
In other quarters, the scientific community are set to benefit greatly from research development brought about
Of course this is not without its
by an increased economic interest in
challenges. Restrictions around funding
medicinal and therapeutic products.
means some investors cannot invest
Expectations for the medical cannabis
their capital in cultivation, limiting them
This investment into academic
industry are high and stock market
to technology and services that are not
activity will most certainly lead to a
prices for a number of medical cannabis
directly related to the plant itself. How
greater understanding of the effects
producers have shown a growth rate
investors navigate this obstacle will play
of cannabis and the therapeutic
much higher than that of traditional
a large part in the enabling this industry
applications of its extracts to a number
sectors or new technologies over the
to take off properly.
past year, despite their volatile nature.
As well as shoring up existing business,
Only time will tell whether this budding
the medical cannabis industry also
sector will fulfil its promises and
favours start-ups looking to enter
produce a bountiful harvest. It is
the industry by offering international
undeniable however that the onset of
expansion through the diversification
flexible legislation, applied technology
of business currently being offered by
and increased research has been a
existing companies in the field.
turning point for the cannabis sector.
maize. This diversification of products
In Canada for example, it is estimated
From policy makers to farmers, this
reduces the pressure on other areas
that up to 125,000 new jobs will
is a new era of opportunity and good
of farming by easing the tightening
become available in the sector – that’s
fortune for all involved.
This economic success story has also been a boon for farmers facing a declining demand for certain products such as tobacco, along with unfavourable market prices for once profitable crops such as soybean and
BRIAN SHENG
CEO, Asia Horizon Group
VLADUS SNIECKUS
COO & Chief Medical Officer, Hempfy
CANNABIZ .1 21
of chronic illnesses.
MARK HAMADE Partner, Stealth
123, St. George’s Road, St. Julian’s, Malta
2000 sq.m of New, Highly Finished Office Space ...in the Heart of St. Julian’s
Offices finished to the highest standards and equipped with all necessary services and systems creating a modern, cutting-edge office space environment. Located in the central part of St. Julian’s/Paceville area, this office block sits right opposite Mercury Tower, overlooking planned piazza. This property is located just 2 minutes away from bus stops, 5 minutes away from closest taxi stand and within walking distance from prime renting localities such as Swieqi, Pembroke, Ibragg and Sliema. These offices are within Malta’s prime entertaining/nightlife hub.
Project Completion: 2020
WHAT TO EXPECT
MEDICAL CANNABIZ WORLD CONFERENCE 3, 5TH NOV - Social Impact and Education When it comes to medical cannabis,
drug under the Misuse of Drugs
An additional struggle has been
education and public awareness have
Regulations 2001, which meant it was
bringing the medical profession on
been a driving force in bringing new
not recognised to have any therapeutic
board. A lack of training and clarity
legislation to the fore.
value. Nonetheless, medical cannabis
from the law means many are hesitant
is still not widely available in the UK.
to involve themselves, even if the law
Patients must meet very specific
allows them to do so. UK guidelines
criteria in order to be eligible for a
published in October 2019 by the
prescription and costs associated with
National Institute for Health and Care
the process remain high.
Excellence will help mitigate some of
Hannah Deacon, a speaker at the Medical Cannabiz World in November, has been a key figure in Britain’s changing laws on medical cannabis after spearheading a motion to introduce medical cannabis licences to UK law.
the apprehension felt by doctors, by As she and others will tell you, one
providing them with the information
of the biggest challenges has been to
they need to feel confident in
Following the decline of her son’s
combat negative public opinion. Stigma
prescribing medical cannabis.
health due to severe seizures, Hannah
around the drug, including from those
was instrumental in campaigning for a
in the medical industry has made it
fresh perspective to the way the health
an uphill struggle for those seeking
care system in Britain sees medical
acceptance and support.
cannabis as a treatment option. In 2018 she eventually secured a change in law and worked closely with the Home Office to fine tune the
In fact many still view it through long-held stereotypes, labelling it a dangerous gateway drug. Tracy Ryan,
How the industry navigates these hurdles along with non-governmental associations and patient advocacy groups will be crucial if the healthcare industry is to adequately service the needs of patients suffering from chronic and painful illnesses.
who is also scheduled to speak at the
The third Medical Cannabiz World
summit, recalls her fear that despite
conference on Social Impact and
Prior to the change, medical cannabis
acting within the boundaries of the law,
Education will take place on the 5th
was classed as a schedule one
she would still face censure.
of November.
prescription application process.
HANNAH DEACON Campaigner for medical cannabis
MIKE BARNES
Chair, The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society
CANNABIZ .1 23
MAYA ELISABETH CEO, Whoopi & Maya
THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS Alvit is constructing a 14,000 sqm, state-of-the-art EU-GMP production facility in Malta alvitpharma.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
MEDICAL CANNABIZ WORLD CONFERENCE 4, 5TH NOV - Technology and Security As CBD markets surge and countries
channels. Being able to guarantee the
More than 300 different cannabis
ease into new regulatory frameworks,
provenance of ingredients has been
strains have highlighted the need for a
industry stakeholders and policy
a crucial step for the regulation of
more personal approach to cannabis
makers are now looking to ensure
cannabis as a medicinal product.
treatments. Artificial Intelligence has
newly built foundations are backed up by the right infrastructure.
Smart learning has also made an impact
helped reduce prescription and dosage errors whilst matching symptoms and
in the agricultural sphere. A game
ailments to available strains. Taking
Emerging technologies such as
changer for medical cannabis growers,
the guesswork out of the equation has
blockchain are by nature perfectly
smart technology is revolutionising
also been a boon for nervous doctors,
designed to enable crucial production
growing practices, fine-tuning
being able to prescribe more accurately
methods such as seed-to-sale tracking
greenhouse conditions and providing
has increased their confidence – and
to function. Supply chains find their
producers with valuable data on the
their likelihood of considering medical
home on the blockchain, leveraging the
health of their crops. Crop irrigation is
cannabis as a suitable treatment option.
transparency and security the tech
one such practice which has benefited
provides to enable an industry plagued by
immeasurably from AI – controlled
As medical cannabis markets gain
trust issues, scaremongering, and black
remotely, more exact standards of
more significance as drivers of strong
markets, to thrive, despite naysayers.
irrigation can be exerted, reducing
economies, this meshing of verticals
labour, producing a higher yield and
continues to remain at the forefront of
reducing waste of precious resources.
international markets looking for a leg
Utilising the blockchain ensures a number of key qualities for supply
up in what is becoming an increasingly
chains. Certainty of provenance offers
Crop sensors can also convey more
competitive sphere of business. There
users peace of mind: being able to
accurate climate conditions to
is no doubt technology will continue
trace ingredients from seed-to-sale
farmers, allowing them to control and
to support the development of the
ensures a high quality end product
adjust as necessary – managing light,
cannabis industry, offering innovation
and reassures to producers that their
temperature and nutrients – all crucial
and opportunity to investors and
product is sold through reputable
to high quality production.
market leaders.
ALEX SHAH Founder, solo*
JACQUIE COHEN ROTH Founder & CEO, CannabizMD
CANNABIZ .1 25
ADAM SHUSTER Co-Founder & CEO, BH Synergy Group
FEATURE
Around the world in 150 billion THE GLOBAL CANNABIS MARKET IS THOUGHT TO BE WORTH $150 BILLION TODAY
NORTH AMERICA – estimated cannabis market by 2030: $80 billion (recreational & medical)
SOUTH AMERICA – estimated medical cannabis market value by 2028: $8.5 billion
CANNABIZ .1 26
FEATURE
ASIA – estimated medical cannabis market value by 2024: $5.8 billion
EUROPE – estimated medical cannabis market value by 2024: $58 billion
AFRICA – estimated medical cannabis market value by 2023: $0.8 billion
Key statistics from prohibitionpartners.com
CANNABIZ .1 27
THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS
COVER STORY
ALVIT PHARMA IS BUILDING ONE OF EUROPE’S LARGER EU-GMP CERTIFIED CANNABIS MANUFACTURING FACILITIES RIGHT HERE IN MALTA. CANNABIZ MAGAZINE MET UP WITH CEO YONA LEVY, FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ABOUT WHAT ALVIT’S DOING TO BRING CANNABIS INTO THE FUTURE. CANNABIZ .1 28
COVER STORY
CANNABIZ .1 29
...
COVER STORY CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE WHAT
Our company was founded by Nachshol
So while the rest of the market was
ALVIT DOES?
Cohen. Nachshol has been involved
trying to learn how to grow flowers,
with the medical cannabis markets
Nachshol signed on Yoram Sela, the
long before their inception, both in
founder of Teva Pharmaceuticals
Israel and internationally. In Israel,
drug delivery unit, who went on to run
he is recognised as one of the true
it for 9 years. Six years later we’ve
visionaries in the field. He has always
already created a full line of pharma-
been a trendsetter and his name has
grade cannabis products that we will
become known globally throughout the
be producing in 2020 in our EU-GMP
cannabis industry.
certified facility in Malta. So I guess
flowers, oils and pharma-grade products
So when medical cannabis started
the ‘future’ and we’re also the ‘now’
into Europe in the beginning of 2020.
being legalised in more and more
because we started six years early with
jurisdictions around the world, and a
a clear vision. We have what doctors
mad rush to secure cultivation licenses
want to prescribe.
At its core, Alvit researches and develops pharma-grade cannabis products, helping cannabis communicate in a language doctors understand. We are currently constructing a very impressive EU-GMP certified cannabis cultivation, extraction and production facility in the EU in Malta and will be launching our
WITH BUSINESSES JOSTLING FOR SPACE IN THE NASCENT CANNABIS INDUSTRY, WHAT IS ALVIT DOING THAT DISTINGUISHES IT FROM OTHER COMPANIES IN THE INDUSTRY? WHAT MAKES IT THE FUTURE?
in the US, Canada, and other locations ensued, Nachshol recognised that the future of medical cannabis did not end with flowers and oils, and that the true
that’s what distinguishes us. We’re
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE FACILITY YOU’RE CONSTRUCTING IN MALTA? WHAT WILL IT BE ABLE TO PRODUCE?
market growth for the industry would
We’re constructing a massive seed-to-
In order to elaborate on what
come from pharma-grade products that
pharma facility that will be the heart of
distinguishes us, I need to provide you
doctors recognise, understand, and are
our European operation going forward.
with a drop of background information.
accustomed to prescribing.
We will have our own nursery under
“We’re constructing a massive seed-to-pharma facility that will be the heart of our European operation going forward”
CANNABIZ .1 30
COVER STORY
“Why Malta? It’s very simple. While other countries around the world slowly test the waters of legalising cannabis, Malta did the opposite and instead aggressively sought out the best companies in the world to set up operations in Malta and made it easy for them to do business” EU-GMP conditions with hundreds of
extraction department featuring CO2,
RECOGNISE, WHAT DOES THAT
mother plants that produce the clones
Ethanol and cold press technologies.
MEAN? WHAT KIND OF PRODUCTS
we require for our cultivation operation
We have EU-GMP certified production
DO YOU HAVE?
in Malta. Our cultivation will occur in
rooms for tablets, liquids, gel-capsules,
an eco-cultivation rooftop facility that
vapen, semisolids like creams,
is also under EU-GMP conditions and
suppositories and cosmetics with more
we project to produce over 14 tons of
on the way. We also have an in-house
cannabis flowers annually.
QA/QC lab, warehousing, admin and
We have a drying, curing and packaging
logistics. It’s an impressive facility.
We have many different types of products based around the needs of the patient. Some patients need a product delivered a certain way, or to a certain location, or within a certain amount of time, or to last longer in the
department for flowers also under EU-
WHEN YOU SAY YOU HAVE PRODUCTS
body. We have a full line of products
GMP conditions. We have an EU-GMP
THAT DOCTORS UNDERSTAND AND
that meet all of these various needs.
CANNABIZ .1 31
...
COVER STORY
For example, for a patient that requires
Alvit provides the information doctors
So the big question becomes how do
immediate relief, we can offer our
need in order to feel comfortable
you do it? How do you get the doctors
sublingual tablet, our spray, or a
prescribing cannabis-based products,
more involved? I think there are 2
suppository. Because we use a self
for instance, details on APIs (active
elements to it. First is education.
nanoemulsifying oil in our products, all of
pharmaceutical ingredients), such as
It’s obviously an important aspect.
these methods will bring relief within 10-
bioavailability, onset of action, duration
Companies like ours need to organise
15 minutes. Epilepsy patients may want
etc. Perhaps the most important thing
efforts to educate doctors about
to take an extended release CBD tablet.
we do is to carry out clinical trials to
cannabis, its properties and how
prove that what we say is correct and to
to prescribe it. And we will do that.
provide extra reassurance to doctors.
Second is to give the doctors cannabis
And of course we have super high quality flowers and oils for the more
products they understand: tablets,
traditional medical market. I am not aware of any other companies in the market that have the kind of broad line of cannabis-based products that we do. Others might be developing them, but they’re not out there yet. YOU MENTIONED EARLIER THAT YOUR CANNABIS-BASED PRODUCTS SPEAK ‘IN A LANGUAGE DOCTORS UNDERSTAND’. CAN YOU ELABORATE A LITTLE ON WHAT THAT MEANS? At present, there are many doctors who are not comfortable prescribing cannabis because they do not
suppositories, sprays, mg,
“There are many doctors who are not comfortable prescribing cannabis because they do not understand it”
clinical trials and so on. This is the most important thing doctors need to get on board en masse. It’s the critical missing element to making the doctors the drivers of the industry. Our company will help make that flip back to getting the catalyst to be from the doctors themselves, which we believe will make the current cannabis market estimates that everyone thinks are so high look astoundingly low.
understand it. What do they prescribe? Two puffs three times a day? Drip
YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST
a few drops of magic oil under your
SO DOCTORS ARE CURRENTLY
10 LICENSE HOLDERS IN MALTA.
tongue after eating? There are too
MISSING FROM THE EQUATION?
WHY MALTA?
percentages of THC and CBD etc., but
Yes, we are talking about probably the
I want to take this opportunity to say
doctors don’t necessarily have the
biggest revolution since the internet,
that Malta has one of the most business
information they need, to know what
and at the moment we’re missing the
friendly environments in the world.
effect a particular strain will have on
most important players - the doctors.
Malta Enterprise, the organisation
a particular patient. They simply have
They are the ones who are supposed to
responsible for economic development
to trust that the cannabis available to
drive this industry forward and bring in
in Malta is one of the most amazing
the patient will help in the right way.
the patients. Right now however, it isn’t
organisations we’ve ever encountered.
But of course, doctors are not in the
working like that. It’s still the patients
They help. They advise. The are
business of trusting. They are in the
who are insisting on getting access to
thorough and careful. Very competent.
business of knowing.
medical cannabis.
Very friendly. Thoughtful.
many strains available with varying
CANNABIZ .1 32
COVER STORY
Just amazing people. And we’ve seen the same thing in the government. Why Malta? It’s very simple. While other countries around the world
“Perhaps the most important thing we do is to carry out clinical trials to prove that what we say is correct and to provide extra reassurance to doctors”
slowly test the waters of legalising cannabis, Malta did the opposite and instead aggressively sought out the best companies in the world to set up operations in Malta and made it easy for them to do business. They actively sought out companies like ours that can deliver the future, and they made it easy. Grow, import, process, export, whatever you need. Just do it right and make us proud. Be a success. WHEN CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ALVIT’S PRODUCTS IN EUROPEAN PHARMACIES? We’re expecting to begin shipping our products into Europe during the first quarter of 2020. SHIFTING GEARS, WHY IS IT THAT ISRAEL HAS SUCH A STRONG REPUTATION WHEN IT COMES TO THE MEDICAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY? Cannabis falls perfectly into Israel’s comfort zone. Israel is known for agritech, biotech, technology, innovation and sophistication in its products, and we have one of the
right manpower to deal with innovation
really important here is being part of
in a new market. When you add all that
helping to meet the unmet needs of
together, that makes for a very strong
many patients in the EU that deserve no
foundation on which to succeed.
less than the patients in Israel, Canada, or anywhere else in the world.
oldest medical cannabis programs in
I HEARD A RUMOR THAT THERE MAY
the world.
BE AN IPO IN THE FUTURE FOR ALVIT?
On top of that, the body within the
All I can say regarding a potential IPO is
real people. That’s what we’re doing
health department that is responsible
that we are evaluating our options like
in Malta and we’re super excited that
for granting cannabis licences is a very
any company that has a responsibility
our company will be leading the way in
professional body, and Israel has the
to its shareholders. However, what’s
Europe and around the world.
CANNABIZ .1 33
We’re building a real asset that can help
FEATURE
Robert Spiteri Co-founder and Director of Brown’s Pharma Limited
Dr Angele Azzopardi Managing Director Starpharma Limited
Mr Andrew Grieve CEO of Zenabis Global Inc.
From Seed to Sale ZENPHARM, A ZENABIS SUBSIDIARY, IS A PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY FOCUSED ON DELIVERING MEDICINAL CANNABIS TO PATIENTS. AT ITS CORE, ZENPHARM IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF DEVELOPING CANNABIS-BASED TREATMENTS, AND IS ALSO EMBARKING ON EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS WITH PRACTICING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. DR. ANGELE AZZOPARDI, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT STARPHARMA WRITES ABOUT HOW ZENPHARM IS LEADING THE PACK IN EUROPE BY MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS OF QUALITY IN THE SECTOR. CANNABIZ .1 34
FEATURE The art of medicine consists in amusing
cannabis products in Europe. We are
in applying for the pharmaceutical
the patient while nature cures the
formidably positioned to achieve this
standard of Good Manufacturing
disease. – Voltaire
goal by leveraging our competencies
Practices (GMP) to cannabis-based
to cultivate, develop, manufacture
treatments. This can be a complex task
and distribute pharmagrade Zenabis
given cannabis is a novel medicinal
products, thereby making them easily
treatment with unprecedented
accessible to patients across Europe,”
regulatory requirements.
Arguably this is not the best quote with which to promote the pharmaceutical industry. Without a doubt, syntheticallyderived medicines have improved Homo Sapiens’ ability to survive diseases. But there is something to be said about some of the major medical advances discovered throughout the
explains Robert. From its inception, ZenPharm has been seeking to further facilitate patient access to cannabisbased treatments.
“Malta has strategically put in place the regulatory gold standard for the European medical cannabis industry. It is not a coincidence that reputable
ages. Vaccines, penicillin, stem cell
Canadian licensed producers are
therapy, and immunotherapy all have
choosing to set up their European
one common denominator: a naturally occurring living entity. Cannabis derived treatments, albeit still in their infancy stages, are next. As a pharmaceutical company, ZenPharm focuses on delivering cannabis-based treatments that are rooted in the fundamental medicinal standards of safety, quality and efficacy. For that reason, the Company’s Research and Development department is driven by patient requirements and accessibility. Formulation, product design, and perfecting the traditional delivery systems, while introducing new ones
“From its inception, ZenPharm has been seeking to further facilitate patient access to cannabis-based treatments”
operations in Malta. Zenabis is ecstatic to be part of a venture with an exceptional team of Maltese pharmaceutical experts committed to both the medical market for cannabis and strict compliance with European regulations.” – Andrew Grieve, Zenabis Global CEO Medicinal cannabis has been used in the treatment of patients suffering from a number of indications, including intractable childhood epilepsy, muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis and palliative care for cancer. Many healthcare professionals remain cautiously apprehensive of
all depend on understanding cannabis’
recommending medicinal cannabis
biochemical properties and its
given the lack of empirical evidence
pharmacological effects in disease treatment.
Malta has established itself as a
available. ZenPharm believes that education is a key catalyst in bridging
pioneering European member state
this gap, which can be facilitated
ZenPharm, a subsidiary of Zenabis
in setting up medicinal cannabis
through the creation of synergistic
Global, is the result of the founding
legislation that encourages commercial
partnerships with healthcare
partners’ collective expertise in
trade and foreign investment. This
institutions, universities and non-
creating vertically-integrated supply
mandate has been successfully
governmental organisations. These
chains that consistently ensure a
executed by two key government
partnerships will in turn facilitate
high standard of quality from seed-
entities working in tandem. The Malta
providing patients across Europe with
to-sale. This was recognised from
Enterprise is an agency focused on
another option for pursuing a better
the very beginning by Robert Spiteri,
attracting foreign investment and
quality of life. This is what ZenPharm
co-founder and director of Brown’s
providing potential partners with any
seeks to ultimately achieve: to go
Pharma Limited. “Our vision for
necessary guidance and support. The
beyond convention whilst keeping
ZenPharm is to become a leading
other entity is the Malta Medicines
patient care at the heart of everything
pharmaceutical company for medicinal
Authority, which assists companies
we do.
CANNABIZ .1 35
FEATURE
Bringing Cannabis in from the Cold
CANNABIZ .1 36
FEATURE
LAURA TABONE, EVENTS DIRECTOR FOR MEDICAL CANNABIZ WORLD WRITES ABOUT THE FASTEVOLVING MEDICAL CANNABIS MARKET, THE OPPORTUNITIES DERIVED FROM NEW LEGISLATION AND THE PROMISING APPLICATIONS OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY, SUCH AS BLOCKCHAIN. BY LAURA TABONE
The numbers forecast for the future
education and product marketing, raise
cannabis? Where’s the evidence for its
value of the European medical
issues which need careful thought
benefits? Is it available on the public
cannabis industry vary, but one
and discussion. With demand often
healthcare system?
thing is for sure, they are huge. One
outstripping supply in Europe, there’s
report by Prohibition Partners sees
a lot that needs to be done to maintain
It’s also important to consider the
the market reaching €58bn by 2028.
momentum and capitalise on this exciting
effect that the industry will have on
Other estimates are more conservative
market. Whilst certain legislation needs
ancillary products and services since
but the overall impression amongst
to be implemented at the EU level, the
medical cannabis will have a broad
analysts is that the next decade will see
varied sociological characteristics of
impact on the European economy,
enormous growth.
each country must not be ignored when
touching on many different business
it comes to other decisions.
sectors. Future revenue and job
One of the key drivers behind legislative changes has been activism by individuals who have used medical cannabis purchased on the black market to relieve various health problems. This transition from the black market to the mainstream is something that has been fought for and supported by people from many different quarters including private individuals, medical researchers, doctors and lawyers. But there is a bitter sweet sentiment in having achieved this goal. Firstly, there are concerns about how a natural treatment is to be regulated and priced without making it inaccessible to those who need it and without taking
creation projections need to take this
“With demand often outstripping supply in Europe, there’s a lot that needs to be done to maintain momentum and capitalise on this exciting market”
away its authenticity as a plant-derived product. Secondly, legalisation has attracted a lot of small businesses to the industry. There are worries that
into account. The medical cannabis industry isn’t just about the legalisation of a new product, it’s about shifting perceptions, creating an environment that caters to small and large businesses and integrating medical cannabis into other business areas. Since medical cannabis is a young industry in Europe, there’s not only an opportunity to look at more established markets for guidance, but also to explore and incorporate new technologies and ideas. The next couple of years are crucial in developing a solid foundation for the future
The level of confusion around
development of the industry.
medical cannabis is also not to be underestimated. Public awareness is a
Since the ‘Production of Cannabis for
significant factor in its future success.
Medicinal Use Act’ came into being in
Patients or future patients with limited
2018, Malta is one European country
knowledge of medical cannabis need
that has positioned itself as an up and
to understand the basics: Which strain
coming player in the Medical Cannabis
All parts of the supply chain, from
is most suitable for which conditions?
World. A thriving business sector is just
investment and cultivation to patient
Are there any side effects to medical
around the corner.
complex regulatory frameworks and licensing fees will make it difficult for them to sustain a market presence against large corporations.
CANNABIZ .1 37
CATAGORY Q&A
New Frontiers AFTER OPENING THE FIRST DISPENSARIES IN DENVER AND UP AND DOWN THE WEST COAST, THE LAW FIRM SPREAD ACROSS THE COUNTRY. TODAY THE BUSINESS HAS AN INTERNATIONAL FOCUS, OPERATING IN AT LEAST 10 COUNTRIES. KATY MICALLEF SAT DOWN WITH FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF HOBAN LAW GROUP, BOB HOBAN, TO DISCUSS THEIR TRANSITION FROM ORDINARY LAWYERS TO INDUSTRY EXPERTS.
Like most of the stories in this magazine, Bob Hoban’s
It’s the nature of being a professional, you have an
journey into the cannabis industry is a deeply
obligation both legally and ethically to do things for
personal one. For Bob it was watching his mother’s
your clients that are appropriate and if that leads to
deal with painful cancer treatment back in 2005 that
things that are a bit broader than traditional legal
led him to seek answers for her pain management
services and you find out that you’re good at it, you
that lay outside of the traditional sphere.
just do it. It’s that approach to this whole thing that has made a difference, that’s what’s created us and
TO BE CONSIDERED INDUSTRY EXPERTS, THAT’S
put us here to stay. We’re not out to make a quick
QUITE A RESPONSIBILITY...
buck, we’re not out to take advantage of our clients – I’m very confident that if you’re a government, an
we’re out to build an ecosystem and nearly 10 years
investor, or someone trying to develop a business plan
later I’m proud to say we’ve built the world’s largest
to operate in this space that there’s no better people
cannabis industry network.
to talk to, to understand objectively the current status of the cannabis industry marketplace and to look at
HLG IS THE FIRST US-BASED LAW FIRM TO EXPAND
different entry points and opportunities. Over the
ITS CANNABIS INDUSTRY SERVICES ACROSS THE
years our clients have made a lot of mistakes. We’ve
GLOBE, WITH ATTORNEYS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION,
made a lot of mistakes with them. We’ve helped them
LATIN AMERICA, AND BEYOND. WHAT’S NEXT FOR
get through a number of challenges, so we speak from
2019 – ARE YOU LOOKING TO EXPAND INTO ANY
experience and are ready to take on that responsibility.
NEW MARKETS?
Sometimes our job is to save people from themselves - they think they understand the industry, they think
This year has been about making sure we have the
they understand a good investment, they think they
right calibre and quality of professionals to service
understand what a good market-based business plan
our clients in more diverse regional areas and to be
is; more often than not they don’t. We help build world
able to offer more expertise and top-notch service
class cannabis businesses.
across the board.
CANNABIZ .1 38
CATAGORY Q&A
“This year has been about making sure we have the right calibre and quality of professionals to service our clients in more diverse regional areas and to be able to offer more expertise and top-notch service across the board�
CANNABIZ .1 39
...
Q&A
“Sometimes our job is to save people from themselves - they think they understand the industry, they think they understand a good investment, they think they understand what a good market-based business plan is, more often than not they don’t”
Our focus as a law firm has been to
canna-businesses. They cannot do it
economic driven, where they want to
expand and backfill our operations in
themselves because they lack context.
create economy and jobs, many times
the US, especially around the financial elements of the marijuana market and the burgeoning industrial hemp side of the industry. Next year our focus will be to further build our footprint
IN YOUR OPINION IS THE LACK OF CONSISTENT REGULATION HAMPERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH INTO MEDICAL CANNABIS?
it has to do with patient stories – the medicinal element of the industry, oftentimes its social justice driven. WHY HAVE SOME JURISDICTIONS CAUGHT ON QUICKER TO THE BENEFITS
internationally and to focus more on
Every country, every political jurisdiction,
marijuana licensing work. The backbone
whether it’s a city state or province -
of our work is large scale business
when they decide to legalise commercial
consolidation, national/international
cannabis, they almost always do it for
Does inconsistent regulation create
M&A, and helping build sustainable
different purposes. Sometimes it’s
an opportunity for businesses or is
CANNABIZ .1 40
OF CREATING A STRONG LEGISLATIVE FOUNDATION FOR CANNABIS?
Q&A it a detriment? Lawyers believe that
condition holistically and non-
ambiguity and inconsistency create
pharmaceutically, without having
economic opportunity. I largely think
a psychoactive impact – that’s the
it’s an opportunity for those that know
biggest innovation and the biggest
how to operate in this marketplace. If
component of the US-based medical
you have good guides you can navigate
marijuana market.
those regulations and use them to your advantage. This industry grows every day and has so many participants around the world – it’s only a small fraction, less than 50% that can actually succeed because they understand how to navigate the different regulatory structures. It does impact research unfortunately, if you look at cannabinoid research with different treatments in different jurisdictions, it has limited it.
If not for the stories that these brave parents come out and tell about their children we wouldn’t have had the progress we’ve had in the US. In less than 10 years we’ve taken state governments that would never in a million years pass regulation, but when they see the children and they see the veterans that have come back from wars with PTSD, and they see how this helps them, that really
It sets us back as a global society when
changes the story, you can’t deny
we can’t get things done in a uniform
that. It’s been that narrative that
way. It perhaps brings the best out of
pushes it over the edge.
people who really want to study these components and are equipped to do it the best because they are driven from within not just from financial motivation. So that’s a pretty good environment for innovation, for those that understand the global market place, for those that want to move within this patchwork of regulation. THE US MEDICAL CANNABIS
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HOW EMERGING TECH, SUCH AS AI AND BLOCKCHAIN CAN CROSS OVER WITH THE MEDICAL CANNABIS MARKET? We’re already seeing blockchain implemented in a variety of different
“When you bring tech to the industry, you also bring mainstream business to an industry that is otherwise controversial – and if you can do that you’re starting to bridge that gap between the mainstream and an emerging industry”
ways, from commodity platforms and trading platforms to as you pointed out seed-to-sale or track-and-trace
basis to help improve what industrial
inventory systems that are government
hemp farming can do. We see the same
required – and it is advancing it
thing within marijuana cultivation
tremendously. That helps give the
where you can use AI systems to do
public confidence and helps protect
things better, to identify problems with
As we have increased access across
the policy makers. Unfortunately,
plant material, to identify problems with
the board, we have increased tech
sometimes blockchain is confused
processes and to just standardise the
showing different delivery systems,
with digital currencies and digital
way products are being produced.
increased information out there
currencies around cannabis have done
available to mainstream America about
nothing more than give the industry a
what cannabis products can do.
bad name – a lot of people have been
MARKET IS GROWING FAST. WHAT LEGISLATIVE CHANGES IS THE MARKET HEADING TOWARDS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS?
I think the biggest driver for medical
taken for a ride by bad actors.
When you bring tech to the industry, you also bring mainstream business to an industry that is otherwise controversial – and if you can do
cannabis in the US is that it can
As it relates to AI, I represent a
that you’re starting to bridge that
go out and get formulas based on
company called The Drone Farmers, I
gap between the mainstream and an
cannabinoids that will treat their
get to see where AI is used on a daily
emerging industry.
CANNABIZ .1 41
S PAC E TO G R OW Join over 2,000 delegates at the inaugural Medical Cannabiz World to discuss legislation, education, investment, and technology in this exciting business sector. Showcase your products at the expo and network with top global industry professionals. Malta may be small in size, but it’s big on potential. Next stop Asia! We’re launching Medical Cannabiz World Asia in 2020. Join us in Bangkok on 22-23rd June and explore the huge potential this up-and-coming marketplace has to offer.
MALTA 4-5 NOV 19
BANGKOK 22-23 JUN 20
www.cannabizsummit.world
FEATURE
CANNABIZ .1 44
FEATURE
Saving Sophie KATY MICALLEF SITS DOWN WITH TRACY RYAN - A WOMAN ON THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME. NAVIGATING LIFE’S OBSTACLES WITH GRACE AND DETERMINATION SHE HAS CHARTERED A FRESH PATH OF OPPORTUNITY, NOT JUST AS CEO OF SUCCESSFUL COMPANY CANNAKIDS BUT AS AN ADVOCATE FOR THE MEDICAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, FOR THE PEOPLE IT HELPS. TRACY WILL SPEAK AT THE NOVEMBER MEDICAL CANNABIZ WORLD.
Tracy is not the kind of woman who gives up easily. She is
threw themselves into looking for clinical studies. They
a self-professed optimist whose nature has always been
were shocked when they couldn’t find anything.
to ‘look for the silver linings’, but when her daughter Sophie was diagnosed with a low-grade Optic Pathway Glioma brain tumor in 2013, the news hit her and her
“Clinical trials are not typically done for these types of tumors because they’re not considered deadly. It was because of that, and because there was a lack of research
husband hard.
into medical cannabis, despite the clear results it was
A chain of events on social media helped her find her
showing as a treatment option, that we decided to shut down
way, leading her to television personalities Ricki Lake
the media agency that we had at the time. We realised that
and Abby Epstein who had just begun filming their Netflix
maybe there’s more to this than just helping our own child.”
documentary, now titled Weed the People. There had
Despite support from Sophie’s team of oncologists there
been promising cannabis research going on for years,
was still a fear around using cannabis. The stigma runs
but for some reason no one was talking about it.
so deep that even though they were following the law to
Tracy explains that while Sophie’s type of tumor has a
the letter they still worried that someone might try and
90% survival rate it unfortunately has an 85% recurrence
stop them.
rate, which is why you have children with this diagnosis still in chemo many years later. And because it follows the optic tract it also causes a lot of children to go blind. They were able to successfully maintain Sophie’s vision up until this year.
“We were afraid that even though we were doing things right and doing things by California law that we would get a knock on the door and have someone try and take our kids away. Many people had that fear. We needed a safe place to talk to each other. It was challenging, back
With a future of continual chemotherapy rounds and
then we couldn’t look things up online, we hadn’t been to
declining health being the likely outcome for Sophie, they
medical school – we all just had to figure it out.”
CANNABIZ .1 45
...
MEDICAL CANNABIS ADVISORY
REGULATORY
TAX
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CORPORATE
Structuring and Setting up the Corporate Structure • Business Plan and Financials • Tax Advice and Compliance • Technical assistance with the application to the competent authorities • Technical Expertise
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FEATURE
At just nine months old Sophie took her first dose of Cannabis Oil in what was to become an important and memorable scene in the documentary. Alongside the chemotherapy, the medical cannabis treatment has helped to shrink Sophie’s tumors up to 85% to 90%, protocol after protocol – a rate that is generally unheard of. “Working on this and being able to help other parents is something that fills my heart and brings me joy in what is otherwise a very joyless situation. Maybe there’s a reason that this is all happening to us, perhaps there’s a bigger purpose for it. We all have a purpose, we just have to figure out what it is and maybe mine is to help others,” she says. The result was that she set up CannaKids, a Californiabased brand that supplies medical cannabis oil tinctures and cannabis products to patients of all ages, with a focus on pediatrics. The company is unique in that their customer support doesn’t just stop with a sale, the company has a team of medical professionals that patients can book calls with to help them understand what medicines they should be taking and how. For Tracy this is more than a business – it’s personal. As well as sitting on the board of Cure Pharmaceuticals, Tracy is currently engaged in a research project which looks at the effect of medical cannabis on Natural Killer Cells in 16 cancer patients in varying stages of disease. Along with the renowned scientist who discovered the field over 30 years
“Working on this and being able to help other parents is something that fills my heart and brings me joy in what is otherwise a very joyless situation”
ago they have already submitted over 100 pages for patent. As she writes on the CannaKids website: It’s not enough that
“Sophie’s tumor is growing in humanized mice and we have
we believe this is working, we need to know that is it working
now discovered why she has this tumor. We have multiple scientists who are some of the top animal model surgeons in
and the only route to that answer is research.
the world working on her cure as we speak. We also hope to
“We have such a focus on the science, and truly strive to provide
bring non-toxic cancer treatments all the way through clinical
protocols based on our patient data we have tracked for years,
trials with the goal of FDA approval so we can get patients the
and published research science from renowned researchers
medicines they need that will be covered by insurance.”
around the world. The research has to happen.”
CANNABIZ .1 47
CATAGORY GALLERY
CANNABIZ .1 49
GALLERY
MEDICAL CANNABIS MEETS BLOCKCHAIN INVESTORS IN TEL AVIV
CANNABIZ .1 50
GALLERY
CANNABIZ .1 51
GALLERY
CANNABIZ .1 52
GALLERY
CANNABIZ .1 53
FEATURE
Flux & Flow
GREEN GOBLIN VENTURES IS A MALTA-BASED LEGAL AND CORPORATE SERVICE COMPANY SPECIALISING IN THE EUROPEAN MEDICAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY. CO FOUNDERS CHRIS EMMS AND GIANLUCA CARUANA CURRAN EXPLORE MALTA’S ROLE IN FACILITATING INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION WITHIN THE MEDICAL CANNABIS MARKET.
Gianluca Caruana Curran - Co-founder Malta has wasted no time in positioning itself as a pioneer in the regulation of medical cannabis in Europe. There are very few countries in the world with such a hunger for developing innovative industries as strong as Malta’s. As such, Malta’s innovative drive has made the island an appealing destination for investment to be able to enter the European market. Malta is turning heads not only in Europe but also further afield, for its willingness to embrace the medical cannabis industry and create a highly regulated market with levels of compliance in line with the highest standards of the global pharmaceutical industry. The Maltese Government alongside Malta Enterprise, the agency responsible for promoting and facilitating international investment in Malta, have warmly welcomed this opportunity to not only produce cannabis-based products locally but to also allow for the exportation of cannabisbased products, which makes for a thriving medical cannabis ecosystem. Malta has enacted the most progressive legislation on medical cannabis in Europe which has resulted in over sixty international medical cannabis companies applying for a licence in Malta in under one year.
CANNABIZ .1 54
FEATURE
At Green Goblin, we have played an instrumental role in assisting several international companies to be awarded a medical cannabis license. One of the most notable companies being MPX International Corporation. Medical cannabis legislation in Europe is still in its early stages; as a result, the current landscape is in flux and changing rapidly. The fact that different laws apply to different territories results in uncertainty for many cannabis companies. However, we pride ourselves in being able to circumvent and tackle these issues thanks to our nimble approach to navigating the legislation and regulation. Green Goblin offers a turnkey solution for companies who are planning to apply for a licence in Malta. We are a Malta-based legal and corporate service company
“The fact that different laws apply to different territories results in uncertainty for many cannabis companies�
specialising in the European medical cannabis industry. We offer a wide array of professional corporate, legal, and regulatory services to companies looking to expand their operations in the EU market and the surfacing medical cannabis industry. With speed-to-market being at the heart of our clients’ needs we are proud of our ability to find and secure suitable industrial premises for conversion into medical cannabis facilities. This coupled with a team of qualified persons able to offer full project management and European GMP compliance is very advantageous to a prospective client.
Chris Emms - Co-founder Having been the first to launch a company specifically focused on the industry in Malta and the EU has allowed for the growth of a
Another pain point in the medical cannabis
network of high profile industry players which in
industry is accessing financial services.
turn has fostered the creation of mutual utility
Green Goblin helps companies and ancillary
and cooperation between medical cannabis
businesses obtain the banking and financial
companies with different specialisations and
services they need to be successful. This
local businesses interested in investment or
has allowed the firm to uniquely position
partnership in taking definitive steps to the
itself as the most holistic service provider
Maltese gateway into the European medical
for the medical cannabis industry.
cannabis market.
CANNABIZ .1 55
Q&A
s s e c c u S In Sync with
BH SYNERGY GROUP IS A COMPANY FOUNDED ON A RICH, HIGH TECH, SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND WITH YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE VACCINE WORLD. CURRENTLY BASED IN ISRAEL WITH ACCESS TO OVER 25 YEARS OF LEGAL PATIENT USE, INCLUDED CLINICAL TRIALS, THEY HAVE BEEN ACTIVE SINCE 2013. THE BH SYNERGY TEAM HAS BEEN WORKING TOGETHER FOR OVER 20 YEARS, GIVING THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE FIRSTHAND THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL BENEFITS FROM THE USE OF CANNABIS. CANNABIZ MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH CO-FOUNDER AND CEO ADAM SHUSTER FOR A DEEPER LOOK AT THIS EMERGING, GLOBAL INDUSTRY.
CANNABIZ .1 56
Q&A
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES DEFINING THE
with Australia, Thailand, and even good things in South
GLOBAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY AT THE MOMENT?
Korea. In Central America we are aware of developing regulatory processes in Mexico and Columbia.
There are a number of issues, such as regulatory challenges, which are very different in every country
Of course tremendous strides are also taking place
and jurisdiction, a change in patient awareness,
in Europe, specifically in Germany, Luxembourg,
and the shifting standards when it comes to medical
England, and Switzerland. BH Synergy Group has been
practitioner’s perception of cannabis.
approached by business leaders in these countries for assistance in the regulatory sphere, vertical operation
We are beginning to see good things when it comes
build out and joint ventures with B2B and B2G.
to standardisation, especially the standardisation of growing, extraction, packaging, distribution processes
WHEN IT COMES TO INNOVATION AND MARKET
and consumption. Protocols such as EU GAP/GMP/GDP/
DISRUPTION, WHERE DO YOU THINK THINGS ARE
GLP/GSP are a great start.
HEADED FOR THE MEDICAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY?
I believe the standards that have been set in place in
The most influential market disruptions will, at this stage
Israel after more than 25 years of patient use and
be a regulatory process. Meaning that as barriers to
experience with IMC (Israel Medical Cannabis) by the
entry come down, international cross-marketing will
Ministry of Health of Israel, are both leading and setting
take place in order to include quality GMP and most
the standards for other countries.
importantly EBM (evidence-based medicine), which is something we are currently working on sourcing here at
IN TERMS OF REGULATION, COUNTRIES LIKE CANADA
BH Synergy Group.
AND ISRAEL ARE CURRENTLY LEADING THE PACK, WHICH MARKETS ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN THEM IN
BH Synergy is currently aware of over 150 pre-clinical/
THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
clinical trials taking place in Israel. We also have CRO agreements in place and JVs with some of the trials. We also
Being based in Israel I can attest that over a dozen
believe that EBM will improve quality patient well being - the
different delegations from different countries around
opportunity to the pharmaceutical world is tremendous.
the world, some of whom we have met, have shown tremendous interest in learning of Israel’s experience
SPEAKING OF REGULATION, HAS THE LACK OF A
and protocols.
GLOBAL CONSENSUS/SYNERGY ON LEGISLATION IMPACTED THIS SPHERE?
We are aware of course of the current status in Canada, the US, and Israel as leaders in this industry, we believe that countries that develop proper regulatory practices for responsible medical cannabis use, will be ripe to take the lead and follow their burgeoning success.
We know that there are a lot of challenges as mentioned above. We are happy to see standardisation and regulatory processes starting to align. However, we at BH Synergy believe that every country has its own unique culture and challenges which need to
We’re also closely following what is currently happening
be addressed and attuned to. We can see that the
in Africa, we are particularly impressed by Lesotho
sharing of information of responsible medical cannabis
and South Africa. In Asia we see fantastic traction
consumption is helping bring down the barriers.
CANNABIZ .1 57
...
Q&A
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HOW EMERGING
BH SYNERGY HAS QUITE A FEW STRINGS TO THEIR BOW;
TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS BLOCKCHAIN AND AI
TELL ME ABOUT THE SERVICES YOU OFFER YOUR CLIENTS.
CAN INTERACT WITH AND SUPPORT THIS
Our experience in the design and construction of turn-key
DEVELOPING INDUSTRY?
cultivation facilities across North America gives us access to We see the positive evolution and tremendous growth of
advanced technologies, including but not limited to agro, bio
blockchain technology, which provides us with a system
and medical devices for the industry.
that records transactions using cryptography to include timestamps and transaction data. All of this gives the
Amongst other things we offer dynamic cultivation systems,
regulatory authorities and private businesses more security
where the primary focus is prefab shipping container-
and confidentiality.
based cultivation facilities and hybrid indoor/greenhouse cultivation facilities.
At BH Synergy we are aware of cutting-edge technologies exploiting AI. For example, the patient use and consumption
The management team has extensive experience in the
of medical cannabis as well as DNA data mining will teach us
pharmaceutical and cannabis industries in Israel, the
to give better personal patient-based medicine. Sharing this
United States, Canada, and Europe. The DCS team has
information with qualified, controlled medical organisations
completed over a dozen cannabis cultivation facilities
will hopefully lead to accurate patient care.
across North-America.
“We can see that the sharing of information of responsible medical cannabis consumption is helping bring down the barriers�
CANNABIZ .1 58
Q&A We also focus on design & buildout, equipment sourcing and fulfilment, branding and marketing and operational management, where we help you develop and cultivate best practices that optimise space, maximise yield and deliver a consistent quality end product. Our goal is to reduce capital and operational expenditures by providing low-cost access to equipment and supplies. We also develop effective strategies for branding and marketing plans, from crafting engaging content to designing amazing campaigns. HAVE YOU ANY PLANS TO ADD TO THIS LIST? BH Synergy is establishing a first-class Israeli-based seed-to-sale cultivation, processing, export and R&D facility complying with IMC-GAP, IMC-GMP, IMC-GDP highest standards, and utilising Israel’s existing ecosystems to become a recognised name brand in the industry. WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING YOU SPEAK AT THE MEDICAL CANNABIZ WORLD IN NOVEMBER, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT MALTA IS DOING IN THIS SPACE AT THE MOMENT? We are excited to come to this event in November. We know that Eman Pulis and his team know how to put together fantastic networking events on an international scale. When he came with his team to Israel in April, he brought a team of strong, diversified people, including some of Malta’s top-level government officials. We at BH Synergy Group, on the one hand were very impressed by the professionalism and thoroughness, while on the other enjoyed the personal, family feeling. Malta’s government authorities have put medical cannabis at the forefront of industry development. We know Malta is a great place to do business and an ideal gateway into Europe. We at BH Synergy are excited and privileged to be part of this great opportunity.
CANNABIZ .1 59
FEATURE
GROWING PAINS KATY MICALLEF SAT DOWN WITH HANNAH DEACON, A MOTHER WHO SPEARHEADED THE CAMPAIGN TO CHANGE UK LAW AND BRING IN MEDICAL CANNABIS LICENCES. AFTER SUCCESSFULLY ENSURING HER SON ALFIE COULD BE TREATED FOR HIS EPILEPSY SHE HAS CONTINUED HER CAMPAIGNING EFFORTS AND IS A PATIENT ADVOCATE FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS CLINICS.
Born healthy, no one could have anticipated how seriously
Hannah Deacon tried to get Alfie onto a trial for Epidiolex,
ill Alfie Dingley would become just 4 months later. By the
an FDA approved prescription cannabidiol treatment used
age of 4 Alfie and his parents found themselves coping
to treat seizures in young children, but Alfie didn’t fit the
with severe seizures every 3 weeks. Eventually they
criteria, so she had a conversation with his paediatrician
were in and out of hospital every week and the only thing
and suggested taking him abroad for treatment. His doctor
which worked to stem his seizures were high dosages of
threatened to refer her to social services. In the end the
intravenous steroids.
relationship broke down and she changed doctors.
CANNABIZ .1 61
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FEATURE
“I think this is the big problem; they’re trying to put cannabis in a pharmaceutical box”
“The doctor kept saying to me if the seizures don’t kill him then
without a seizure – and explains Hannah, when he did have a
the steroids will – steroids can eventually cause organ failure
seizure it really improved the presentation.
and psychosis, they’re not good things to give to anyone, let alone a child and he was having up to 25 doses a month. At
That’s when they decided to come home and fight their cause
that point I felt there was nothing to lose because the doctors
in the UK.
were as much in the dark as I was.”
“I’m not a campaigner. I haven’t got any sort of background
“A lot of doctors in the UK are extremely ignorant of it and
like that at all. I knew what I wanted to do; I knew we needed
when you’re ignorant of something you’re frightened, which
to get a licence for Alfie to be prescribed CBD and THC on the
is why he was very threatening to me. Luckily the doctor we
NHS - that was the goal. I was put in touch with a campaign
moved to was very supportive and he had Alfie in hospital for
group called End Our Pain. They have good links with
a month to try and stop his seizures. His main concern was
Westminster and the media.”
that we were using far too many steroids and that that is
Within a week Hannah was on BBC Breakfast and what was
what would kill him, not the condition.”
to be the first of many interviews. She was terrified, but she
“He said that if I found a paediatric neurologist from a
needn’t have been. The reception from the public and the
children’s hospital in The Netherlands he’d be happy to work
media was incredibly warm and supportive.
with them. He [Alfie’s doctor] said I didn’t have a choice, because if I don’t - Alfie will die.”
They went on to meet Prime Minister May in March 2018 and
In 2017 they went off to Holland for 5 months and what
to transform the British medical landscape. They received
happened was, as Hannah says, ‘nothing short of a miracle
permission to apply for a personal medical cannabis licence
really.’ After being put on an extract of CBD for 5 weeks, he
for Alfie, a first for the UK. They then worked closely with the
went for 17 days without a seizure. They carried on and after
Home Office for 3 months to create a licensing program for
3 months added in a small dosage of THC. He went for 41 days
the individual, an admittedly difficult process.
handed in their petition. The result of that meeting went on
CANNABIZ .1 62
FEATURE
It was hard work but at the end of it Alfie was issued the first permanent medical cannabis licence in June 2018. They proceeded to set up a panel where doctors could apply for licences to prescribe in the interim. Then on the 1st November the law changed. “In my opinion they didn’t manage basic
“There are a lot of doctors showing great interest in prescribing cannabis but I think it will be slow as guidelines are extremely restrictive”
expectations at all, I think they just said we’re going to change the law and
“The problem is at the moment is that
At least half of that money is the home
every patient in the country thought:
you have a very conservative group of
office licence and the importation fees -
great I’m just going to go to my doctor
clinicians in the UK. When they say they
the home office make every person who
and get cannabis-based medicine.
don’t know the long-term impact for
wants to import medical cannabis do it
That’s not the reality, there’s not been
cannabis they also don’t know the long
on a name-to-name basis. If those rules
one new NHS prescription issued since
term impact for other drugs, such as
changed, there could be bulk import. It
the law changed.”
the bendiazapene they give to babies. I
could save millions if not billions for the
think it’s because they’ve been trained
NHS. If you look at it financially it’s a no
WHY HAVE DOCTORS BEEN SO
to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs and
RELUCTANT TO PRESCRIBE
cannabis doesn’t fit into that mould.
MEDICAL CANNABIS? “It’s putting them completely out of “Doctors have been trained for years in
their comfort zone, there are a lot
prescribing pharmaceutical drugs that
of doctors showing great interest in
have been approved by randomised
prescribing cannabis but I think it will
controlled clinical trials. An evidence-
be slow as guidelines are extremely
based system may be true for some
restrictive. I think we need to take
drugs in adults but when we’re talking
away the complete responsibility on the
about little children with epilepsy, most
doctor because its frightening doctors,
drugs they give them are not evidence
they’re in fear of their career.”
based, or are based on data from adult
brainer. “My feeling is now education is really important. They changed the law and did not roll out any education for doctors. I think doctors are in a very difficult situation at the moment where they are being bombarded by patients. The cannabis movement is a patient-led movement and doctors don’t like that. “This is why I think the opening of private clinics like the medical cannabis
patients. I think this is the big problem;
Hannah also believes that there needs
they’re trying to put cannabis in a
to be a much broader approach,
clinic is really good because it will bring
pharmaceutical box.
with healthcare providers tapping
expertise and availability. I know some
into resources and expertise from
people won’t be able to afford it but it’s
“Yes there needs to be more research,
abroad, especially with many doctors
a start.
yes there needs to be more evidence-
in countries like Canada prescribing
based testing, but cannabis is nearly
regularly and seeing great results.
500 compounds and works on the
“I’d very much like to see compassionate access schemes for
endocannabinoid system, you can’t
Alfie was costing the NHS nearly 200
patients who cannot afford the costs.
effectively randomised control trial
thousand pounds a year when he was
Once the industry builds, prices will
500 compounds. Every individual
in hospital every week; he costs the
come down considerably for private
is different, every endocannabinoid
NHS far less on a medical cannabis
prescriptions, which will make it far
system is different.
treatment plan.
more accessible.”
CANNABIZ .1 63
FEATURE
THE MEDICAL CANNABIS REVOLUTION
ELAINE CAREY IS MANAGING DIRECTOR, GLOBAL RISK AND INVESTIGATIONS PRACTICE AND CO-LEAD FOR FTI CANNABIS PRACTICE. SHE WRITES ABOUT HOW THE MEDICAL CANNABIS REVOLUTION IS DEFYING GOVERNMENT OBSTACLES AS IT MOVES IN ON THE GLOBAL CANNABIS MARKET. BY ELAINE CAREY
Aspirin, the most widely used medication in the world, is facing a new and unlikely rival: cannabis. This historically stigmatised drug is now being touted as the new wonder treatment, despite being in the early stages of medical research. The growing exuberance over the drug’s potential medical uses is driven largely by patients. Most governments remain out of step with the sea change in public opinion, particularly among those suffering from arthritis, anxiety, PTSD, glaucoma, chronic pain, and the like. Millions of people today self-medicate using some form of cannabis, with or without their doctors’approval. As of 2019, there are an estimated 263 million cannabis consumers globally, according to New Frontier Data, one of the leading independent cannabis data analytics firms. 1.2 billion people have ailments for which cannabis has shown to provide some therapeutic value. The global market now exceeds USD 344 billion, according to New Frontier Data’s
CANNABIZ .1 64
FEATURE
Global Cannabis Report: 2019 Industry
potential to revolutionise the domain
Medical cannabis is already a cross-
Outlook. Cannabis is rapidly becoming a
of medicine. However, research into
border industry. It is being exported,
major economic force with the potential
cannabis to date has been prohibited in
for instance, from Canada and Latin
to stimulate growth in stagnant sectors
most places—notably in the US—with
America into Europe. The corporate
including manufacturing, retail, and
Israel taking center stage as the world
behemoths in the pharmaceutical,
agriculture. It will also turbo-charge
leader in cannabis research.
agricultural and beverage sectors
the pharmaceutical sector. Medical cannabis is legal in some form in more than 50 countries and 34 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and The US Virgin Islands. At the beginning of 2018, even those working in the U.S. medical cannabis business believed that the market would expand gradually until the U.S. government formally legalises it. But everyday Americans have pressured their states to legalise or decriminalise cannabis even in states known for their hardline drug policies, such as Arkansas and Oklahoma. Canada fully legalised the drug in 2018,
are beginning to overtake the market
“Already there are signs of cannabis’s potential to revolutionise the domain of medicine”
thereby igniting a global race to cash in on cannabis products and attracting
with abandon. And once the US federal prohibition is dropped, the industry will be awash in enormous investments and relentless innovation. The clearest indicator of what will happen when the Americans enter the game full-force is exemplified by a major deal signed last spring involving Canopy Growth, Acreage Holdings and Constellation Brands. Canopy Growth, one of the leading Canadian cannabis companies, announced it had bought the right to acquire one of the largest multi-state operators in the US, Acreage Holdings, when the US federal ban is finally lifted.
The US Drug Enforcement
Constellation Brands, an international
Administration (DEA) was ordered three
producer and marketer of beer, wine
years ago to overhaul its regulations
and spirits and the largest beer import
against cannabis research, though a
company in the US, bought a stake in
major policy shift has yet to occur. At
Canopy in order to position itself for
The headlines often emphasise the
the same time, the US Food and Drug
both US legalisation and the booming
recreational use of cannabis—getting
Administration (FDA) is flooded with
international cannabis trade. This
high. Already cannabis “bars” are
applications to produce cannabis
move positioned all three companies
opening everywhere to satisfy demand
products for medicinal purposes.
to benefit enormously from the global
for the drug in a familiar setting, an
Despite the rigorous government
cannabis mergers and acquisitions
indicating of just how “mainstream” it
approval process, many companies
market that has steadily been heating,
has become. In the case of Oklahoma,
are going to market with untested and
especially in Europe, Israel and Latin
one tiny, religious, conservative town
unapproved products that are flying
America. The pace will only accelerate
of 8,000 residents just opened its third
off the shelves. American researchers
in 2020.
cannabis shop. This trend will no doubt
are left trying to develop medicine
continue for decades to come.
using a single, very old strain that has
It is a terrific time for non-US players to
early American investments in what is expected to become the largest (medical and recreational) cannabis consumption market in the world.
been cultivated at the University of
fast-track research, build companies,
However, in the near-to-long term, our
Mississippi since the 1960s, rather than
and achieve recognition as cannabis
attention should also be directed at the
adopting the many newly developed
global leaders before full US legalisation
medical innovations that are expected
strains already available to the general
occurs and the mega-companies vault
to emerge within the cannabis industry.
public. The private sector is doing it on
into action to dominate the burgeoning
Already there are signs of cannabis’
its own—consequences be damned.
global cannabis market.
CANNABIZ .1 65
CATAGORY OPINION
POT LUCK AS MORE RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MEDICAL CANNABIS TREATMENTS EMERGES, A HUGE RISE IN FAKE CBD PRODUCTS, OR LESS THAN KOSHER SYNTHETIC ONES ARE FINDING THEIR WAY ONTO THE MARKETPLACE. AFTER DECADES OF STEREOTYPES AND AN UNDESERVED REPUTATION AS A GATEWAY DRUG, CANNABIDIOL OR CBD AS IT IS OTHERWISE KNOWN, IS CURRENTLY ENJOYING ITS DAY IN THE SUN. BY KATY MICALLEF
The travelling snake oil salesman is
with a broader perspective on the
behind it led the UK government to
back in fashion and his caravan is
opportunities of medical cannabis, such
change its position on allowing doctors
packed with a confusing concoction of
as The Netherlands, Canada, and Israel,
to prescribe medical cannabis to
cure-alls, ranging from the intriguing
are propelling compelling evidence-
licensed patients after the 5 year old
to the ridiculous – packaged as a
backed case studies into the fray.
showed a remarkable turnaround
panacea for all ills. From massage oils, yoga classes offering CBD-assisted meditation and CBD-infused pillowcases there is certainly something to be said for getting your money’s worth of entertainment. The hilarity of this circus act masks a sinister undercurrent. It’s no one’s lucky day when they buy one of these CBD products in the hopes of alleviating a serious medical condition such as
A recent study from the Canadabased University of Guelph, which was published in the journal Phytochemistry has uncovered how marijuana plants produce pain-killing molecules that are 30 times stronger than aspirin – revealing how the molecules, cannaflavin A and cannaflavin B cut down on pain by fighting off inflammation but without exhibiting psychoactive properties.
following treatment in the Netherlands with CBD and THC extracts for an extremely severe epileptic condition. Despite this change in legislation, the circumstances in which doctors in the UK can prescribe cannabis are extremely limited – patients must have exhausted all other treatment options but even then are not guaranteed a licence. There is also a reluctance from doctors themselves - conservative
cancer or diabetes only to discover
The 2018 Alfie Deacon case is also
mindsets prevail and stereotypes of
their purchase offers at best a pleasant
particularly notable. The campaign
long-haired teenagers illicitly smoking
placebo and at worst a dangerous concoction of ingredients. Sellers are of course careful not to claim medical benefits for their products, marketing them instead as supplements for wellbeing. This is not to say that CBD and THC do not have genuine medicinal value. Research being carried out in countries
“The problem then is that while many know and believe that cannabis has a lot to offer the medical industry, they remain unable to access it easily” CANNABIZ .1 66
CATAGORY OPINION
weed in their bedrooms heighten a
helped by an industry cashing in on
The psychoactive substance is banned
fear of the unknown. A lack of training
desperate people.
in numerous countries and can lead
and knowledge makes many wary of issuing prescriptions. Years of negative propaganda taints their perspective, making them reluctant to pursue the latest research data.
The CMC report also highlights the worrying findings that more than half of the popular CBD oils sold on the British high street do not contain the level of CBD promised on the label and that the
The problem then is that while many
concentrations are so low as to render
know and believe that cannabis has
them ineffective. Sugar pill products,
a lot to offer the medical industry,
while certainly a thorn in the side of
they remain unable to access it easily.
a fledgling medical cannabis industry
A fawning media industry peddling
striving to be taken seriously, are the
miraculous cures and Lazarus tales
least of anyone’s worries.
has only added to the allure of the wellness industry, making the promise of a remedy to their ailment appear tantalisingly close.
to difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, severe panic attacks, numbness in limbs, and nausea and if used for a prolonged period – violent psychotic episodes which can last for weeks. Without proper regulation, situations like this will almost certainly become a regular occurrence. The truth is that most countries are too bogged down with specious moral arguments to conduct proper research.
Clinical Toxicology, a US-based journal reported a disturbing case where one
They thus find themselves unprepared
family dosed their child with what they
to deal with legislating the fast-
thought was CBD oil but which turned
changing CBD and THC sectors. This
The Centre for Medicinal Cannabis
out to contain the synthetic cannabinoid
has resulted in millions of patients
predicts that the CBD market in the UK
receptor agonist AB-Fubinaca – better
stuck in a foggy limbo. Perhaps they
could be worth a staggering £1 billion by
known as an ingredient in the synthetic
can have a cup of CBD-infused tea
2025, a figure which is almost certainly
cannabis product “Spice”.
whilst they wait.
CANNABIZ .1 67
FEATURE
CROSSING THE
FRONTIER CANNABIZ .1 70
FEATURE
FOLLOWING A JANUARY 2019 ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE EUROPEAN FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY (EFSA) NOW CLASSIFIES CANNABIDIOL (CBD) PRODUCTS AS UNAUTHORISED NOVEL FOODS, THE EUROPEAN CBD INDUSTRY APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PUT ON NOTICE THAT ITS GREY MARKET DAYS ARE NUMBERED. RICHARD SHARP, CO-FOUNDER OF COBIDOL GROUP AND MOUNTAIN VALLEY MD WRITES ABOUT THE TRANSITION TO A REGULATED MARKET PLACE FOR CBD. JUST HOW QUICKLY THIS REGULATION WILL OCCUR AND IN WHICH FORM IT WILL TAKE REMAINS AN OPEN QUESTION.
The EFSA’s move to a regulated CBD market sits within
While arguments have been made that CBD should not be
a powerful global cannabis regulation trend. The stakes
classified as a novel food, as it has been present in food
are high, as European players stand to be leaders in this
for over 2000 years, the EFSA sees the CBD ingredient as
emerging global industry.
an extraction of cannabis sativa that has not been used in foodstuffs pre 1997.
From Canada to Colorado to Africa and beyond, restrictions on cultivation, processing and marketing of cannabis products
THE MARKET
are easing their pace, driven by consumer demand, increasing
Given the use of CBD ingredients’ in multiple regulated market
social acceptance and the promise of an economic opportunity
segments, getting the regulatory balance right will be critical
not seen in generations. A recent report by Prohibition
for the emerging industry sectors and require dialogue and
Partners projects Europe as the world’s largest cannabis
co-operation from all players in the supply-chain.
market by 2023 with sales reaching £123 billion by 2028. After decades of prohibition, deep understanding of the Seen as a driver for economic renewal, hemp cultivation for
scientific, medical, social and economic complexities
CBD production is booming in low cost producing regions such
surrounding cannabis are in short supply, increasing
as South America and Africa. In Europe, predictive market
the risk that key regulatory decisions are made based
intelligence firm Brightfield Group estimated that the CBD
on poorly informed opinions rather than on facts. Clear
segment of the cannabis market would grow 400% over the
policy objectives around product safety, ease of access,
next 4 years to £1.5 billion. Regulators and industry will still
and pricing are needed to ensure regulations work. The
face many important challenges during this transition. Let’s
risks of over-regulating and/or over-taxing can undermine
look at some of the market conditions and key challenges.
policy objectives, leading to reduced access and high prices, perpetuating an entrenchment of the grey market.
HOW WE GOT HERE Before January 2019, governmental agency EFSA allowed CBD to be used in foods without the novel food classification so long as the CBD concentration did not exceed the level in the source material. On January 17th, a new entry for CBD changed that stating, “products containing cannabinoids are considered novel foods as a history of consumption (before 1997) has not been demonstrated.” As a result, CBD went from being permitted for food in Europe to being considered a fully unauthorised novel food. Individual member states are now left to decide on the legality of CBD, and some are blocking sales based on the classification.
“Prohibition Partners projects Europe as the world’s largest cannabis market by 2023 with sales reaching £123 billion by 2028”
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...
FEATURE
“Given the use of CBD ingredients’ in multiple regulated market segments, getting the regulatory balance right will be critical for the emerging industry sector”
Without accepted uses based on
legalisation trend. Furthermore, CBD
clinical trials, manufacturers are
is not THC, and for maximum social
unable to make claims or share
and economic impact they need very
information relating to dosing, or the
different regulatory pathways. The
treatment of conditions. Consumer
industry calls for a balanced approach
education is a gap that will need to be
based on contemporary scientific facts.
addressed eventually. THE INDUSTRY Since a majority of CBD manufacturers appear to be engaged in inaccurate labeling, this stands out as a major issue for the industry. Due to the lack of standardisation in cannabis testing among labs, it is well known that the same sample sent to 3 different labs can yield 3 very different results.
To bring confidence to consumers, systems that support product traceability for recalls, information on product use and accurate labeling are needed. For manufacturers, a system to support verifiable ingredient provenance, testing standards and certification are essential. THE FUTURE The global CBD industry is set to surge
Furthermore, the wholesale market for
over the next few years. Driven by
CBD is still in its infancy, and without
consumer demand and high profit
regulations, confidently sourcing
margins, the supply-chain from
CONSUMERS
certified ingredients is a challenge.
cultivation through processing, labs,
In spite of the uncertainty surrounding
Since manufacturers are able to
manufacturing and retail will continue
CBD products conforming to
retail CBD at 100 times or greater the
to grow and mature. Through open
compliance standards, consumers
ingredient cost, these kinds of margins
dialogue among industry stakeholders,
across the EU are purchasing in
can attract a wide variety of industry
a well conceived regulatory framework
droves. Attracted by high margins
players, some of whom do not have
can serve as a platform to set a world
and surging consumer demand, many
a longer term focus on consumer
standard, drive economic prosperity
brands have proliferated, but as the
interests. For example, it is well known
and propel Europe’s industry into
market outpaces regulatory changes,
in the industry that some ingredient
global leadership.
confusion abounds for consumers
certificates of analysis are fraudulent
unable to differentiate which brands
and cannot be relied upon.
adhere to quality assurance and REGULATORY
observed in food supplements and
The challenges faced in Europe’s
pharmaceutical product categories.
CBD industry are similar to other
is being able to trust the labels on products. A 2017 study by the FDA in the US and more recently by the Centre for Medical Cannabis in the
be well served to utilise a common technology-based infrastructure,
labeling standards commonly
One key challenge consumers face
Such a regulatory framework would
jurisdictions and solving them will
leveraging blockchain’s inherent ability to enable complex supply-chains, bringing trust into the CBD market.
require open dialogue between
Blockchain’s custodianship features
regulators, healthcare professionals,
assure provenance of batches of
industry and consumers, in order to
ingredients as they move through the
reach balanced outcomes.
supply chain, passing from one entity to another, enabling traceability and
UK found a majority of products are
It’s important for regulators to realise
inaccurately labeled for the amount
that the emerging CBD market is not
of CBD they contain. Beyond potential
a fad – it’s a trend with millions of
Through open dialogue and common
misrepresentation, product mislabelling
consumers across the EU, and it’s the
sense approaches, the future looks
becomes a safety issue as well.
leading edge of the global cannabis
bright for CBD in Europe.
CANNABIZ .1 72
information veracity.
WHO’S WHO
CANNABIZ .1 73
WHO’S WHO
DR. AARON BENSIMON - CEO & PRESIDENT
www.genomicvision.com
Dr. Aaron Bensimon discovered the DNA “molecular combing” procedure. With unique expertise in this technology and how it is applied to molecular diagnostics he has contributed significantly to the development of the discipline and published numerous articles in prestigious scientific journals (Science, Nature, Cell, etc.). He is the author of over twenty patent filings concerning molecular combing.
ALEX SHAH - FOUNDER Alex is the Founder of solo*, the culmination of Alex’s first-to-market solutions and his wide-ranging expertise in IP, licensing, consumer loyalty, couponing and payment technology, category management, data analytics and AI. While applicable to all consumables, the cannabis industry allowed solo* to better connect product manufactures and consumers.
www.solosciences.com
YONA LEVY - CEO
www.alvitpharma.com
Alvit is a vertically integrated cannabis company that researches and develops pharma-grade cannabis products and is currently constructing a state-of-the-art EU-GMP certified cannabis cultivation, extraction and production facility in the EU in Malta. Alvit anticipates beginning to ship its flowers, oils and products into Europe in the beginning of 2020.
ARNAUD DUMAS DE RAULY - CO-FOUNDER & CO-CEO Arnaud is currently the co-founder and co-CEO of The Blinc Group, a company founded to innovate, manufacture and distribute safe, consistent vaping products. Arnaud leads and evaluates operations of the company through international marketing, communication and public relations. Arnaud also serves as the Chair of the ISO Standards Committee on Vapor Products and the CEN Standards Committee on Vapor Products.
www.theblincgroup.com
DR ANDREW AGIUS - MEDICAL DIRECTOR
www.painclinic.com.mt
Dr Andrew Agius is the founder and medical director of The Pain Clinic, a team of professionals for the holistic management of chronic pain. He worked as a family doctor for more than 15 years and trained in pain management for the last four years. He has recently attained a European Diploma in Pain Medicine.
MIRKO KLEES - FOUNDER & CREATOR Antheia is a device that helps the beginner grower to grow their medicine. Customers can connect their devices (light, exhaust fan, fan, water pump, mister etc.) to the Antheia Box. The Antheia software (designed by a UX Designer for easy use) with all its sensors helps control all conditions. Our goal is for everyone who cannot afford to buy medicine to be able to grow their own.
www.antheiagrow.com
BASIA ZIENIEWICZ - CO-FOUNDER
www.families4access.com
Basia is a co-founder of Families4Access and is involved in a range of creative and cooperative initiatives in Canada, USA and the UK. She is also a part of the founding team for the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis. As an advocate for access to cannabis for medicinal use, (post exploring various cultures at different stages through reform) Basia has decided to dedicate her attention to patient advocacy and public education – she has recently become a founding director for both CannPASS and CANNTalks to tackle these initiatives.
CANNABIZ .1 74
WHO’S WHO
MARK ATTARD - PARTNER & CEO Forming part of BDO’s Global Network, BDO Malta is an end-to-end corporate services and business advisory firm assisting companies in accelerating growth through exceptional client service. We make the time and effort to understand our clients’ businesses. Our partners and staff are specialists in their fields and have a pro-active approach to helping companies overcoming the challenges they face through solid technical expertise and deep market insights.
www.bdo.com.mt
ANTHONY WOLCH - PARTNER & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
www.beyondmg.com
As Beyond applies creative by the numbers to the cannabis industry, it allows us to create, reinvent, and birth brands that people are magnetically attracted to. Beyond Marketing developed a proprietary Science Of Branding in the cannabis space - invaluable for any cannabis innovation company. Additionally, it applies this specifically to medical, indoor, greenhouse, tech, tissue culture, and distillate brands.
VIOLA BRUGNATELLI - CEO & SCIENCE DIRECTOR Cannabiscienza is an education company which disseminates the latest knowledge in the field to the wider public and teaches both via online and offline solutions to graduating and post-lauream healthcare professionals. They are currently expanding towards the introduction of the first multidisciplinary medical-cannabis inspired clinic in Italy and to licensing their e-learning courses in several other languages.
www.cannabiscienza.it
DAVID CARVAJAL - CEO
www.cannvest.co
Cannvest collects field data through the use of sensors and cameras which are encrypted and stored in a permissioned blockchain. The analysis of this data provides an estimate crop valuation which is used to offer financial services through crowd funding to the producers. As the data is stored on the blockchain, it creates a chain of trust and traceabiltiy between regulators, growers, investors, clients and consumers.
CARLY BARTON - DEPUTY DIRECTOR Carly is an advocate for patient access to Medical Cannabis as the Deputy Director of the United Patients Alliance. Carly was the first person in the UK to receive a prescription for herbal cannabis privately since the law change in 2018. She is working tirelessly with government organisations in order to convert this to an NHS prescription, with the hope of setting a precedent for other patients to follow.
www.upalliance.org
CATHLEEN GRAHAM - CEO & FOUNDER
www.cannabisnurse.com
Cathleen is a Certified Hospice Palliative Care RN, Regional Service Ops Manager for one of the nation’s largest hospice programs. She is founder and CEO of Cannabis Nurse Holistic Education and Consulting Company, specialising in cannabis information. Cathleen is also founder and CEO of Michigan Cannabis Education Network - a community-based cannabis education company that is state funded.
RICHARD SHARP - CO-FOUNDER Cobichain is an advanced blockchain platform, delivering trust and integrity to supply chains. Designed with industry-leading knowledge, our blockchain platform is built to cater to the needs of regulators and members of the CBD supply chain alike.The Cobichain platform enables traceability throughout the entire supply chain, validated automatically and without corruption by our blockchain.
www.cobidol.com/products/cobichain
CANNABIZ .1 75
THE UK’S LARGEST HEMP & CBD EXPO
BIGGER BETTER
EXPANDING WITH SUCCESS
We at the Hemp & CBD Expo are proud to announce our second UK show, off of the back of our sold out March edition. With major take up and interest from potential exhibitors that missed the opportunity to exhibit at the first event, we have expanded into a bigger Hall 17 for our September show.
SEPT ‘19 P R O J. N U M B ER S
160 exhibitors
The professional environment coupled with the opportunity for both education and enjoyment at our March event has exceeded many a visitors expectations and we are looking forward to delivering an even bigger and better show next time round in a bigger Hall 17 of the NEC for September. Our show will again look to balance a majority B2B attendance with B2C attendance still an important aspect of our planning after our massively popular seminar stage was well attended and appreciated from a public looking to educate themselves.
8000
7200
visitors
sqm hall
60 speakers
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WWW.HEMPANDCBDEXPO.COM
WHO’S WHO
RICHARD SKAIFE - CEO & CO-FOUNDER Cobidol Group Inc. (Cobidol) is a technology and premium health product company with decades of experience in tech and CBD. Headquartered in Canada, Cobidol operates its European business from Malta. Cobidol is mobile first and its Spectra app serves as a gateway to discovering high quality, customised CBD products.
www.cobidol.com
TOM BLOOR - HEAD OF GAMING
www.cryptopay.me
Cryptopay is a global payment gateway that allows merchants to accept bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Using Cryptopay, merchants can settle in digital assets, or traditional fiat currency. With an additional suit of reporting and risk management tools to offer, Cryptopay is the leading gateway provider for cryptocurrency payments.
DANI GORDON - VICE CHAIR Dr. Dani Gordon is a world-leading expert in medical cannabinoids, medical cannabis, physician training, and education, CBD wellness. She creates education for physicians, health professionals and members of the public and works with cannabis companies across the value chain with an extensive background in clinical medicine and clinical research.
www.ukmccs.org
DANIEL SAX - FOUNDER & CEO
www.sensiproperties.com
Daniel Sax is the founder & CEO of Sensi Properties, Canada’s first cannabis real estate investment company. He is actively involved in the acquisition, development, construction, and finance of facilities for cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution. He has a background in many facets of real estate finance and investment. He also has a background in angel and venture investing and is a strategy advisor to several companies.
DYLAN KENNETT - SENIOR ASSOCIATE Dylan is a Senior Associate in DLA Piper’s corporate team. His practice focuses on venture capital, private equity and M&A (both domestic and cross-border) - as well as advising companies on how to ‘go global’. He acts for high-growth businesses, investors and other stakeholders. He focuses on the cannabis, tech, media and sport. He is a co-lead of the firm’s Emerging Growth and Venture Capital practice.
www.dlapiper.com
PIERRE MIFSUD - PARTNER
www.emd.com.mt
EMD is a multi-disciplinary firm based in Valletta, Malta, servicing a number of local and international clients in a number of niche areas including the pharma and medical industries. EMD has assisted a number of Medical Cannabis Producers and related service providers with structuring their business or joint venture in Malta and applying for the necessary regulatory authorisations.
GRAHAM DE BARRA - FOUNDER Having been awarded a traineeship in the Council of Europe, Graham de Barra co-founded Help Not Harm with Paul Birch. Previously Graham served as secretary to the board of Students for Sensible Drug Policy for two-and-a-half years and founded Students for Sensible Drug Policy Ireland which is currently present in five Irish colleges, providing drug policy and harm reduction education.
www.helpnotharm.org
CANNABIZ .1 77
WHO’S WHO
DIMA CHERNOBILSKY - CEO
www.growdirector.com
GrowDirector is an Israeli company in which a team of experienced agriculturists and a team of IT developers work together to make cultivation easy and fun for everyone. We aim to provide unique technology with an extremely easy-to-use interface, enabling every grower to handle it. We are committed to developing high quality systems at an affordable price.
HANNAH DEACON - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Hannah Deacon is a campaigner and Executive Director for The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society. Hannah was responsible for ensuring her son Alfie was issued the first medical cannabis license in the UK to enable him to receive Dutchprescribed medical cannabis treatments. Following a Home Office review into medical cannabis in 2018, the law was changed so full extract cannabis oil can be prescribed on the NHS. Alfie now has the first legal NHS prescription in the UK.
www.ukmccs.org
IAN MCAFEE - CO-FOUNDER & CEO
www.shiftmarkets.com
At Shift, Ian enables clients to increase market penetration, build global business development strategy, increase conversions at each stage of the marketing-sales cycle, and integrate new products and services. He manages and optimises large marketing budgets and advises on sales, marketing, and operations. He also established Shift’s Start a Brokerage program, working with many clients to plan, launch, and grow forex and CFD brokerages.
JACQUIE COHEN ROTH - FOUNDER & CEO Jacquie Cohen Roth is founder/CEO of CannabizMD (CBMD) and Tea Pad. CBMD delivers education-focused events, consulting services and medical cannabis patient advocacy. Tea Pad is focused on breaking down barriers to entry into the cannabis industry and on enpowering entry into the industry - no matter race or gender - via education.
www.cannabizmd.com
JAMIE ROLLINS - FOUNDER
www.truehealthconsulting.com
Jamie Rollins RN, BSN, CYT is a practicing hospice and cannabis nurse in Florida, USA. She has a small clinic in her home town and offers private cannabis consultations and lectures. She was recently a featured speaker at the CWCBExpo in NYC where she spoke on “How to Become a Cannabis Nurse.”
JOE ROGOWAY - CEO & MANAGING ATTORNEY Joe Rogoway is the CEO and Managing Attorney for Rogoway Law Group. Widely recognised as a thought-leader in the cannabis industry, Joe has dedicated his academic and professional career to cannabis law reform, regulation, and the representation of businesses. As a political advocate, Joe was the author and co-proponent of several state ballot initiatives seeking to end cannabis prohibition in California.
www.rogowaylaw.com
JON LIEBLING - CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
www.cannpass.org
Jon has dedicated the last 5 years as political director for a patientcentred volunteer organisation providing support for medical cannabis patients, whilst lobbying and campaigning for legal access. Currently he is Research Lead for the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis and co-founder and Director of Cannabis Patient Advocacy and Support Services – CannPASS.
CANNABIZ .1 78
WHO’S WHO
JONATHAN TICK - FOUNDER & CEO Jonathan has more than 15 years of leadership experience building brands through strategy, marketing, and public relations. As founder & CEO of DECK Agency, his vision and expertise in business performance has driven notable enterprise growth for the businesses he runs and advises. Jonathan has played an active role in developing some of Canada’s most notable cannabis brands and has commercialised over 12 brands in the sector thus far.
www.deckagency.com
KATIE PRINGLE - CO-FOUNDER
www.marigoldpr.com
Katie Pringle is the co-founder of Marigold Marketing & PR and Canndora. Marigold has developed a reputation in Canada as a top cannabis marketing firm. Canndora engages women and builds cannabis brands through activations, community and events. Katie has extensive experience developing brands, with a focus on women’s insights.
KRIS KRANE - FOUNDER Kris Krane founded 4Front in 2011 and now serves as president. Prior to forming 4Front, Kris served as director of client services for CannBe, a pioneer in developing best practices within the medical cannabis industry. He has also served as associate director of NORML from 2000 to 2005 and executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy from 2006 to 2009. He currently serves on the National Cannabis Industry Association board of directors.
www.4frontventures.com
STEPHEN DEBONO - FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
www.labo-pharm.com
With over 10 years of experience Labopharm has grown to cater for a diverse range of industries. From conceptualisation, through design and installation, to excellent after-sales service, we at Labopharm seek to offer a complete solution to all laboratory needs. The main company objective is to facilitate the interplay between organisations and the rapidly changing world of laboratory technology through our core values of adaptability, competence, integrity, accountability, and above all, quality.
MANIT PATEL - CEO & CO-FOUNDER Since 2014, Manit has been involved with the medical marijuana industry, including his leadership role in medical cannabis research at Akseera. Manit is a Pharmacist with an MBA in finance. Under his lead, Akseera became the first and only company in the world to hold a licence to research cannabis in India and Canada.
www.akseera.com
MARIJA OBRADOVIC - SENIOR REGULATORY ANALYST
www.cbd-intel.com
Marija has experience in different policy areas acquired in non-profit organisations in Spain and the Balkans. She built a system for financial restructuring of commercial non-performing loans (NPLs) for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and implemented a program for the US State Department. Focused on the international market, Maria’s work includes analysing legislative efforts and monitoring law enforcement in respect to CBD products.
MARK GOLDHAR - PARTNER As strategic advisor to Civilized Worldwide, Mark has secured millions in capital investment. Mark was also CFO for Panag PharmaInc. As CFO for Robinson’s Cannabis, he executed $3M in debt financing and helped secure its acquisition by Auxly. Mark is a partner in Lit Capital, a strategic advisor to Thalys (SHA: 603716), advises iCAN investment advisory board.
www.cambridgefinancial.ca
CANNABIZ .1 79
WHO’S WHO
DAMON BOOTH - FOUNDER
www.melabis.io
Melabis has both a tech and a farm department in the medical cannabis space. Melabis focuses on AI, Big Data collection and working with the Maltese authorities on the tech side, while also producing CBD on a mass scale for global bulk sales on the cultivation end of the business. Melabis aims to be a major player in the emerging canna-tech and CBD sphere.
PROF. MIKE BARNES - CONSULTANT NEUROLOGIST Professor Mike Barnes is a neurologist who has focussed on cannabis medicine for several years. He was instrumental in changing UK law to allow cannabis to be prescribed by UK doctors. His focus now is on education of medical practitioners on cannabis medicine and in assisting with the development of the cannabis industry in the UK and Europe.
www.ukmccs.org
MICHAEL PATTERSON - CEO
www.uscprd.com
Healthcare Executive with over 25 years’ experience in the following areas: Cannabis/Hemp/CBD Investment, Management, Operations, Laws, Regulation, Compliance, and Management, Skilled Nursing, Pharmacy, Laboratory, and Healthcare Analytics. Michael is a subject matter expert in the global cannabis industry with Gerson Lehrman Group and Guidepoint.
MONICA VIALPANDO - FOUNDER Dr. Monica Vialpando founded Vialpando, LLC, and is a provider of innovation consulting for the cannabis industry in San Francisco, CA. She is an adjunct professor at Loyalist College, Canada and brings over a decade of international pharmaceutical formulation experience and four years development experience in vaping of nicotine. Her development portfolio includes tablets, dry powders and nebulized solutions for inhalation, vape products, topicals, and beverages.
www.vialpando-llc.com
ALEX POMBO - CEO
www.nerumpharma.com
Nerum Pharmaceuticals AG is a pharmaceutical start-up based in Switzerland. We focus on innovative ingredients and products with a pipeline that spans multiple therapy areas in the phyto-pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical space. We work in close collaboration with consumer product companies to bring new functionalities and therapeutic benefits to their final products.
LINUS MAXIMILIAN WEBER - FOUNDER & CEO Nimbus Health is an independent wholesaler of medicinal cannabis products in Germany that uses their own warehouses. Use our own warehouses to distribute products to pharmacies in Germany. We are also building a platform where doctors and pharmacists can seek advice and discuss therapies with medicinal cannabis as well as providing education and exchange through events. We are actively building bridges between producers, doctors and universities to create the best therapies for patients.
www.nimbus.health
OLIVER FENECH - GENERAL MANAGER
www.ptmatic.com.mt
A mechanical engineer by profession, Ing. Fenech is specialised in waste management and treatment of hazardous waste. Throughout his professional career he has been involved in a number of positions in the environmental sector and has executed jobs and led projects in the field, ranging from water treatment for aquaculture, to the supply and operation of Waste-to-Energy and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
CANNABIZ .1 80
WHO’S WHO
PREET MARWAHA - CEO Preet Marwaha’s life mission is to create a paradigm shift in how people live, starting with food and the systems that produce it. Preet has spoken at various venues including the UN. Today, as the CEO of Blue Sky Biologicals, Preet is focused on spreading the message of hemp and the power that lies within the plant for food, fibre, and medicine.
www.blueskybiologicals.com
RACHEL COLIC - CHIEF STRATEGIEST
www.yisforyou.com
Rachel is a frequent writer and speaker on strategic branding, marketing to women and using cannabis as medicine. As Chief Strategist for YCREATIVE, a brand strategy and design agency specialising in the cannabis industry, Rachel works closely with established producers, cannabis start-ups, and ancillary businesses throughout Canada and the United States to develop thoughtful brands that deliver bottom line results.
ROBERT SPITERI - CO-FOUNDED Robert has over 25 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, excelling in quality assurance and regulatory affairs. He has co-founded Brown’s Pharma, Malta’s largest retail pharmacy operator and has other director level appointments in various pharmaceutical retail and wholesale multinational organisations. Robert is a qualified pharmacist and holds a masters degree in business administration. He is responsible for the European operations of Zenabis.
www.brownspharmacy.eu
MICHAEL STEEN PEDERSEN - CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
www.sohomalta.com
SOHO Office Space is Malta’s largest serviced office and co-working network, housing more than 4500sqm of office space. SOHO’s third unique office location features a member’s café, lounge bar, and topof-the-range event space. Join us on our rooftop terraced bar and experience the prime SOHO community feel.
SRINIVASA REDDY - COO & CSO Mr.Srinivasa Reddy has served as board of director, CEO, CSO, COO in various companies. He is a member of ASABE and a global leader in the cannabis industry ASHS. His vision of sustainable, low cost, and high quality plants includes vertical farming in a scientifically optimised and controlled environment. He has 13 years of experience in medicinal plant-use-cases.
www.leafcross.com
STEELE CLARKE - CHAIRMAN
www.c3internationalinc.com
Steele C. Smith, III is a native Californian and entrepreneur of natural & complimentary medical therapies, as well as a national advocate for safe patient access to holistic medicine. He is the founding Chairman of C3® International, Inc., the manufacturer of the patent(s) pending Idrasil™, the world’s first & only naturally derived, non-synthetic, pharmaceutical grade cannabis in discreet tablet form.
PETAR SAVIC - FOUNDER Supreme Factory is a London-based end-to-end digital enterprise providing virtual acceleration for startups. Super-connecting International Ecosystems with curated networks of startups, scaleups, founders, tech talents, students, investors, corporates, incubators, accelerators, universities, and communities.
www.supremefactory.net
CANNABIZ .1 81
WHO’S WHO
TRACY RYAN - CEO
www.cannaKids.org
Tracy Ryan is the CEO of CannaKids, a California-based medical cannabis company, and founder of the SavingSophie.org. After her daughter’s brain tumor diagnosis in 2013, Tracy dedicated her life to helping patients who suffer from life-altering ailments, with a focus on children. She is working on pre-clinical human & humanised mouse model trials with one of the world’s leading cancer immunologists.
JOSHUA GREEN - CO-FOUNDER Veriheal is a medical marijuana network that helps everyday people find cannabis physicians that will recommend them for medicinal marijuana treatment and get certified within their state to use cannabis legally. Our team works closely with patients, clients, medical providers, and dispensaries to ensure that all of our patients receive discreet, safe, and sophisticated care.
www.veriheal.com
WILL STEWART - SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
www.harvestone.com
A well-known strategist, media spokesperson, and advocate, Will has spent almost 20 years in public affairs in Canada and is currently the Senior Vice President of Harvest One Cannabis. Will spent over a dozen years as Managing Principal of a leading public affairs firm. Will has been awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian public policy.
YANOR YAZMA - AGRONOMIST Yanor Yazma is an agronomist trained in Agro-ecology and Plant Health at the Hebrew University with experience in cultivation and disease prevention in diverse agricultural crops. At DryGair, she advises medical cannabis growers globally on how to achieve high quality yields through innovation, optimal indoor climate, and energy-efficient practices.
www.drygair.com
ZEID MOHAMEDALI - CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
www.zenabis.com
Dr. Mohamedali has over 8 years of Medical Cannabis pain management experience. He has a large practice of patients with chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal disease, and other ailments. Dr. Mohamedali recently joined Zenabis Global as the Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Mohamedali, his grad students, and his research team are responsible for several science research projects, clinical trials, education, and policy reviews for medical use of cannabis.
ANDREW GRIEVE - CEO Andrew Grieve is the CEO of Zenabis Global Inc. He is an experienced financial executive, entrepreneur, principal investor, and officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. In his role as CEO, he has successfully developed the company’s strategy as it strives to become one of the largest licensed producers of medical and adult-use cannabis in Canada. Andrew continues to propel the growth of Zenabis with the help of his extensive experience in organizational leadership and the execution of complex transactions.
www.zenpharm.eu
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Cutting-edge phytocannabinoid medical products
Seed to Pharmacy Pipeline
Global R & D
Patient Focus
MGC Pharma is happy to be bringing our global Seed to Pharmacy agenda to Malta, which will soon become our central manufacturing hub for delivering phytocannabinoid based medical products to patients around the entire world.
mgcpharma.com.au