This March, Europe’s biggest
cannabis expo, Spannabis, is teaming up with Europe’s biggest cannabis B2B
event, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) to create the
industry’s most dynamic blend of business, politics and culture.
Located in the seaport city of Barcelona, Spain, the ICBC will be held March 14 at the Auditori de Cornellà, with an after-party at the iconic W Barcelona Hotel, known for its waterfront views and sail-like design. The after party is hosted by Damian Marley, with music from NYC’s DJ Mad Out.
The Grammy-award winning
musician and youngest son of Bob Marley will also speak at the event. Other
panel discussions include, ““Investment and Capital Markets,” and
“Cannabis Social Clubs.”
Spain’s cannabis social clubs are rather exclusive to the country. Members must be invited, and once approved, pay a fee, provide an address, and use terms like “acquire” instead of “sell” or “buy.” The social club panel will feature dialogue by Dr. Dina, vice president of operations at P & S Ventures, and David Madilyan, creator of HQ, one of Barcelona’s most popular social clubs. Discussions will focus on Spain’s social club culture, how it compares to dispensaries in the U.S. or coffee shops in Amsterdam and whether or not the model could be successful elsewhere.
Madilyan said that
despite the fact that the commercialization of cannabis is illegal in Spain,
companies like his can exist because “private consumption isn´t penalized and
the right to associate is constitutionally guaranteed.”
“The cannabis club model is
not like the coffee shop system in Amsterdam or some dispensaries in the
U.S. where tourists or unidentified strangers buy or consume and
leave,” he said. “It is not about mass consumption. This model is not meant to reach
out to strangers; it is about creating a special unique community; it is about
belonging and growing together.”
Spannabis, otherwise known as Feria del Cáñamo, is celebrating its 16th year of operation. The annual event gathers more than 30,000 attendees and represents more than 300 companies. The fair features music, booths and networking opportunities throughout the weekend.
“Feria del Cáñamo […] is much more than just a fair,” Carlos Yerbes Gonzalez, co-director of Spannabis said in a recent press release. The conference has positioned the country as a leader in the cannabis market. “The Spanish cannabis industry has more potential every day, and is taking firm steps to improve Spain’s laws,” he added. “Spannabis organizers believe that the time is right to offer reliable information on the economic potential of the cannabis sector and the viability that Spain would have to become one of the key countries in Europe.”
In order to solidify that
position, “We needed to collaborate with a leading company in the cannabis
business sector,” Gonzalez added. With their knowledge and existing presence in
the European market, ICBC was the perfect match.
The ICBC hosts events in
cities around the world, including San Francisco, Berlin, Vancouver, and Zurich
every year. The event has become known as the premier destination for cannabis
business and investment, regularly attracting attendees from more than 50
different countries.
Spannabis is a meeting point for the European cannabis scene, stated Alex Rogers, executive producer of the ICBC.
“It is a first and foremost a
consumer event, however, many folks who attend are also looking for a B2B
element,” he said.“The ICBC’s partnership with Spannabis […] satisfies a clear
need for major cannabis industry players to meet, network, to progress and
advance the industry as cannabis laws are liberalized in Spain and across the
continent.
The event will also feature
panel discussions on “Medical Cannabis in Spain,” “Mainstreaming of CBD,” and
“Cannabis Extracts,” and include exhibitions by Bhang, Marijuana Television,
Item 9 and much more.
Additional Spannabis events
are scheduled throughout the weekend, while more ICBC events will be held
across the world this spring.
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cannabis social clubs where you live?
