The Godfather of Cannabis is Keynote Speaker at ICBC Berlin

More than 1,500 are expected to attend the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) Berlin, which welcomes leaders from more than 60 different countries in fields ranging from politics to science and everything in between.

Held from March 31 to April 1, ICBC Berlin features exhibitions from Bhang, Canopy Growth, Mary Jane Berlin and many more. The event’s schedule also includes panel discussions on the “Present and Future of the German Medical Cannabis Market, “Mainstreaming of CBD” and the “Top Tech Revolutionizing the Industry.”

Most notably, the conference is headlined by its keynote speaker, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam.

Affectionately known as the Godfather of Cannabis, Dr. Mechoulam was the first to isolate exogenous cannabinoids, starting with CBD in 1963. In 1964, he isolated and described THC, determining that THC interacts with the largest receptor system in the human body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). He is also credited with identifying the brain’s first endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, which means “supreme joy” in Sanskrit.

Dr. Mechoulam will also be at the conference’s VIP reception, which is available to ticket holders.

“The medical cannabis system is expanding rapidly in Germany, so bringing in such a famed researcher like Dr. Mechoulam was a dream of ours,” said Alex Rogers, founder and CEO of the ICBC.

The first ICBC Berlin in 2017 coincided with the German government’s announcement of its medical cannabis program.

“Each year since, the ICBC’s return to [Germany] provided a great opportunity to check in on Germany’s progress, and give the cannabis communities the chance to learn from one another and collaborate on future projects,” said Rogers. “Many business deals and political efforts get their start at the ICBC. As a business conference, we certainly strive to help people earn more money, but most importantly, we help more patients get access to a safe medicine while keeping people out of prison. Keeping a focus on the foundations of the legalization movement can be good for business, we’re proof of that.”

With the introduction of cannabis extracts to the German marketplace, Rogers believes advances in biotech are key to the future.

“Combining those newer industries with panels on lobbying, investing, and marketing, allows for a well-rounded curriculum for attendees,” he said.

After Berlin, the ICBC will be heading to Zurich, Switzerland, for a team-up with CannaTrade on May 15 to 16.

TELL US, have you ever attended a cannabis conference?