By Luke Sumpter


Germany has made some crucial steps towards cannabis legalisation in the past few years. From allowing the first Germans to grow weed at home to the Green Party’s new drug policy, it seems like only a matter of time until the herbal floodgates burst open.

The return of the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) will surely add more fuel to the fire and help to maintain the momentum. Also known as “Planet Earth’s premier cannabis networking event”, the conference revolves around a topic that every government in the world values the most: The economy.

Not only does cannabis legalisation assist medical patients and offer freedom to recreational users, but it also proves time and time again to have an anabolic effect on the economy.

Take Colorado, for instance, where in 2019, the state collected an enormous $302 million in taxes from medical and recreational cannabis sales.

So, what exactly does the future of cannabis legalisation look like in Germany? And how did the country get to this point?

The ICBC Heads to Berlin

The inevitable economic impact of cannabis legalisation means companies are ready to pounce at the eventual opportunity. But for now, many businesses, both large scale and artisanal, are making waves in the hemp and CBD space.

The ICBC will return to Berlin during August 2021 and serve as a hotspot for networking among the cannabis business world. The event brings together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, extract experts, edible crafters, and more.

But money aside, the event also offers profound educational insights. For example, Raphael Mechoulam—the man who discovered THC— talked there in 2019.

This year, the ICBC will kick off at Vienna House Andel’s Berlin, before heading to other European countries later in the year. Check out the two main events happening in August 2021 below.

The ICBC Heads to Berlin
Raphael Mechoulam / Source: ICBC
  • Global Investment Forum

The ICBC Global Investment Forum will take place on 25th August 2021. This event seeks to facilitate cannabis industry growth and serves as a powerful network that links cannabis entrepreneurs with investors.

This year, as the world starts to recover from the pandemic, the event features a maximum capacity of 200 people. The schedule for this event includes the following speeches:

  • Overview of the German Market: A panel of successful German cannabis entrepreneurs will discuss the factors that will dominate market growth and how the market may change in the next five years.
  • The truth from the trenches of the industry: A guide that will help entrepreneurs navigate the market and develop their business
  • Regulatory: Learn how to operate in the industry within regulatory frameworks
  • Successful investors: Learn from pioneering investors about incentives that help to fuel cannabis projects
  • Pitches: A wide array of companies will attempt to sell their unique ideas

  • B2B Trade Show

The ICBC B2B Trade Show will also take place at Vienna House Andel’s Berlin. This world-class networking opportunity will unfold during August 26th-27th and serve as a platform for executives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from over 60 countries.

The B2B Trade Show gives businesses a chance to showcase their ideas, products, and brand to potential investors and other members of the business world. As well as plunging cannabis entrepreneurs into a valuable network, the B2B Trade Show will also feature a series of interesting speeches, including:

  • Germany and Europe Medical Cannabis Regulations Update
  • State of Germany’s Cannabis Market
  • Focus on the Cannabis Pharmacy
  • German Distribution and Import and Sales
  • European CBD Industry and Policy Update
  • Understanding Novel Food
  • Germany and Europe Medical Cannabis Regulations Update
  • Doing Business Internationally
  • Emerging Markets
  • Medical Cannabis Education
  • Road to Legalisation
  • Cannabis Technology
  • Marketing and Media
B2B Trade Show
Source: ICBC

Cannabis Legalisation: Mixed Feelings in Germany

Big things are happening in the business world in Germany when it comes to cannabis. Although the CBD and hemp markets are booming, one gets the sense of a compressed spring when looking at events such as the ICBC. If and when Germany pulls the trigger to fully legalise cannabis, that spring will surely explode and many economic benefits will follow.

However, Germany has already taken some important steps towards cannabis legalisation. Before we get into some of these interesting developments, let’s find out exactly what the German people think about all of this.

Approximately 4 million German citizens currently use cannabis. But not everyone agrees that the nation should legalise weed.

According to a survey conducted by the German research institute Civey, around 43% of Germans believe cannabis should only be legal for medical use. In contrast, around 36% agree that cannabis should be legal, taxed, and regulated. Despite the pattern of legalisation across the world, 12% believe cannabis should remain illegal in the country.

Current Laws

Cannabis remains illegal in Germany. The herb falls under the classification of an Appendix III drug in the country’s Narcotics Act.

  • Possession

It is illegal to possess any prohibited drug in Germany, including cannabis. Those found guilty may face charges of up to €25,000 and up to two years in prison. However, there are some loopholes in the legislation.

Paragraph 31 of the 1992 reformed Narcotics Law state that those in possession of a “small amount” of cannabis can avoid prosecution. But this vague quantity changes from state to state. For example, Bavaria and Saxony tolerate amounts up to 0.2 oz, whereas Berlin allows up to 0.5 oz.

  • Growing

Cannabis cultivation remains illegal in Germany. Although thousands of growers carry out their hobby off the radar, the punishment for doing so can result in a maximum jail sentence of 15 years under the worst circumstances.

  • Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis became legal in Germany in March 2017. Every doctor in the country can prescribe cannabis-based medicines[1], including cannabis flowers, extracts, and individual cannabinoids. Such products include Sativex, a blend of THC and CBD, used to treat spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.

Current Laws

Promising Developments

As things stand, the German laws view cannabis as a non-marketable narcotic. Cultivation is subject to strict authorization. The German government has awarded cultivation licenses to three companies—two Canadian and one German—in 2019. Together, they were granted the ability to produce over 10,0 oz over a four year period.

Licensed growers pass on their harvest to the Cannabis Agency, who then resell medical calls to wholesalers, pharmacies, and other drug manufacturers.

However, a court case caused a glitch in this matrix back in 2012. Back then, the Federal Administrative Court in Munster passed a ruling to allow severely ill people in Germany to grow cannabis at home.

But the ruling also stated that requests for personal cultivation are only acceptable when patients lack an affordable treatment option. Applications are often rejected if a person’s insurance covers them for cannabis-based medicines such as dronabinol.

A Bump in the Road

Although the court ruling in 2012 seemed like a step in the right direction, not much has changed since medical legalisation in 2017. A glimmer of hope appeared in 2020 as the German government voted on a bill looking to legalise recreational cannabis.

However, this attempt at reform fell flat. Even though the bill called for a strictly controlled adult-use cannabis market, the vast majority of seats in the Bundestag voted against the changes.

The Green Party Backs the Green

Despite the disappointment experienced in 2020, the aptly named Green Party has reignited the effort to legalise cannabis in Germany. Annalena Baerbock was elected as the Green Party candidate for chancellor on April 19th.

One day later, as though by an act of fate, the Green Party announced a campaign aimed at cannabis reform on 4/20. Their new drug policy wants to change how German citizens access cannabis. It speaks of protecting people’s right to self-determination while also reducing health risks.

Overall, the policy will enable adults to purchase and possess up to 1.1 oz of cannabis or grow three plants for personal use. If implemented, the policy would create a huge step forward for legal cannabis in the country. Many companies, including those that often appear at the ICBC, will surely welcome these liberal changes.

External Resources:
  1. Medical cannabis policy and practice in Germany https://www.healtheuropa.eu
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

Cookies settings

We are requesting your permission to use your data for the reasons stated below:

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of data from a particular website that get stored on a user’s computer while they’re surfing the internet. Cookies have several different functions. Some of them track browser activity that enables businesses to deliver targeted advertisements. Other cookies serve to remember user login details to different websites to make jumping on social media, or other sites, a more fluid process. Because each cookie has its own unique ID, these pieces of data allow website owners to measure the unique traffic coming into their site.

Why do we use cookies?

Cookies come in handy when you visit our website. They ensure you stay logged in, that you can shop safely, and that the items you add to your cart stay there before you make a purchase. But cookies also help us. The data they provide allow us to improve our website and enable us to present you with targeted advertisements that are compatible with your interests.

What kind of cookies do we use?

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

How can I disable or delete cookies?

Not a fan of cookies? No worries. You can disable them (with the exception of necessary cookies) in your browser settings. However, blocking cookies may impact your browsing experience and prevent you from enjoying all of the technical features of our site.

Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: