Planning to expand your cannabis business into the European market in 2026?
Eighteen months after Germany became the first major EU economy to legalize adult-use cannabis, the European market landscape has fundamentally shifted. ICBC Berlin 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment: Cannabis Social Clubs are operational, medical imports have surged past 142 tonnes in the first nine months of 2025, and operators worldwide are positioning for what many anticipate will be the continent’s largest commercial market.
The International Cannabis Business Conference returns to Berlin’s Estrel Hotel with 400+ exhibitors spanning 15,000 square meters of exhibition space, establishing itself as the definitive gathering for operators serious about European market entry.
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The EU cannabis market is projected to reach €3.2 billion by 2028, with Germany accounting for over 60% of that volume.
Whether you’re seeking EU-GMP certification partners, evaluating seed-to-sale technology for cross-border compliance, or exploring distribution channels across the continent, ICBC Berlin brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of European cannabis operations under one roof.
ICBC Berlin 2026 at a Glance 🇩🇪
Dates April 13–15, 2026
Location Estrel Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Expected Attendance 5,000+ professionals from 80+ countries
Official Website internationalcbc.com/berlin
Confirmed Last verified: December 23, 2025
Berlin
52.52°N 13.40°E Who Should Attend ICBC Berlin
ICBC Berlin attracts decision-makers across the cannabis supply chain who are evaluating European expansion or seeking to optimize existing operations under evolving regulatory frameworks.
Licensed cultivators exploring EU-GMP certification pathways
Processing and manufacturing executives scaling production
Distributors building cross-border logistics networks
Compliance officers navigating multi-jurisdiction requirements
Investors evaluating European cannabis market opportunities
Technology vendors serving cannabis operational needs
Why ICBC Berlin Matters in 2026
Germany’s April 2024 legalization under the Cannabis Act (CanG) created the largest regulated adult-use market in Europe overnight. The medical market alone imported 142 tonnes of cannabis flower and extracts in Q1-Q3 2025, representing year-over-year growth that outpaces every other EU jurisdiction. Yet the real opportunity remains ahead.
While Cannabis Social Clubs launched in July 2024 with their 500-member caps, the anticipated commercial “Pillar 2” pilot programs have been delayed until late 2026 or 2027. This timeline creates a strategic window for operators to establish EU-GMP compliance, build German market relationships, and position for commercial licensing before the broader market opens.
Germany imported 142 tonnes of medical cannabis in Q1-Q3 2025 alone, with the market projected to require 400+ tonnes annually by 2027 as commercial frameworks mature.
BfArM Import Data & Industry Analysis, 2025Planning Your ICBC Berlin Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your European network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book 6-8 weeks in advance—Estrel Berlin fills quickly during the conference
- Stay at the Estrel (venue hotel) or nearby Neukölln district for walkable access
- S-Bahn Sonnenallee station is 5 minutes from the venue
- Consider extending your stay to explore Berlin’s cannabis social club scene
📋 Schedule Overview
- Day 1 (April 13): Opening keynotes + networking reception
- Day 2 (April 14): Full expo floor + breakout sessions
- Day 3 (April 15): Business meetings + closing sessions
- VIP passes include dedicated B2B matchmaking sessions
✈️ Getting There
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the primary international hub
- Airport Express train to Hauptbahnhof in 30 minutes
- EU passport holders enjoy simplified entry
- Non-EU visitors should verify Schengen visa requirements
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Booth setup begins April 12—coordinate freight early
- Prepare compliant marketing materials (no health claims)
- Register for exhibitor networking app access
- Pre-schedule meetings with target prospects via ICBC platform
Germany’s Cannabis Regulatory Landscape
Key Regulatory Topics at ICBC Berlin 2026
- Cannabis Act (Konsumcannabisgesetz): Germany’s landmark CanG law took effect April 1, 2024, making it the first major EU economy to legalize adult-use cannabis. Includes personal possession (25g public/50g home) and home cultivation (3 plants)
- BfArM Medical Framework: The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices oversees medical cannabis imports through the Bundesopiumstelle, with import quotas raised to 192.5 tonnes in October 2025
- Anbauvereinigung Licensing: Cannabis Cultivation Associations (social clubs) launched July 2024 with 83 licenses approved from 444+ applications, serving approximately 92,000 members by late 2025
- EU-GMP Import Requirements: Germany treats cannabis as pharmaceutical-grade product. EU-GMP certification, GACP cultivation standards, and German-based Qualified Person (QP) batch release are mandatory for imports
- 2025 MedCanG Amendments: Proposed restrictions include mandatory in-person consultations for initial prescriptions (telemedicine ban) and mail-order pharmacy prohibitions under review
Germany’s medical cannabis market imported 142 tonnes in Q1-Q3 2025 (vs. 72 tonnes in all of 2024), with patient numbers surging from 250,000 to approximately 900,000 since legalization. The 2025 coalition government has announced an “open-ended evaluation” of the cannabis law in autumn 2025, while Pillar 2 commercial retail pilots remain stalled.
Related: Complete Guide to German Cannabis Licensing🏛️ Understanding Germany’s Cannabis Clubs (Anbauvereinigungen)
Germany’s Anbauvereinigungen (Cannabis Cultivation Associations) represent Europe’s most ambitious legal cannabis club framework. Unlike Spain’s gray-area social clubs, German clubs operate under explicit federal legislation—the Cannabis Act (CanG) passed in April 2024. These non-profit associations allow members to collectively cultivate and receive cannabis, with strict limits on membership, distribution, and location.
Key Facts for ICBC Berlin Attendees
- ✓ Legal Framework: Fully legalized under the Konsumcannabisgesetz (CanG), which took effect April 1, 2024. License applications opened July 1, 2024.
- ✓ Membership Limits: Maximum 500 members per club. Members can only belong to ONE club at a time.
- ✓ Distribution Limits: Members 21+ can receive up to 50g/month (25g/day max). Ages 18-21 are limited to 30g/month with max 10% THC.
- ✓ Residency Required: Must be a German resident for at least 6 months. A 3-month waiting period applies before receiving cannabis.
- ✓ Location Rules: Clubs must be at least 200 meters from schools, playgrounds, and youth facilities. No on-site consumption allowed.
- ✓ Products Allowed: Dried flower and seeds/cuttings only. No extracts, edibles, or commercial sales permitted.
⚠️ Important for International Visitors
Cannabis clubs are NOT accessible to tourists. German law requires 6 months residency plus a 3-month membership waiting period before receiving cannabis. There are no dispensaries or retail stores where visitors can legally purchase cannabis. While adults can possess up to 25g in public, obtaining it legally as a tourist is not possible. Be aware of fake “cannabis clubs” targeting tourists—legitimate clubs verify German residency.
💡 Did You Know?
As of January 2025, Germany has approved 83 cannabis club licenses from 444+ applications, with 349 still under review. The first legal distribution occurred November 2, 2024 at Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee in Lower Saxony. By October 2025, approximately 337 clubs serve around 92,000 members—though this represents only 2% of Germany’s estimated 4.5 million cannabis consumers.
📊 What’s Next: Pillar 2 Commercial Sales
Germany’s original plan included “Pillar 2” commercial retail pilot programs, but these have been delayed until late 2026 or 2027. The 2025 coalition government has announced an “open-ended evaluation” of the cannabis law in autumn 2025, creating uncertainty about future expansion. For operators, this makes ICBC Berlin 2026 essential for understanding how the German market may evolve.
Note: German cannabis law is subject to political changes. This information is current as of December 2024. Always verify requirements before travel.
Operational Challenges Facing European Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses expanding into European markets encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Multi-Jurisdiction Compliance
Managing regulatory requirements across multiple European countries simultaneously, each with unique documentation and reporting standards
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Quality Assurance Documentation
Building robust QA systems that satisfy EU-GMP auditors and maintain continuous compliance
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Supply Chain Traceability
Implementing seed-to-sale tracking that integrates with European regulatory reporting systems
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Audit Readiness
Preparing for unannounced inspections with complete batch records and chain-of-custody documentation
What to Prepare Before ICBC Berlin
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
📄 Documents to Bring
- EU-GMP certificates (if certified)
- Company capability deck / one-pager
- Export license documentation
- Product spec sheets with COAs
- Business cards (500+ recommended)
- NDA templates for discussions
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- What EU-GMP audit support do you offer?
- How do you handle multi-jurisdiction compliance?
- What’s your track record with BfArM documentation?
- Can you integrate with existing ERP systems?
- What’s the typical implementation timeline?
- Do you have German-speaking support?
📊 What to Compare
- LIMS capabilities for lab integration
- Seed-to-sale tracking features
- Batch record documentation depth
- Deviation management workflows
- CAPA tracking functionality
- Multi-site / multi-country support
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend ICBC Berlin 2026.
Is ICBC Berlin a B2B-only event?
Yes, ICBC Berlin is strictly a business-to-business conference. Attendees must be industry professionals, investors, or service providers. Consumer-focused activities are not part of the event format.
Can international attendees participate?
Absolutely. ICBC Berlin welcomes professionals from 80+ countries. Non-EU attendees should check Schengen visa requirements. The conference provides invitation letters for visa applications upon request.
Is there an on-site consumption area?
Yes, ICBC Berlin features an outdoor consumption lounge where registered adult attendees can legally consume cannabis products, in accordance with German regulations.
What’s the ticket refund policy?
Refund policies vary by ticket type. Check the official ICBC Berlin website for current terms. Early bird tickets typically offer better flexibility.
Are there special rates for cannabis social clubs?
Yes, German cannabis social clubs, European grow shops, and German cannabis pharmacies can request free tickets through the official ICBC registration platform.
Is virtual attendance available?
ICBC Berlin is primarily an in-person event. Check the official website closer to the event date for any virtual streaming options or recorded session access.
Software Solutions for European Compliance
Cannabis operations expanding into European markets increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of generating EU-GMP compliant documentation and managing multi-jurisdiction regulatory reporting. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
Attendees at ICBC Berlin often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to varying regulatory requirements while maintaining consistent operational workflows across multiple facilities and jurisdictions.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Europe use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability and regulatory reporting.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.