Cannabis Conference
Cannabis Europa London 2026
Where Cannabis Policy Meets Business Opportunity · May 26-27, 2026
Seeking direct access to UK policymakers shaping the future of European medical cannabis?
Cannabis Europa London returns to the iconic Barbican Centre on May 26-27, 2026, bringing together Europe’s most influential policymakers, investors, and medical cannabis executives under one roof. As the continent’s flagship policy-focused cannabis conference, this event offers cultivators and processors direct access to the decision-makers shaping UK and European regulatory frameworks.
The UK medical cannabis market has undergone remarkable transformation, with prescription volumes increasing 130% between 2022/23 and 2023/24. With the patient population projected to reach 80,000 by end of 2025, Cannabis Europa provides unmatched networking opportunities for international producers seeking UK market entry.
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The UK medical cannabis market grew 262% in prescription volume over two years, with over 99% of prescriptions coming through private clinics.
Whether you’re evaluating EU-GMP certification pathways, seeking Home Office import licence guidance, or building relationships with UK private clinic networks, Cannabis Europa London brings together the MHRA officials, regulatory consultants, and industry leaders you need to meet.
Cannabis Europa London 2026 at a Glance 🇬🇧
Dates
May 26-27, 2026
Location
Barbican Centre, London, United Kingdom
Expected Attendance
1,500+ delegates from across Europe
Official Website
cannabis-europa.com
Confirmed
Last verified: December 25, 2025
London
51.51°N 0.13°W
Who Should Attend Cannabis Europa London
Cannabis Europa’s policy-forward agenda attracts decision-makers across the cannabis supply chain who are evaluating UK market entry or seeking to build commercial partnerships in Britain’s growing medical cannabis sector.
Medical cannabis cultivators seeking UK market entry
Pharma executives and compliance officers
Private clinic operators and specialist prescribers
Cannabis investors and fund managers
Policy professionals and regulators
Supply chain and distribution executives
Why Cannabis Europa London Matters in 2026
The UK medical cannabis market has undergone significant transformation. Prescription volumes increased 130% between 2022/23 and 2023/24, jumping from 150,527 to 346,600 items dispensed. The new Labour government, elected in 2024, has maintained existing medical cannabis access while the May 2025 London Drugs Commission report called for decriminalisation – signaling potential future policy shifts.
Cannabis Europa has expanded to Paris alongside London, establishing a true pan-European platform. The 2026 London edition returns to the Barbican Centre – where the conference originated in 2018 – with an enhanced focus on UK-EU regulatory alignment post-Brexit. The conference positions itself uniquely at the intersection of policy and commerce, putting policymakers, regulators, and investors at the same table as industry leaders.
UK imports increased 394% in 2024 to reach 326 kg, with early 2025 volumes already exceeding 1 tonne as distribution infrastructure scales rapidly.
Cannabis Trades Association UK, 2025Planning Your Cannabis Europa Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book early – London hotel rates in May are premium during conference season
- The Montcalm at the Brewery (4-star) – 5 minutes walk from Barbican
- Stay near Circle/Metropolitan line stations for easy Barbican access
- Club Quarters St Paul’s offers business-focused accommodation nearby
📋 Schedule Overview
- Day 1 (May 26): Full conference with keynotes, panels, networking
- Day 1 Evening: Business of Cannabis Awards (VIP+ ticket)
- Day 2 (May 27): Sector-specific breakouts and exhibition engagement
- VIP tickets include lounge access, priority seating, lunch both days
✈️ Getting There
- London Heathrow (LHR) – 45 min via Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street
- Barbican Station – Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines
- Non-EU visitors may need visa – check UK requirements
- Liverpool Street offers National Rail connections across UK
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Contact organisers for exhibitor setup times and requirements
- Bring company capability overview and product portfolios
- Download conference app for attendee matching
- Pre-schedule meetings with key targets before arriving
UK Medical Cannabis Regulatory Context
Key Regulatory Topics at Cannabis Europa London
- Home Office CD Import Licence: Required for all controlled drug imports into the UK
- EU-GMP Certification: MHRA requirement for all cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs)
- MHRA Manufacturing Authorisation: GBP 6,019 for new applications
- GACP Certification: Required for cultivation operations seeking UK market access
The UK operates a unique dual-track system where over 99% of prescriptions come through 40+ CQC-registered private clinics rather than the NHS. Only GMC Specialist Register doctors can prescribe unlicensed CBPMs. This private clinic model creates distinct market dynamics for international cultivators seeking UK partnerships.
Related: Understanding UK MHRA Requirements for Cannabis OperationsOperational Challenges Facing UK Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses expanding into the UK market encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Home Office Licensing Complexity
Navigating the Controlled Drug licence application process and maintaining ongoing compliance with import/export requirements
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EU-GMP Documentation Standards
Building robust quality assurance systems that satisfy MHRA auditors and maintain continuous compliance for pharmaceutical-grade products
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Private Clinic Relationship Building
Establishing distribution partnerships with the 40+ private clinics that represent over 99% of UK patient access
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Post-Brexit Regulatory Alignment
Managing compliance across UK and EU jurisdictions simultaneously as regulatory frameworks continue to diverge
What to Prepare Before Cannabis Europa
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 certificate (current and valid)
- GACP certification documentation
- Company capability overview and product portfolio
- Home Office CD licence details (if already licensed)
- Import/export compliance documentation
- Quality management system overview
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- What are current UK import licence processing timelines?
- Which UK distributors are seeking new supplier relationships?
- What strains and formats are UK clinics most requesting?
- How does the MHRA assess non-UK manufacturing facilities?
- What cold chain requirements apply to UK-bound shipments?
- Which private clinic networks have the fastest procurement cycles?
📊 What to Compare
- Import/distribution partner capabilities and reach
- Regulatory consultancy service offerings and success rates
- Cold chain logistics provider coverage and pricing
- Private clinic patient volume and growth trajectories
- Quality assurance system requirements by partner
- Lead times from order to patient delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend Cannabis Europa London 2026.
Is Cannabis Europa a B2B-only event?
Cannabis Europa is predominantly B2B, with 90% of attendees representing businesses, investors, and policy professionals. The policy focus means less consumer-facing content compared to events like Mary Jane Berlin.
Can international delegates attend?
Yes. Cannabis Europa welcomes international delegates and specifically targets a pan-European and global audience. The conference language is English. International cultivators seeking UK market entry form a significant attendee segment.
What is the Business of Cannabis Awards?
The Business of Cannabis Awards is a prestigious evening ceremony on May 26, recognising excellence across the European cannabis industry. Access is included with VIP+ ticket purchases (GBP 840).
Are there dedicated networking opportunities?
Yes. Beyond organic networking during breaks, Cannabis Europa offers VIP lounge access, Awards ceremony evening networking, and structured meeting scheduling for sponsors and exhibitors.
What ticket options are available?
Super Early Bird Pass (GBP 334.49), VIP Pass (GBP 756.59) with lounge and lunch, and VIP + Awards (GBP 840) including the evening ceremony. Registration is via Eventbrite.
What industry sectors are represented?
Cannabis Europa’s 95% medical focus means strong representation from pharmaceutical companies, private clinics, EU-GMP certified cultivators, investors, regulatory professionals, and government representatives.
Software Solutions for British Compliance
Cannabis operations expanding into the UK market increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of generating MHRA-compliant documentation and managing cross-border regulatory reporting. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
Attendees at Cannabis Europa often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to UK-specific requirements while maintaining consistent operational workflows across multiple facilities and jurisdictions. With the UK’s unique private clinic model, robust batch traceability and quality documentation are essential.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in the UK use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability and MHRA-compliant documentation.
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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.