The executive forum where Europe’s cannabis leaders forge the partnerships that shape the industry.
World Class Cannabis Business Europe returns for its 10th anniversary edition, gathering 200 senior executives from 150 companies for two days of case-study presentations, round-table discussions, and premium networking in Frankfurt. Unlike sprawling trade shows, this intimate conference delivers direct access to the decision-makers driving medical cannabis expansion across Europe.
Germany’s April 2024 legalization under the Cannabis Act (CanG) transformed Europe’s largest economy into the continent’s most significant cannabis market. With medical cannabis imports reaching 142 tonnes in the first three quarters of 2025 alone – double the entire 2024 volume – the demand trajectory is undeniable.
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Germany has become the center of the European cannabis industry following the landmark legalization of adult-use cannabis on April 1, 2024.
Executives attending World Class Cannabis are not here for general education. They are negotiating distribution agreements, identifying acquisition candidates, and securing the partnerships that will define European cannabis for the next decade. With only 200 attendees and structured round-table sessions, every conversation is a potential deal.
World Class Cannabis 2026 at a Glance 🇩🇪
Dates
May 19-20, 2026
Location
Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South, Frankfurt, Germany
Expected Attendance
200 executives from 150+ companies
Focus
95% Medical, 90% B2B
Official Website
worldclassbusinessleaders.com/events/cbe26
Speakers
20 industry leaders
Confirmed
Last verified: December 30, 2025
Frankfurt
50.11°N 8.68°E
Who Should Attend World Class Cannabis
This executive-level forum is designed for senior leaders making strategic decisions in the European cannabis market:
C-Suite executives (CEOs, COOs, CFOs) evaluating European market expansion and M&A targets
Board members and investors assessing the EUR 450 million German medical market
Medical cannabis company leaders (VP-level+) strengthening European distribution networks
Pharmaceutical executives exploring cannabis as medicine and commercial partnerships
Regulatory affairs directors navigating EU-GMP requirements and BfArM licensing
M&A and corporate development leads structuring cross-border transactions
Why World Class Cannabis 2026 Matters Now
The Market Has Fundamentally Changed. Germany’s April 2024 legalization under the Cannabis Act (CanG) transformed Europe’s largest economy into the continent’s most significant cannabis market. With medical cannabis imports reaching 142 tonnes in Q1-Q3 2025 alone – double the entire 2024 volume – the demand trajectory is undeniable.
What Makes 2026 Different. This 10th anniversary edition arrives at a pivotal moment. The CDU/CSU-SPD coalition government’s “open-ended evaluation” of the cannabis law concluded in late 2025, providing clarity on the regulatory path forward. The 83+ cannabis social clubs now operating represent proof of concept, while Pillar 2 commercial pilots in cities like Berlin and Hanover edge closer to launch.
The decisions being made at this conference – distribution agreements, acquisition targets, partnership structures – will define European cannabis for the next decade.
World Class Cannabis Business Europe, 10th EditionPlanning Your World Class Cannabis Trip
The intimate format and hotel venue setting make preparation essential for maximizing your networking ROI.
Accommodation Strategy
- Stay at the Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City South (conference venue) for maximum networking access
- On-site guests gain informal access to speakers during breakfast and evening events
- Book directly through the hotel and inquire about conference rates
- Lobby conversations often yield as much value as scheduled sessions
Conference Format
- Day 1: Opening keynotes, case-study presentations from Canopy Growth, Aurora Europe, DEMECAN
- Day 2: Panel sessions, round-table discussions by theme, startup pitch session
- Round-table format ensures direct engagement – prepare discussion points
- Evening networking events are mandatory attendance for serious deal-makers
Getting to Frankfurt City South
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe’s major hubs with direct connections worldwide
- Venue is approximately 15 minutes south of the airport by taxi or ride-share
- Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof offers excellent rail connections throughout Germany and Europe
- City South district accessible via S-Bahn lines
Ticket Information
- Conference Pass: EUR 499 (includes 12 months Online Think Tank access)
- Vendor Pass: EUR 1,999
- Early Bird: 45% off with code CBE26_45 until January 9, 2026
- World Class Unlimited: EUR 299.99/year for ongoing community access + conference
Understanding Germany’s Cannabis Framework
Key Regulatory Topics at World Class Cannabis
- The CanG Framework (April 2024): Germany’s Cannabis Act created a two-pillar system – personal cultivation/cannabis clubs (operational) plus commercial pilot projects (pending)
- Medical Cannabis Modernization: Cannabis removed from the Narcotics Act, streamlined BfArM licensing, no more Europe-wide tender process
- Cannabis Social Clubs: 83+ Anbauvereinigungen licensed across Germany (except Bavaria with zero permits), first distribution November 2, 2024
- Import Requirements: EU-GMP certification mandatory, BfArM general license required, 2025 quota increased to 192.5 tonnes
Understanding Germany’s 16-state implementation differences is essential for productive conversations. Bavaria’s resistance to CSC licensing demonstrates significant state-level variation that operators must navigate.
Related: Understanding EU-GMP Requirements for Cannabis Operations🇫🇪 Germany’s CanG Legalization: What Executives Need to Know
This regulatory deep-dive provides the essential facts for strategic planning discussions at World Class Cannabis 2026. Germany’s April 2024 Cannabis Act fundamentally reshaped the European cannabis landscape.
Key Market Facts for World Class Cannabis Attendees
- ✓ Market Size: German medical cannabis sales reached an estimated EUR 450 million in 2024, making it Europe’s largest market by a significant margin
- ✓ Import Growth: Q1-Q3 2025 imports (142 tonnes) already doubled the entire 2024 annual volume (72 tonnes), demonstrating explosive demand
- ✓ Supply Origins: Canada dominates imports at approximately 49% market share, followed by Portugal at 23% (Q3 2025 data)
- ✓ Personal Limits: Adults 18+ may cultivate up to 3 plants and possess 25 grams in public / 50 grams at home
- ✓ Club Progress: 83+ cannabis social clubs licensed nationally, though Bavaria maintains a zero-permit stance
- ✓ Quota Dynamics: The 2025 medical import quota increased from 122 to 192.5 tonnes mid-year after initial allocation was exhausted
💡 Did You Know?
Germany exported only 698 kg of cannabis in Q2 2025 while importing over 40 tonnes in the same period. Despite significant domestic cultivation licenses held by Aurora, Tilray/Aphria RX, and Demecan, the market remains heavily import-dependent – creating substantial opportunities for EU-GMP certified international suppliers.
Actionable Implications for Executives
For Importers: Secure EU-GMP certification and BfArM general licensing before approaching the market; quota exhaustion mid-year demonstrates demand outpaces supply. For Investors: Political risk is elevated but not prohibitive; the CDU evaluation did not reverse legalization, and medical demand is structurally driven by an aging population. For Cultivators: Domestic production capacity is constrained; partnerships with licensed German entities warrant serious consideration.
Disclaimer: This summary reflects publicly available information as of December 2025. Consult qualified legal counsel for specific regulatory guidance.
Operational Challenges Discussed at World Class Cannabis
The round-table format enables executives to address these common operational challenges with peers facing similar situations:
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16-State Implementation Variation
Germany’s federal structure means significant differences in how states implement cannabis law – Bavaria’s zero CSC permits versus more permissive states creates strategic complexity
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Banking and Financing Challenges
Both domestic and international banks remain hesitant to serve cannabis businesses due to AML concerns; UK investors face particular challenges under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
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Proposed Medical Restrictions
October 2025 amendments may require in-person consultations and prohibit mail-order pharmacy distribution – significant implications for telehealth-based prescribing models
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Pillar 2 Commercial Timing Uncertainty
Forty-nine municipalities submitted commercial pilot applications, but realistic timelines place first retail pilots in late 2026 or 2027 as five-year scientific studies
What to Prepare Before World Class Cannabis
With only 200 attendees, preparation determines whether you leave with signed letters of intent or merely business cards.
Documents to Prepare
- One-page executive summary of your company and market positioning
- Investment deck or partnership proposal (if seeking capital or partners)
- EU-GMP certification documentation (for potential supply discussions)
- Market entry strategy outline for the German/European market
- Deal flow summary if representing an investment vehicle
- Printed executive summaries of any proposals – digital is insufficient
Questions to Ask Peers
- How are you navigating the 16-state implementation differences?
- What impact do proposed medical restrictions have on your telehealth strategy?
- Which markets beyond Germany are you prioritizing for 2026-2027?
- How are you structuring partnerships given banking constraints?
- What is your read on Pillar 2 commercial pilot timing and viability?
- How are you approaching M&A in the current valuation environment?
What to Compare
- Valuation multiples being achieved in recent transactions
- Import quota allocation strategies and timing
- State-by-state licensing experiences and timeline expectations
- Banking relationships that are working (and which to avoid)
- EU-GMP audit preparation approaches and common deficiencies
- Distribution partnership structures and margin arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis executives planning to attend World Class Cannabis Business Europe 2026.
What is the format of World Class Cannabis Business Europe?
World Class Cannabis is an intimate executive conference, not a trade show. The format emphasizes case-study presentations from industry leaders, facilitated round-table discussions organized by theme, and structured networking. With only 200 attendees from 150 companies and 20 speakers, every participant has meaningful access to content and peers.
Is World Class Cannabis invite-only or open registration?
The conference is open for registration. Conference passes are EUR 499, with vendor passes at EUR 1,999. Early bird pricing offers 45% off with code CBE26_45 until January 9, 2026. A World Class Unlimited subscription (EUR 299.99/year) provides ongoing community access plus conference admission.
What is included in the conference pass?
The EUR 499 conference pass includes access to all presentations and panels, round-table discussion sessions, networking events and exhibitor tours, the startup pitch session, and 12 months of Online Think Tank access for year-round peer engagement.
What is the typical dress code?
As an executive-level B2B conference, business professional or business casual attire is appropriate. Given the networking-intensive format and presence of C-suite executives, investors, and pharmaceutical leaders, dress to convey credibility and professionalism.
Are one-on-one meetings available?
Yes. The intimate format and hotel venue setting facilitate direct conversations. Contact the organizers in advance to request introductions or scheduled meetings with specific speakers or attendees. The 200-attendee cap makes personalized engagement feasible.
How can I apply to speak or present?
World Class Cannabis features approximately 20 speakers from leading companies including Canopy Growth, Aurora Europe, DEMECAN, Bedrocan, and others. Contact the organizers through the official website to inquire about presentation opportunities or panel participation.
Software Solutions for European Medical Cannabis Compliance
Cannabis operations expanding into European medical 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 World Class Cannabis often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to varying regulatory requirements while maintaining consistent operational workflows across multiple facilities and jurisdictions. The pharmaceutical-grade documentation standards required for German market entry demand robust compliance infrastructure.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Europe use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability and EU-GMP compliant 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.