I had the pleasure of attending the Cannabis Europa conference in London on 3rd May, and it was an insightful experience. The event was packed with intimate workshops, informative seminars, and valuable networking opportunities that provided a comprehensive understanding of the key challenges and opportunities facing the medicinal cannabis industry in the UK.
The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the latest developments in the use of medicinal cannabis. It was a great opportunity for me to learn about the current state of the industry, the legal landscape, and the potential benefits around its use.
The educational workshops and seminars covered a wide range of topics, including the science behind cannabis, its medical applications, and the regulatory landscape in the UK. The speakers were knowledgeable and engaging, and much was to be learnt from their presentations.
I attended the “Medical vs Recreational: A Looming Identity Crisis” seminar; a thought-provoking and informative discussion that shed light on the complexities of cannabis use and the important distinctions between medicinal and recreational use.
The panellists, all experts in the European cannabis industry, explored the differences between using cannabis for medicinal purposes versus recreational use, and discussed the importance of proper regulation and education around cannabis use.
It was emphasised that medical professionals and patients need to have access to accurate information about the benefits and risks of cannabis use, as well as guidelines for safe and effective use.
Another interesting topic that was explored was the potential for cross-pollination between the medicinal and recreational cannabis industries. Many panellists agreed that there is significant potential for the two industries to learn from each other, with research and innovation in the recreational industry potentially leading to new treatments and therapies in the medicinal space.
One of the key takeaways was that while both medicinal and recreational cannabis use can have therapeutic benefits, they are fundamentally different in their goals, and this contributes further to the impending identity crisis facing the European cannabis industry as we know it.
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the networking opportunities. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse group of professionals from the industry, including researchers, scientists, sector experts, and entrepreneurs. It was great to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis and I walked away from conversations feeling inspired and motivated to continue learning about the industry.
The “Women in Cannabis Networking Session” further provided a platform to exchange thoughts, opinions and ideas with women and businesses at the forefront of the industry who are operating on a global level.
The conference was a great success, and it will undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of the use of medicinal cannabis both in the UK and globally, and are crucial in advancing the industry and breaking down the stigma surrounding cannabis use. The day ended with a renewed appreciation for the potential of medicinal cannabis in treating a range of conditions and a deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape in the UK.
In summary, attending the Cannabis Europa conference was an incredibly enriching experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis. The workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities were all top-notch, and I look forward to attending similar events in the future.
Back to News + Insights