❌

Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Before yesterdayMain stream

Data Demonstrates That German Cannabis Legalization Is Working

✇Cannabis Now
By: Johnny Green
7 October 2025 at 14:30

A key component of adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany involves ongoing evaluations by researchers and government officials to gauge if the nation’s cannabis policies and regulations are effective. The data derived from the evaluation efforts, especially the EKOCAN project, will be heavily relied upon by German lawmakers when they make future decisions about German cannabis laws and industry regulations.

Several initial evaluation data points and findings have recently surfaced, and the results are favorable. The information from researchers heavily focuses on three main components:

  1. Child and youth protection
  2. Public health outcomes
  3. Cannabis-related crime
Legalization

Focus #1: Child and Youth Protection

Regarding the first area of focus, the results of a recent government study found that youth consumption rates have decreased since the first provisions of adult-use cannabis legalization were enacted on April 1, 2024. The German Federal Institute for Public Health recently published data regarding youth cannabis usage rates post-legalization. The “Drug Affinity Study 2025” surveyed 7,001 young people between the ages of 12 and 25 from April to July 2025, and the results were then compared to those from a similar study conducted between April and June 2023.

According to the Federal Institute for Public Health’s assessment of the data before and after legalization, the proportion of youth aged 12 to 17 who reported having consumed cannabis within the last year fell from 6.7% during the survey period in 2023 to 6.1% this year. The proportion of youth who reported having consumed cannabis more than ten times in the past 12 months decreased from 1.3% in 2023 to 1.1% this year. The data effectively debunks predictions by cannabis opponents that adult-use legalization would result in a spike in youth consumption rates.

Focus #2: Public Health Outcomes

Measuring public health outcomes as they relate to cannabis policy modernization efforts is somewhat challenging. However, a key measurement comes in the form of surveying consumers to see if they source their cannabis from legal channels. The theory behind using that measurement is that if consumers obtain their cannabis through home cultivation or regulated sources instead of unregulated sources, the products they consume will be safer and thus public health outcomes will be improved. That is the argument that German lawmakers successfully made to obtain European Union approval for legalization.

“The Cannabis Act (CanG) led to significant changes in the supply channels among adults: 88.4% generally purchased legally produced cannabis in the last six months (home cultivation, including cultivation by friends, cultivation associations, pharmacies); before the law, 23.5% used the now legal sources.” stated the Institute for Addiction Research at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and the Evangelical University of Freiburg about a recent collaborative survey they conducted (translated from German to English).

It is worth noting that the reported significant changes in consumer purchasing behavior come at a time when the adult-use cultivation association sector is still experiencing significant bureaucratic hurdles in Germany. According to the most recent data from the Federal Association of Cannabis Cultivation Associations (BCAv), the total number of approved German cultivation association applications is now at 323. BCAv lists that 743 total applications have been submitted to date. Germany’s cannabis community can support exponentially more cultivation associations across the country if afforded the opportunity. The average membership of current German associations is 275 members, according to a recent survey.

Focus #3: Cannabis-Related Crime

The third major focus of ongoing German legalization research and evaluation efforts revolves around how the historic law has impacted cannabis-related crime enforcement in the European nation. According to Jörg Kinzig, Director of the Institute of Criminology at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, cannabis-related crime data demonstrates that such offenses have decreased by over 53 percent after legalization was enacted, from 215,000 offenses in 2023 to 100,000 during the last year.

Cannabis opponents in Germany continue to try to thwart forward progress on the nation’s cannabis policy modernization efforts. However, they have seemingly struggled to spin the currently available data in their favor. A full reversal of adult-use legalization, which some opponents have expressed a desire to pursue, is not justified. Some opponents appear to have pivoted their approach to some degree, and instead of pushing for a full reversal, are trying to pursue changes to the law, such as reducing the number of plants that adults can cultivate in their private residences. Adults in Germany are currently permitted to cultivate up to 3 plants.

Lack of Pilot Trials Hinder Cannabis Legalization System

One major hole that continues to exist in Germany’s legalization system is the lack of approved regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. Pilot trials are a key component of Germany’s legalization model, and dozens of pilot trial proposals have been submitted and are pending approval from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food. Pilot trials are already operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland with no major issues reported, and when they are finally launched in Germany, they will provide consumers with more options to source their cannabis products legally. It will further erode Germany’s unregulated market. Pilot trials will also be an important source of additional data for researchers, regulators, and lawmakers in Germany.

All of these topics and facets of Germany’s cannabis public policies, ongoing research efforts, and industry sectors will be discussed extensively at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin in April 2026.

The post Data Demonstrates That German Cannabis Legalization Is Working appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Which European Countries Will Legalize Cannabis Next?

✇Cannabis Now
By: Johnny Green
19 September 2025 at 00:17

The European continent is currently home to the most countries that have adopted national adult-use cannabis legalization measures. The South American continent has one (Uruguay); North America has one (Canada); and Africa has one (South Africa); Comparatively, four European nations have adopted national recreational legalization measures.

Malta became the first European country to adopt a national, adult-use cannabis legalization measure back in 2021, making Malta the third country to do so globally, only behind Uruguay and Canada. While many other European countries were expected to be the first to legalize, Malta ultimately holds that title. Malta was then followed by Luxembourg, which adopted its recreational cannabis legalization law in 2023. Luxembourg’s adult-use legalization model is inferior to Malta’s in various ways.

Germany approved its historic legalization measure in 2024. The German CanG law is widely considered to be the most significant cannabis policy modernization victory in Europe to date and ushered in a new era for the continent’s emerging cannabis industry and reform movement. Germany’s legalization model includes provisions for personal cultivation (three plants) and possession (50 grams), as well as cultivation associations and pilot trials. Malta’s model includes cultivation associations, but not pilot trials, and Luxembourg’s model includes neither cannabis legalization model components.

The Czech Republic became the most recent European nation to legalize cannabis for adult use when lawmakers approved a measure earlier this year. Czechia’s cannabis legalization model will permit adults to cultivate up to three plants in their private residences and possess up to 100 grams of cannabis. Czechia’s adult-use cannabis possession limit will be the greatest in Europe, although the Czech legalization model will not include cultivation associations or pilot trials, unfortunately. Recreational legalization will take effect in the Czech Republic on January 1, 2026.

Slovenia and Switzerland Predicted to Legalize Next

Now that four European countries have legalized cannabis for recreational use, the obvious question is ‘which country will be next?’ Lawmakers in several European nations are considering adult-use legalization measures, yet some proposals seem to have a better chance of being approved compared to others. The political reality is that just because a measure is proposed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be approved.

One European country that is at the top of most policy observers’ legalization list is Slovenia. Lawmakers in Slovenia introduced an adult-use legalization measure in July, mere days after the country’s National Assembly approved a landmark medical cannabis legalization measure. Some of the reported components of Slovenia’s proposed adult-use legalization law include:

  • Four plants per adult, or six plants per multi-adult residences
  • Possession of up to seven grams of cannabis in public
  • Possession of up to 150 grams of cannabis in private residences, or 300 grams in multi-adult residences
  • Gifting cannabis to other adults would be legal
  • Employers would be prohibited from testing their employees for cannabis use

Last year, Slovenia’s voters approved both a medical cannabis referendum measure and an adult-use referendum measure. The vote on the adult-use measure received 51.57% approval from Slovenian voters. While the referendum vote was not legally binding, it did send a clear message to Slovenia’s lawmakers that a majority of Slovenia’s voters want a modernized approach to the nation’s cannabis laws.

Another European nation being watched closely by cannabis policy observers is Switzerland, where an adult-use legalization measure was introduced earlier this year. The measure received preliminary approval by Switzerland’s Social Security and Health Committee of the National Council in February. Below are components of what is being considered in Switzerland:

  • Three plants per adult
  • Sales would be taxed and subject to a state monopoly
  • Vertical integration and advertising would be prohibited
  • Penalties would be increased for “people who evade the legal market”

Switzerland’s proposed legalization model would permit adults to possess a personal amount of cannabis; however, a specific possession limit hasn’t been identified yet. According to a previous press release from Switzerland’s Social Security and Health Committee of the National Council, “maximum quantities for private and public possession apply,” but quantities were ultimately not specified.

A major factor working in Switzerland’s favor is that regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are already operating in the European country. Over two years after the first pilot trial launched in Switzerland, no major issues have been reported. Lawmakers in Switzerland can now use the data and insight gathered from the regional pilot trials to help them advocate for national legalization.

Europe remains the most exciting place on the planet for cannabis policy and industry. People who want to get in on the action are encouraged to attend the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, Germany in April. It’s Europe’s largest and longest-running B2B cannabis conference. Leading policy and industry experts from both Slovenia and Switzerland will be in attendance, along with leaders from other top European markets. Many of them will be presenting the most-current information about Europe’s emerging cannabis laws and regulations through keynote presentations and panel discussions.

The post Which European Countries Will Legalize Cannabis Next? appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Trichome Israel: Inside Job

✇Cannabis Now
By: Madison Margolin
5 August 2025 at 07:41

Once upon a time, Jerusalem was known to be the Amsterdam of the Middle East. As the through route of the cannabis trade from Lebanon to Egypt, the Holy Land became decked with hashish dens and coffee shops, frequented by cannabis aficionados of any creed or race. As such, the legacy of cannabis culture has deep roots in a region riddled with wounding that runs just as deep, demanding a medicine to treat it. Fast forward a few hundred years: Israeli chemist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam pioneers the discovery of THC—not to mention CBD as well—and within decades, Israel becomes a world leader in the cannabis industry.  

As such, it checks out that some of the world’s highest caliber cannabis companies are based out of Israel. Among them is Trichome, something of a science lab-meets-art studio, specializing in the craft of indoor cannabis cultivation. Leading the way into a new era of sophistication and innovation, Trichome has boasted Israel’s largest indoor grow facility since its launch in 2020. The company merges meticulous horticultural practices with cutting-edge technology, trailblazing and redefining what it means to produce actual high-quality cannabis in an already competitive marketplace.  


Trichome Founder and CEO Tony Levi says every strain has its own personality.

At the onset of the global pandemic, Trichome Founder Toni Levi returned to his homeland from Barcelona, where he worked in a cannabis social club. Blazing through Israeli bureaucratic red tape and inspired by a robust medical marijuana program, within a few short years of founding Trichome, Levi wasn’t only able to secure the highly sought-after Good Agricultural and Collecting Practices (GACP) certification from the Israeli government, but also a commercial license—and with that, Trichome bloomed from a concept into a commercial powerhouse that captures ten percent of Israeli cannabis, particularly in a premium category.  

Part of what sets Trichome apart from its peers is its unwavering commitment to standardization based upon unique, innovative horticulture methodologies. Take, for instance, Trichome’s many varieties of cannabis, spanning nine flowering rooms, which are grown in rockwool rather than traditional soil in order to provide a sterile, consistent growing medium. This choice reflects the company’s ethos: precision, consistency and quality above all else. 

“We’re not just growing cannabis; we’re crafting it,” Levi says. “Our goal was to create a product that stands out not just in Israel, but globally.”  

Levi’s journey into the cannabis world wasn’t a straight path. Before Trichome, he spent years immersed in Barcelona’s cannabis culture, working at a social club and absorbing the nuances of cultivation and consumption in a city known for its progressive approach to the plant. But when the pandemic hit, Levi saw an opportunity to bring his expertise back home. “I came back to Israel because I saw the potential here,” he says. “The medical marijuana program was already strong, and I knew we could build something extraordinary with the right vision and execution.” That vision materialized in Trichome’s sprawling 22,000-square-foot facility, now a beacon of innovation in Qiryat Gat, in southern Israel.  

The facility itself is a marvel—clean, modern and meticulously designed to optimize every aspect of the cannabis lifecycle. Trichome’s grow rooms may feel less like stepping into a traditional farm and more like entering a high-tech laboratory. LED lights hum overhead, casting a glow on rows of lush green plants rooted in rockwool cubes, a hydroponic medium that allows for precise control over nutrients and water. 

“Rockwool gives us consistency,” says Steve Abboud, Trichome’s horticulturalist and a key figure in shaping the company’s cultivation practices. “Soil is great, but it’s unpredictable. With rockwool, we can standardize our process and ensure every plant gets exactly what it needs, every time.”  


Trichome has boasted Israel’s largest indoor grow facility since its launch in 2020.

Abboud, who brings a wealth of experience to Trichome, is the mastermind behind the company’s ability to produce 17 distinct strains—each with its own unique cannabinoid and terpene profile. From classics such as OG Kush to proprietary hybrids, Trichome’s offerings cater to a discerning market of medical patients and, increasingly, recreational users as Israel’s cannabis laws evolve. “We’re not just chasing THC percentages,” Abboud says. “It’s about the whole plant—terpenes, flavonoids, the entourage effect. That’s where the real medicine lies.”  

This focus on the “whole plant” is a cornerstone of Trichome’s philosophy, one that resonates deeply in a country where cannabis has long been viewed through a medicinal lens. Israel’s medical marijuana program, one of the oldest and most advanced in the world, serves as both inspiration and infrastructure for companies like Trichome. With more than 100,000 registered patients and a growing export market, the Israeli people’s demand for premium cannabis is higher than ever. Trichome has risen to meet that demand, producing roughly ten tons of cannabis annually while carving out a niche in the premium segment.  

But it’s not just about scale. Levi and his team say they’re obsessed with quality, a commitment that shines through in their GACP certification, a rigorous standard that ensures every step of the cultivation process meets international benchmarks. “Getting GACP was a game-changer,” Levi says. “It’s not just a badge; it’s a promise to our customers that what they’re getting is clean, safe and consistent.” 

Trichome is positioning itself as a global player, as Levi’s ambitions stretch far beyond Israel’s borders. “We’re already exporting to Europe, and we’re just getting started,” he says. “The world is waking up to what Israeli cannabis can offer.” 

Indeed. With its combination of advanced technology, scientific rigor and a deep-rooted cannabis heritage, Trichome is well-poised to make waves on the international stage.  

Yet, for all its forward-thinking, Trichome remains grounded in the realities of its homeland. Operating in Israel comes with unique challenges—bureaucracy, security concerns and a market that’s still finding its footing amid shifting regulations. Levi doesn’t shy away from these hurdles. “It’s not easy,” he says candidly. “But that’s what drives us. We’re building something lasting, something that can withstand the chaos.”  

That resilience is mirrored in the plants themselves, thriving under Abboud’s watchful eye. “Cannabis is a survivor,” he says. “It’s been persecuted, banned and misunderstood, yet it keeps coming back stronger. Working with it feels like a privilege.” For Abboud, the work is as much art as it is science—a delicate balance of intuition and data. He spends hours tweaking light spectrums, nutrient mixes and humidity levels, all in pursuit of that perfect bud. “Every strain has its own personality,” he muses. “You’ve got to listen to what it’s telling you.”  

As Trichome continues to grow, so too does its impact on Israel’s cannabis landscape. The company employs dozens of workers, from cultivators to lab technicians, and has become a hub for research and development. Levi envisions a future where Trichome isn’t just a producer but a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of what cannabis can be—medically, culturally and commercially. “We’re not here to follow trends,” he says. “We’re here to set them.”  

In a region where cannabis has been both a balm and a battleground for centuries, Trichome stands as a testament to what’s possible when tradition meets innovation. From the hashish dens of old Jerusalem to the gleaming grow rooms of today, the plant’s journey in Israel has been long and winding. 

With Trichome at the helm, that journey is entering a bold new chapter—one bud at a time.

The post Trichome Israel: Inside Job appeared first on Cannabis Now.

❌
❌