Duc Anh Dang is no stranger to the grind. As the Managing Director of Mary Jane Berlin, he’s been at the forefront of Europe’s cannabis evolution since 2016. What began as a small festival aimed at shedding light on the benefits of cannabis has grown into one of Europe’s largest and most influential cannabis trade events, drawing thousands of visitors, exhibitors, and industry leaders year after year.
Dang’s path to the cannabis industry wasn’t conventional. Having seen firsthand the shift in Germany’s legal framework, he understands the challenges of bringing a previously underground market into the light. For him, the mission has always been about more than just business—it’s about changing perceptions, shifting cultural attitudes, and creating a space where cannabis culture can thrive.
Today, Mary Jane Berlin is at the heart of Germany’s growing cannabis industry, leading the charge as it shifts from medicinal use to potential recreational legalization. In an exclusive interview for Honeysuckle Media with the team at Green Success - the premier house of brands revolutionizing US culture brands into the European medical market with big names such Tyson 2.0, Cali X, and Packs. Dang spoke candidly about the evolution of Europe’s cannabis market, the role of international brands, and what’s next for Germany as it continues to move toward broader legalization.
Exclusive Q&A with Duc Anh Dang
HS: Duc, you’ve been leading Mary Jane Berlin since 2016. How have you seen the industry in Europe change over the years?
Duc Anh Dang: It’s been incredible. When we first started, there was nothing. Zero. Cannabis was still illegal for pretty much everyone except medical patients. Fast forward to today, and Germany is legally allowing people to grow plants at home, there’s tons of medical cannabis on the market, and the conversation is shifting to recreational use. The growth is almost impossible to compare.
Hs: What can we expect from Mary Jane Berlin this year compared to last year?
Dang: Oh, this year is going to be huge. We’re talking about more halls, more exhibitors, more visitors, and the whole event area is going to be massive. We’re pushing the limits of what we can do. We’re building something bigger each year, not just in size, but in the energy and impact we can make in the industry. It’s going to feel like the industry is finally coming into its own in Europe.
HS: How has the German market evolved since you started, and where do you see it going?
Dang: It’s like night and day. Back in 2016, we were fighting for every inch. People didn’t even understand why cannabis should be legal. Now, there’s medical cannabis everywhere, and the conversations are moving toward full legalization. People are finally accepting that cannabis is here to stay—and I think the next step will be recreational legalization. That’s the game-changer for us.
HS: What role are international brands playing in the European market, and how have U.S. brands impacted Germany?
Dang: U.S. brands like Tyson 2.0, Cali X, and Packs & More are definitely changing the game. The U.S. has street credibility, a huge legacy in the industry. They’ve been around longer, and they’re bringing that experience to Europe, which is a good thing for everyone. For us in Germany, it pushes the quality up. It's not just about competing for space; it’s about improving the market by offering more variety and better products. When the big players come in, they raise the bar for everyone else.
HS: You mentioned quality—how do you feel about the current state of products on the market in Germany?
Dang: Honestly? There’s a lot of room for improvement. The legal market is still figuring it out. Some of the product quality just doesn’t cut it. People are looking for that real thing, not just something that’s legal and easily accessible. What we need is more artisanal, craft cannabis. That’s where we’re headed—toward micro-grows, quality over quantity. That’s where the heart of the culture is.
HS: There’s been a lot of talk about the Green Success Initiative and its role in Europe. What’s your take on it?
Dang: The Green Success Initiative is absolutely a game changer. It’s bringing a lot of culture and lifestyle-driven brands into the European market—brands with a real message, not just a product to sell. These brands are pushing the boundaries of what cannabis culture can be, and that’s going to resonate with the European market. It’s not just about the plant; it’s about the story behind it. This is how we make a lasting impact.
HS: Finally, what do you think the impact of federal legalization in the U.S. will be on the global cannabis industry, and how will it affect Europe?
Dang: If the U.S. goes federal, it’s a big deal—not just for the U.S., but for the whole world. It’ll lift the stigma, change the perception globally, and make it easier for other countries to follow suit. For Europe, it means more pressure to accelerate the push for legalization. And for the industry, it means more investment, more innovation, and more opportunities for everyone involved.
Duc Anh Dang isn’t just a part of the cannabis movement in Europe—he’s helping lead it. From Mary Jane Berlin’s early days to the high-energy, high-impact festival it is today, Dang’s vision is clear: build a community, push for quality, and fight for cultural acceptance. With a growing network of international brands and the momentum of a shifting legal landscape, the future of cannabis in Europe is looking brighter than ever. And Dang’s not stopping anytime soon.
