The International Cannabis Business Conference: A Decade of Progress and the Dawn of Germany’s Legal Milestone
As the cannabis industry hits a pivotal moment in 2025, one of the most exciting milestones is the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) celebrating its 10th anniversary. And this year, the conference is uniquely positioned to be the gateway to Europe’s rapidly evolving cannabis landscape. With Germany leading the charge by embracing medical legalization, ICBC’s Berlin event promises to be the most electric yet. We caught up with Alex Rogers, the Owner and CEO of ICBC, to dive deep into the transformative changes in the industry and the conference’s role in shaping the future of cannabis legalization globally.
A Decade of Innovation: What’s Different This Year?
This year, the conference is poised to make history with its 10th-anniversary celebration, coupled with Germany’s landmark shift in cannabis policy. Rogers explains that the German market will take center stage at ICBC Berlin, underscoring how the country’s approach will influence not only Europe but the broader global cannabis community.
“The adoption of the Cannabis Gesetz (CanG law) is the most significant cannabis-based public policy change in human history,” Rogers tells Honeysuckle. “The ripple effect it has already created is monumental. At ICBC Berlin, we’ll be diving into the details of how Germany is shaping its future—and by extension, how its policies will impact markets and markets-to-be worldwide.”
With the iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel as the backdrop, the two-day event will be a nexus for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers eager to learn from the German model. Rogers envisions the conference as a dynamic meeting ground where the brightest minds from all corners of the cannabis industry can come together to network, educate, and collaborate.
Activism through Business: The ICBC Vision
Rogers has long championed the idea that “the best activism is business.” For him, fostering meaningful conversations between industry stakeholders and policymakers has been central to the ICBC’s mission. The conference was born from the belief that policy change begins when the right people are brought together, and that cannabis reform should be approached with careful, strategic thought.
“I always believed that bringing together brilliant minds from both policy and industry would spark real change,” he says. “That’s the power of ICBC: creating a space for dialogue and exchange of ideas so that we can move forward together in a unified direction.”
Rogers highlights ICBC Berlin 2021 as a major milestone. For the first time in Germany’s history, representatives from every major political party gathered to discuss cannabis policy. The result? The ideas presented at the panel became the blueprint for many of the provisions now enshrined in the CanG law, which aims to revolutionize Germany’s approach to both medical and adult-use cannabis.
Germany’s “Ideal Legalization” Model
Germany’s decriminalization and medical-forward approach has garnered international praise, and Rogers is a staunch advocate for its framework. He argues that Germany’s policies offer a more nuanced and effective solution than the current landscape in the U.S. or elsewhere in Europe.
“In a perfect world, we’d see nationwide adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany, but for now, what Germany has in place is about as good as it gets in Europe,” Rogers explains. “The CanG law allows adults to cultivate cannabis at home, join cultivation associations, and eventually sign up for local pilot trials. It’s a robust and public-health-oriented approach that sets Germany apart.”
What stands out most to Rogers is the medical cannabis framework, which he believes is a model for the rest of the world. “In Germany, patients can access cannabis through pharmacies, and in many cases, insurance will cover the cost,” he says. “Compare that to the U.S., where insurance companies don’t cover medical cannabis, and many patients face a patchwork of dispensaries with inconsistent regulations. Germany’s system is lightyears ahead, particularly in terms of safe and reliable access.”
Slovenia’s Bold Steps: The Eastern European Renaissance
While Germany leads in policy innovation, Slovenia is quietly making waves in the cannabis landscape. In 2024, voters approved two significant cannabis policy referendums: one focused on adult-use legalization and another on domestic medical cannabis production. Though not binding, these measures send a clear message that Slovenia is ready for change.
“Slovenia is a country with world-class research and development capabilities,” Rogers notes. “I expect the country to become a major player in medical cannabis production in the coming years. The referendum results show that the people are ready, and now it’s up to the government to take the necessary steps toward reform.”
In the broader context of Eastern Europe, Rogers sees huge potential. He believes that as European cannabis policies evolve, nations in the region will emerge as key players in the global market, especially in medical cannabis production and research.
North America vs. Europe: The Diverging Paths of Legalization
As ICBC’s presence expands globally, Rogers has witnessed firsthand the differences between North American and European cannabis markets. The United States and Canada each have their own unique challenges, but Rogers believes Canada’s nationwide adult-use legalization model stands out as a benchmark for what the rest of the world should aspire to.
“Canada has already achieved what Europe and the U.S. are still working toward,” he says. “The country’s model allows for nationwide adult-use commerce and is a great example of how a thoughtful and regulated system can work. The U.S. is more advanced in terms of adult-use legalization in certain states, but at the federal level, the country is still far behind in terms of policy cohesion.”
When it comes to Europe, Rogers points out that many countries are limited by EU agreements, particularly in their approach to adult-use cannabis. However, he sees an undeniable shift toward more progressive medical cannabis policies across the continent, and Germany’s leadership in this area could serve as a template for other nations to follow.
A Memorable Moment: ICBC Barcelona’s Legendary After-Party
As with any significant conference, ICBC is known for its celebrations as much as its panels and discussions. For Rogers, one memory stands out from the vibrant ICBC Barcelona after-party, where Damian Marley graced attendees with a live sound system performance on the beach.
“It was a moment for the ages,” Rogers reflects. “Damian Marley on the beach at the ICBC after-party? It doesn’t get better than that.”
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Rogers remains optimistic about the continued growth of the cannabis industry, particularly in Europe. With Germany’s leadership, Slovenia’s bold moves, and the collective momentum building around cannabis reform, the ICBC’s role as a bridge between policy, business, and advocacy has never been more vital.
“We’re at the precipice of a global transformation,” Rogers says. “ICBC is here to guide that conversation and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. This is just the beginning.”
As the cannabis industry enters this exciting new chapter, the world will be watching closely. And thanks to visionary leaders like Alex Rogers and platforms like ICBC, the future is brighter than ever.
For more information about ICBC Berlin 2025, visit their website and secure your spot.
