Events
Barcelona hosts Cannabis Week from 12 to 16 March, with CDays, ICBC and Spannabis
With Spannabis now in its 22nd edition, Barcelona is set to host three of the most important events in the cannabis industry worldwide, transforming the city into the main meeting point for the industry and culture related to the plant. From 12 to 16 March 2025, the Catalan capital will be the epicentre of the cannabis industry, bringing together professionals, experts, entrepreneurs and activists to discuss the future of the sector at a global level.
'Cannabis Week' kicks off with conference CDays, an event focused on innovation and networking promoted by Cannabis Hub, at Pompeu Fabra University (Poblenou Campus Auditorium). The following day, March 13th, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC), at the Cornellá Auditorium, which will provide a strategic look at the international market, with a focus on the European market and regulations in Spain. On Friday, March 14, the long-awaited Spannabis kicks off, one of the largest and oldest cannabis fairs in the world, which will take place at the Fira de Cornellá until Sunday, March 16, and is expected to receive more than 30.000 visitors.
CDays: A meeting of innovation and knowledge
Opening the program on March 12th, CDays, organized for the 4th consecutive year by Cannabis Hub, is divided between Talks and Round Tables, with several experts debating current topics such as cannabis clubs, cultivation, education, motherhood, sales, compliance and regulation, without forgetting psychedelics.
Alexandra Vujinovic and Olivia Ewenike from the Cannabis Law Academy will discuss the impact of social clubs on adult-use regulation in Germany.
Fast Buds journalist and Rolling Stone Cultural Advisory Board member Lindsey Bartlett will discuss the role of social media and media in educating about cannabis in a global censorship landscape. Erika Santana, former congresswoman in Mexico, will discuss the importance of compliance in the industry, a key factor in the credibility and growth of the sector, while Rebecca Allen-Tap of Paralab Green will share her tips on the business edge: how to survive and succeed in the European cannabis market.
The afternoon’s program will feature discussions on neuroscience, stigma, and the impact of regulation in Latin America. Neuroscientist Masha Burello will explore scientific advances in the perception of cannabis, while Mercedes Ponce de León from Latinabis will analyze regulatory changes in Uruguay and their regional influence.
The program will continue with topics related to consumption and well-being. Desiree Pascale-Eckhouse, from Medical Extracts, will address the benefits of cannabis for holistic health. Loles Abellanas, from CSC Sasquash Rosin Club, will bring a perspective on motherhood and conscious consumption, emphasizing the importance of information and parental responsibility.
In the afternoon, panels will focus on changing perceptions about cannabis and its impact on society. Neuroscientist Masha Burello will explain how advances in science can help combat the stigma surrounding the plant, and Natalia Kesselman from El Planteo will address the different languages and narratives about cannabis in modern society.
Luna Stower, formerly of Ispire, will present on a theme central to the evolution of the industry: how focusing on people can make the industry more profitable, while The Dank Duchess, consultant and hashish cultivator, will explore the relationship between cannabis, psychedelics and neurodivergent wellness.
The program will also feature discussions on the impact of regulations in Latin America, with Mercedes Ponce de León, from Latinabis, and a panel on the decolonization of psychedelics, led by Polita Pepper, from Cannativa.
ICBC: The future of the European cannabis market
A International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) returns to Barcelona on Thursday 13 March, cementing its position as the leading B2B networking and business event for the cannabis industry in Europe. A precursor to Spannabis for several years now, the conference has been an essential meeting point for entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers seeking to understand and shape the future of the sector in Europe.
The choice of Barcelona as the venue for the event is no coincidence. The city has a strong cannabis culture and a well-established network of cannabis social clubs, as well as being at the heart of the debate on cannabis regulation in Europe. According to Alex Rogers, Executive Producer at ICBC, the continued partnership with Spannabis allows us to connect the B2B market and consumers, creating a strategic environment for innovation and growth in the industry. “The Spannabis brand is iconic and one of the most recognized names by cannabis fans around the world. We are honored to once again partner with such a long-standing and important institution,” said Alex Rogers, Executive Producer and CEO of ICBC.
“Spannabis has served as a meeting point for the entire European cannabis scene for many years. It is first and foremost a consumer event. However, many attendees are also looking for a B2B element. ICBC’s partnership with Spannabis fills this gap and meets a clear need for key cannabis industry players to meet, network and advance the industry as cannabis laws are modernised in Spain and across the continent,” said Rogers.
The cannabis market in Spain is booming. According to Euromonitor International, the sector was valued at €238,5 million in 2024, with growth forecast to reach €358,4 million in 2025. In the medicinal segment, the figures are equally impressive, rising from €27,3 million this year to €107,6 million in 2026.
ICBC will feature a diverse program covering everything from regulatory policy and investment opportunities to innovation and sustainability in cannabis. The event will feature representatives from several countries, bringing together policymakers, investors and industry leaders. In addition to keynotes and panels, attendees will have access to exclusive networking sessions, providing strategic connections to expand their businesses on the global stage, including the event’s signature nightly closing party.
With the increasing modernization of cannabis laws in Europe, ICBC Barcelona is already a crucial meeting space to discuss the trends and challenges of the sector, driving the development of the European market and consolidating Barcelona as one of the global capitals of the cannabis industry.
A official page of the event has the full conference schedule, as well as the event's speaker list and ticket purchase available.
Spannabis: Europe's oldest and largest cannabis fair
For 22 years, Spannabis returns to Barcelona, always in March, consolidating itself as one of the largest cannabis events in the world. The fair will bring together exhibitors from various areas, including cultivation, genetics, extractions, technology, media and well-being. In addition, the 'World Cannabis Conference', which takes place in the Cornellá Auditorium, within Spannabis, will feature expert panels addressing crucial topics for the sector.
Spannabis attracts thousands of visitors and industry professionals each year, establishing itself as a central meeting point for industry enthusiasts and experts. At the show, seed banks, paraphernalia stores, CBD products, nutrients, grow lighting systems, analytical machines, trimming and extraction systems, hemp products, software and technology companies, and many other businesses join a parallel lineup of conferences featuring doctors, scientists and industry experts to share knowledge on the benefits of cannabis, its medicinal applications and the changing global regulatory landscape.
A World Cannabis Conference (WCC), held in conjunction with Spannabis, features a variety of outstanding speakers:
- Ana Afuera (Spain): Political scientist and activist with over ten years of experience in drug policy. She works as a coordinator at ConFAC and is secretary of ENCOD, contributing to publications and seminars on drug regulation models and cannabis social clubs.
- Araceli Manjon-Cabeza (Spain): Professor of Criminal Law at the Complutense University of Madrid and director of the “Drugs in the 21st Century” chair. Former judge at the National Court and former director of the National Drug Plan, with extensive experience in policies related to controlled substances.
- Bernardo Soriano (Spain): Co-director of the law firm S&F Abogados, with over fifteen years of experience in matters related to cannabis and its regulation. He has participated in the drafting of bills for the comprehensive regulation of cannabis for adults and is vice-president of the Cannabis Hub.
- Carola Perez (Spain): Founder of the patient association Dosemociones, president of the OECM and coordinator of the International Council of European Patients of the IACM. Co-founder of the project “We, The Patients”, dedicated to defending the rights of patients who use medicinal cannabis.
- Fernando Caudevilla (Spain): Family physician and addiction specialist, known for his work under the pseudonym “DoctorX”. With over twenty years of experience in substance-related intervention, research and teaching projects, he has become an influential figure in substance education.
- Jose Carlos Bouso (Spain): Clinical psychologist and PhD in Pharmacology, he is the scientific director of the ICEERS Foundation, contributing significantly to research and education on the therapeutic use of psychoactive plants.
- Manuel Guzman (Spain): Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Complutense University of Madrid and vice-president of the OECM. His research focuses on the mechanisms of action of cannabinoids and their possible therapeutic applications in neurology and oncology.
- The Dank Duchess (USA): Educator, activist, grower and consultant on cannabis cultivation and extraction issues, recognized for her work in promoting knowledge about hashish and other forms of concentrates.
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Chelsea Kossower (USA): Vice President of Global Expansion at PUFFCO, Chelsea has played a key role in the brand’s growth. She also practices jiu-jitsu and seeks to bring this sport closer to the cannabis industry.
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Giacomo Bulleri (Italy): Director of Bulleri Legal Firm and specialist in industrial (hemp) and medicinal cannabis. Giacomo participated in the hearings of the 13th Agriculture Committee during the legislative process that led to the approval of National Law No. 242/2016 in Italy. He also coordinated the drafting of regulations for the production of hemp inflorescences, adopted by several Italian agricultural organizations.
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Polita Pepper (Mexico): PhD in Social Anthropology, co-founder of the Latin American Network of Cannabis Women, activist, educator and feminist. Polita has been an active voice in promoting women's rights and educating about cannabis use in Latin America.
Several panel discussions will contribute to enriching the debate on cannabis at WCC, addressing topics ranging from public policy and regulation to scientific advances and therapeutic applications.
In 2024, Spannabis expanded beyond Barcelona, holding its first edition in Bilbao, at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), from 20 to 22 September. This event featured around 200 exhibitors and welcomed more than 3.900 professionals and visitors.
Spannabis Barcelona, which is expected to welcome more than 30.000 visitors, continues to be an essential platform for knowledge exchange, networking and promoting advances in the international cannabis industry, reflecting the growing interest and development of the cannabis-related industry in Europe and worldwide.
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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With a degree in Journalism from the University of Coimbra, Laura Ramos has a postgraduate degree in Photography and has been a Journalist since 1998. Winner of the Business of Cannabis Awards in the category "Journalist of the Year 2024", Laura was a correspondent for Jornal de Notícias in Rome, Italy, and Press Officer in the Office of the Minister of Education of the 21st Portuguese Government. She has an international certification in Permaculture (PDC) and created the street-art photography archive “Say What? Lisbon” @saywhatlisbon. Co-founder and Editor of CannaReporter® and coordinator of PTMC - Portugal Medical Cannabis, Laura directed the documentary “Pacientes” and was part of the steering group of the first Postgraduate Course in GxP's for Medicinal Cannabis in Portugal, in partnership with the Military Laboratory and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon.



