Peter Homberg, a renowned German lawyer specializing in cannabis and life sciences, has died.

The legal and cannabis industry community was surprised this Friday, December 5th, with the news of the sudden death of Peter Homberg, one of the most internationally recognized lawyers in the sector. Born in Germany, his career as a lawyer was especially dedicated, in recent years, to life sciences and cannabis law. The information was released in an official statement from his current law firm, gunnercooke, expressing sorrow and solidarity with his family.

Peter Homberg leaves behind his wife and a son. The company's statement highlights that Homberg "brought people together and kept them together," and that "his positive spirit and passion will remain" through his colleagues.

Yesterday, the day of his unexpected death, Peter Homberg shared on LinkedIn an enthusiastic message about your participation in the conference Euroforum Jahrestagung Nahrungsergänzungsmittel 2025in Düsseldorf, where he participated as a speaker on a panel dedicated to the topic "CBD in food supplements – between therapeutic promises and legal obstacles".

In the post, Homberg highlighted the energy of the event, the richness of the debate, and the importance of dialogue between the different stakeholders in the sector. The publication, marked by optimism, professional engagement, and enthusiasm, now takes on an even stronger symbolic weight, becoming one of his last public records of activity.

Peter Homberg's last public appearance in Düsseldorf, and a post shared on LinkedIn on the day of his death, yesterday, November 5, 2025.

Homberg wrote:

What an inspiring day!

Today I had the privilege of speaking at the #euroforumJahrestagung #Nahrungsergänzungsmittel2025 in Düsseldorf on the exciting topic 'CBD in food supplements – between therapeutic promises and legal obstacles', and of discussing, together with many committed participants, ideas, perspectives and challenges of the food supplement sector.

The energy, the exchange of experiences, and the diversity of viewpoints showed, once again, how fundamental dialogue and collective thinking are.

And the best part: the event continues tomorrow, with many more sessions, networking opportunities, and innovative ideas.

Many thanks to the excellent organizing team and to everyone who listened, asked questions, and participated in the discussion today. I'm already looking forward to the next exchange!

Peter Homberg's career and legacy in the cannabis industry.

Peter Homberg began his professional career in 1989 and has become a leading expert in corporate law, intellectual property (IP), mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the life sciences sector, with an emphasis on pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology, medical devices and especially medicinal cannabis.

Between 2001 and 2009, he was a partner at Jones Day (Frankfurt), where he headed the Life Sciences and Intellectual Property practices for Germany and Europe. From 2010 to 2012, he was a partner at the German firm Raupach & Wollert-Elmendorff, leading the national Life Sciences practice, and from 2012 onwards, he joined the global firm Dentons, where he led the Life Sciences Practice in Germany and the European Cannabis Sector Group. In 2025, he moved to the Berlin-based firm gunnercooke GmbH, a move seen as strategic to dedicate himself more focused on cannabis regulation, a rapidly expanding sector not only in Germany but also internationally.

Throughout his career, Peter Homberg has served as an advisor to startups, medium-sized companies, corporate groups, and international investors, providing legal counsel on research and development contracts, licensing agreements, collaboration agreements, regulatory compliance, and mergers and acquisitions transactions.

His work and influence in the market were widely recognized: he was repeatedly named 'Life Sciences Lawyer of the Year' in Germany and was an active voice in conferences and public debates on cannabis regulation. He was a speaker at numerous events and facilitated talks at conferences such as the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC), where he contributed to shaping the future of medicinal and recreational cannabis policies in Europe.

With his extensive legal experience and commitment to the professionalization of the medicinal cannabis industry, Peter Homberg was a central figure in consolidating a more mature and viable regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis compounds in Europe. His work as an advisor, author, and speaker helped guide companies, startups, and investors through a complex legal landscape, contributing to the responsible growth of the industry.

The unexpected death of Peter Homberg represents a significant loss for the field of life sciences law and medicinal cannabis. Professional colleagues and representatives of companies in the sector have already expressed their dismay and sorrow, recognizing Homberg as one of the most respected experts in the industry. His legacy, not only in terms of contracts or clients, but also in terms of knowledge and professional ethics, will have a lasting impact on the cannabis industry.

In a statement, Wolfgang Richter, Managing Partner of gunnercooke GmbH, assures that all current mandates will continue to be fulfilled by his team, maintaining the standard of excellence that he helped to build.

With deep sadness — In memory of Peter Homberg
(Translation of the Official Statement)

With deep sadness – In memory of Peter Homberg

Dear Sir,
It is with great sadness that we must inform you that our esteemed colleague and friend Peter Homberg passed away unexpectedly yesterday evening.
This news has deeply shaken us. Our sincere sympathies go out to his family during these difficult times — especially to his wife and son.
Peter achieved what few can: he brought people together and kept them together. His positive spirit and passion will remain with us.
For decades, he was an exceptional lawyer who dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his clients and felt at home in the life sciences sector like no other. To his clients, he was much more than a lawyer—he was an expert, advisor, and trusted partner.
His commitment and willingness to share knowledge left a lasting mark on our team. Much of what defines our work today bears his signature. We are grateful to have shared part of his journey with him. Peter will be greatly missed.
At the same time, we want to assure you that your continued support and representation remain fully guaranteed. The life sciences team that Peter Homberg has built over many years is at your complete disposal. All ongoing mandates will be carried forward without interruption. For any matter relating to your mandates, please feel free to contact Judith Heimbürger (judith.heimbuerger@gunnercooke.de), Goetz Malt (malte.goetz@gunnercooke.de) or Corinna Ehrhardt (corinna.ehrhardt@gunnercooke.de).
We appreciate your kindness and the trust you place in us.
In silent remembrance,
Wolfgang Richter

The CannaReporter® team extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Peter Homberg.

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Laura Ramos

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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.

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