Abstract

In this issue, we present a 

Panel Discussion on Cannabis.
Experts in cannabis extraction and its application in food and medical products have been invited to participate around a virtual table and discuss about the regulation, future of cannabis market and global trends with a focus on Europe, the hemp farmers’ opinions and much more.

HEMP IN THE EUROPEAN, US, & CANADIAN MARKETS- REGULATIONS AND ISSUES WITH FOOD PRODUCTS

The cannabis industry has been booming both in the European Market and in North America.  More than €500 million has been invested in the cannabis industry, and six countries have announced new legislation regarding the growth, sale, or consumption of cannabis. France, the UK, and Spain are reviewing current legislation, while Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands – countries considered industry leaders – are focusing on expanding existing medical programmes (1). The market is estimated to be worth as much as €123 billion by 2028, say researchers at Prohibition Partners (2).  According to Frost & Sullivan, in 2019, the medical cannabis market in the United States generated over $7.4 billion in retail sales; by 2022, sales are forecast to exceed $12 billion (3).

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family, which consists of three primary species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.  ...