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Get Ready For The Green Rush: Malta’s Second MedCann World Forum Was Bigger And Better Than Ever

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As Malta positions itself as the medical cannabis hub in the Mediterranean region, over 1,600 experts, investors and medical professionals from around the world visited the island to discuss a bright and green future.

The second annual edition of the three-day MedCann World Forum launched to an excited crowd, with the buzz on the floors of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta showing just how much hype and interest there is in Malta’s next big industry.

People were lined up outside before the big day.

People were lined up outside before the big day.

MEP Miriam Dalli delivered her keynote speech in style.

MEP Miriam Dalli delivered her keynote speech in style.

Medical cannabis is projected to be a multi-billion euro business within a few years, with Malta set to make up to €1 billion in medical cannabis exports and employ 900 people in the local industry in the next three years.

The hall was packed with interested delegates ready to learn more.

The hall was packed with interested delegates ready to learn more.

With legislation in place and the political and business will to make the medical cannabis industry in Malta truly take off, let’s take a look at some of the key highlights from MedCann 2019.

Lots of cool branded items and useful freebies were up for grabs at MedCann.

Lots of cool branded items and useful freebies were up for grabs at MedCann.

Over 1,600 people from around the world travelled to Malta to learn more about Malta’s budding medical cannabis industry.

Experts and investors from everywhere from Canada, USA, Israel, UK, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Columbia, Australia, among many other countries, were kept busy with a series of insightful talks from industry insiders.

The Forum was the perfect place for the international businessmen to lay their roots on the island, network with like-minded individuals and get a better understanding of the local market.

People were keen to network and get a foothold in the Maltese industry.

People were keen to network and get a foothold in the Maltese industry.

Over 30 international companies showcased their wares.

And it wasn’t only international companies – several Maltese companies offered their services as more and more businesses attempt to enter the local market.

It’s no secret that 50% of companies applying to begin operating in Malta were refused due to the strict requirements and due diligence needed to set up shop.

However, for the ones that made it through the tough process, they would be granted access to the European market and be offered the support of the Maltese government.

Some of the biggest companies in the medical cannabis world were in attendance.

Some of the biggest companies in the medical cannabis world were in attendance.

As were some of the key policy makers globally.

As were some of the key policy makers globally.

Attendees were treated to some incredibly stimulating discussions from key experts who didn’t hold back from sharing their insights.

The cannabis industry is one of the most progressive industries worldwide and several prominent women took the stage to share their stories and provide support for up-and-coming women in the industry.

A strong panel.

A strong panel.

Insiders from the Canadian industry also took the stage for a blunt and open discussion about what the industry did right, and what they did wrong.

And how Malta can learn from their mistakes.

Candian experts were hopeful for Malta.

Candian experts were hopeful for Malta.

And people were ready to listen to all the speakers' had to say.

And people were ready to listen to all the speakers' had to say.

With everyone seeing that Malta was positioning itself as a frontrunner in the European medical cannabis market, several high-ranking government officials spoke about their vision for the future.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Minister for the Economy Chris Cardona reminded delegates just how serious they were about this industry, while Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista and Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia laid out some of the more interesting aspects of the industry.

The mood was light and hopeful among both politicians and investors.

The mood was light and hopeful among both politicians and investors.

And the government made it clear that this new industry has its support.

And the government made it clear that this new industry has its support.

With production of medical cannabis products forecast to begin in April 2020, Malta is consolidating its position in Europe.

And judging from the excited international delegates, Maltese politicians and policymakers, the only question is – how long do we have to wait for MedCann 2020?

Photos: Emma Tranter

Did you attend MedCann 2019? Let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below.

READ NEXT: WATCH: From Eggy Tomatoes To Sautéed Aubergines, Here Are Two More Traditional Maltese Recipes

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]
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Medcann Malta

The Mediterranean’s premier industry gathering. A 3-day conference dedicated to Medical, Business, Research, Legislation, Regulatory and Fintech held at Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta.

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