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