Exploring the Future of Cannabis at Cannafair

Launched in 2019, Cannafair is Germany’s second-largest cannabis expo. The event takes place at the Mitsubishi Electric Halle in Düsseldorf—a prime location with easy access from the train station and airport. Situated within a 100-mile radius of over 30 million people, the city provides the ideal setting for the European cannabis community to host this dynamic cannabis fair, and this year marked the first legal event!

As a cannabis enthusiast, I was thrilled at the chance to learn more about legalization and socialize with the cannabis community at Cannafair. I was even more excited after I saw the event’s artwork on the tickets when they arrived in the mail. The tickets featured stunning artwork depicting three cannabis buds clinging to a burning-hot joint resembling a rocket hurtling through the air, with Düsseldorf’s iconic Rheinturm Tower in the background.

While not the largest trade show in Germany, Cannafair left a lasting impression. The Expo’s design caters to newcomers in the industry with substantial support from European nutrient companies including BioBizz, Dutch Pro, and Canna. Seeing seed banks like Sweet Seeds, Barney’s Farm, Delicious Seeds, and Kannabia, highlights the expo’s significance as a major cannabis event and its role in shaping the European cannabis industry.

Vibrant Atmosphere
The event attracted a sold-out crowd, with attendees eagerly queuing in long lines to enter. Excitement filled the air as people lit up joints and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere. The event buzzed with energy, drawing in enthusiastic attendees, exhibitors, and industry experts, all sharing a common interest in cannabis culture. The atmosphere was enhanced by brightly colored booths and the pungent aroma of cannabis.

Attendees were provided with a selection of hands-on activities, including a variety of interactive contests and engaging workshops. Everyone had the opportunity to sample a selection of non-psychoactive CBD products like infused honey, explore the latest advancements in vaporizer technology from Storz and Bickel, and discover the best methods for making their own water hash with the Pollinator team.

Product Development and Availability
The show floor featured everything from high-quality seeds and grow equipment to smoking paraphernalia, CBD flowers, and cannabis clones, marking a substantial evolution compared with the period before weed legalization in Germany. The event served as a platform for both experienced and novice individuals looking to explore and invest in this growing industry.

However, despite legalization, it became apparent that many individuals needed help to locate the necessary growing equipment. This is where the Cannafair Expo played a crucial role, as it addressed this challenge by catering to the needs of beginner growers. The event’s focus on cultivation supplies, which are not readily available in typical garden centers, aimed to bridge this gap by offering a starting point for individuals embarking on their cannabis cultivation journey.

Catering to the new-grower market, each company offered interactive activities where attendees could win growing supplies. Whether playing Pacman, roulette, or basketball, everyone was guaranteed to take something home—it was fantastic to see them leaving with basic growing supplies to pair with beginner cannabis seeds. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that despite these advancements, the recreational sale of cannabis is still restricted. So, get growing!

The Advancement in Cannabis Education
The event also offered educational seminars, workshops, and panel discussions on cultivation techniques like Lollipopping and the evolving cannabis industry. Participants had the chance to deepen their knowledge by attending expert-led talks and engaging in Q&A sessions. Moreover, the event featured high-profile speakers from the cannabis industry, providing attendees with expert perspectives and advancing their understanding of the industry.

This year’s business conference, held under the motto “Finally legal?” featured lectures on the fundamentals of growing. Some of the key moments included Martin Anker’s discussion of how general conditions influence the perfect lighting setup, Florian Henrich’s session on “Living Soil with Flo and H2O,” CSC Wubatz & Lito Law Academy’s presentation on building a cannabis social club, and Michael Knodt’s talk on cannabis on social media.

Another highlight was watching the team at Hanfzwerg, an emerging German hemp company, lead interactive workshops on pressing rosin, which was truly fascinating. Enthusiasts brought their own flowers for pressing, providing a fantastic opportunity to promote solventless concentrates. This hands-on experience was especially beneficial for newcomers, allowing them to learn about how to press rosin firsthand.

The B2B business section provided a dedicated space for professionals to connect, discuss collaborations, and network privately. Unlike larger events such as Mary Jane, Cannafair’s smaller community-focused nature attracted a diverse mix of growers, enthusiasts, and newcomers. For new and small businesses, these types of modest or quaint local fairs are essential for building the foundations of legislation and moving the European cannabis industry forward.

The Impact of Legalization
Cannafair drew significant attention from publications including Hanf Magazine, Soft Secrets, Rheinische Post, and Dusseldorf Post, greatly expanding its potential audience. Nationwide advertisements for Cannafair and vibrant, eye-catching posters along the borders of the Netherlands clearly attracted attendees from neighboring countries, demonstrating the impact of legalization across Germany and beyond.

Walking through Dusseldorf’s charming center after the event, I found a picturesque park where I could enjoy a leisurely smoke. After I rolled up a joint of All Gas OG, to my delight, I discovered that I wasn’t alone. The impact of legalization has begun to remove the negative stereotype of cannabis users, and it was fantastic to see people openly smoking joints, reminding me of the free spirit of the cannabis community.

The Future of Cannafair
After a fantastic weekend, a notable area for improvement would be to restrict the practice of mixing cannabis products with tobacco, as it may discourage international visitors seeking insights into the industry, especially those who consume cannabis products in their pure form. To create a more inclusive and health-conscious environment, organizers could provide designated areas to accommodate consumption preferences.

The future of Cannafair looks promising, and the 2024 Expo provided valuable educational seminars and workshops on cultivation methods and legislation, benefiting professionals and newcomers alike. It also offered an opportunity for attendees to engage with the global cannabis community, stay updated on industry trends, and partake in celebrating cannabis culture.

Follow the Humboldt Seed Company Instagram account for updates on future events, new releases, and more. See you next year!