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The European continent is the most exciting place on the planet right now for cannabis policy and industry, especially after Germany implemented the first provisions of its new adult-use legalization law. In addition to Germany, cannabis is legal for adult use in Malta and Luxembourg, and most countries on the continent now have operating legal medical cannabis industries.<\/p>\n
As cannabis policy and regulatory modernization efforts continue to spread across Europe, opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and industry service providers are rising. As such, the eyes of the global cannabis community will continue to be focused on Europe\u2019s emerging legal industry. Below is a list of the continent\u2019s most influential cannabis executives (in no particular order).<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\nWill Muecke is a co-founding managing member of Artemis Growth Partners, an ESG and impact-oriented private equity platform dedicated to investing 100% in the cannabis industry on a worldwide basis. Artemis Growth Partners oversees US $400+ million in mission-driven, discretionary assets under management (AUM) invested in the global cannabis value chain, including branded products, distributors, value-added service providers, ancillary operators and science-driven research and development platforms. Known for creating value at every step of the investment process, Muecke brings the principles and practices of world-class governance, strategy and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for owners to his investing ethos.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nFinn H\u00e4nsel is a pioneering entrepreneur and one of the leading voices in the European cannabis industry. His work goes beyond entrepreneurship; he is an advocate for evidence-based cannabis policies, contributing significantly to the ongoing dialogue about the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis in Europe. With over 12 years of experience across various sectors\u2014ranging from consumer goods and insurance to pharmaceuticals\u2014H\u00e4nsel has established himself as a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of founding successful companies. He is the founder of brands like\u00a0THE ICONIC<\/em>,\u00a0Berliner Berg Craft Beer<\/em>,\u00a0Sportsecondhand<\/em>,\u00a0Valmano<\/em>, and\u00a0Petobel<\/em>. <\/p>\n For the past seven years, H\u00e4nsel has served as the CEO of\u00a0Sanity Group GmbH<\/em>, one of Europe\u2019s most influential cannabis companies. Under H\u00e4nsel\u2019s leadership, Sanity has quickly established itself as a leader in the German cannabis market, where it maintains a robust distribution network with over 2,000 pharmacies working with approximately 5,000 physicians in Germany. Sanity is also participating in the Swiss recreational cannabis pilot program and has announced plans to expand its retail footprint in Switzerland\u00a0plus<\/em>\u00a0enter the recreational pilot in Germany once it is officially launched by the new government. Sanity currently holds approximately a 10% share of the German medical cannabis market since the 2024 legal reforms in Germany were launched and most recently received a 21 million CAD investment from Organigram [NASDAQ:OGI] through their purchase of a minority stake designed to strengthen the partnership between these two global leaders.<\/p>\n Alex Rogers<\/a> is a visionary entrepreneur, political activist and the founder of several influential cannabis businesses over the past 30 years. He is the mastermind behind the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC)<\/a>\u2014the first and largest international business conference producing events across multiple continents. Having lived in five countries and being a polyglot, Rogers was naturally positioned to create the leading conference in Europe. He is renowned worldwide for connecting elite industry leaders and recently launched the members-only\u00a0Talman House<\/a>, created to connect entrepreneurs who need capital with investors ready to deploy capital in Europe\u2019s emerging industry.\u00a0\u00a0A Magna Cum Laude graduate in Political Science, his passion is using his influence to shape cannabis policy globally.\u00a0\u00a0Rogers has successfully advocated for progressive cannabis reform on the global stage and is currently working in Slovenia to help advocates achieve medical cannabis policy modernization. His foundational work with legendary pioneer Jack Herer and his incredible influence globally has cemented Rogers\u2019 legacy as both a successful international cannabis entrepreneur and a global policy influencer.<\/p>\n George Bellow is a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record of building organizations and managing operations across multiple countries. An expert in European medical cannabis distribution, he brings in-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks and a valuable network of industry contacts to SOMA\u00cd Pharmaceuticals. Bellow has excelled in multi-level distribution, co-developed industry codes of practice with the European Vending Association, and successfully exited a tech startup, demonstrating his ability to deliver shareholder value. With leadership experience at SOMA\u00cd, Belka VR, UVENCO, and Mili.ru, and credentials including a BBA and an MBA in Entrepreneurship, and experience in aviation, Bellow is a visionary leader driving innovation and growth.<\/p>\n Jamie Pearson<\/a> founded and leads The New Holland Group (NHG), a global consulting firm serving clients in need of expert assistance in international business development & strategy, operations, branding & marketing, capital raising, executive coaching, and monetizing IP across borders.\u00a0\u00a0Before NHG, Jamie spent seven years, including three as the President & CEO, of Bhang Inc. [CSE:BHNG], one of the world\u2019s most-awarded infused edible brands. She led the global expansion plan, ran the capital markets division, and was the face of the brand\u2013catapulting Bhang from a California favorite to a multi-national phenomenon.<\/p>\n Pearson\u2019s clients are among the most influential executives in the industry, including global brands, MSOs, governments and international trade associations. Known for her \u201cboots on the ground\u201d knowledge of North American and European markets, and deep rolodex, she is a popular speaker at conferences around the globe and sits on the advisory boards of Dope Drinks, Marley One, Unlock Healthcare, The Cannabis Summit and Hello Again. Pearson will be the Keynote Speaker at\u00a0ICBC Barcelona<\/a>\u00a0on March 13, 2025.<\/p>\n Lisa Haag, a marketing strategist and the founder of MJ Universe GmbH from Berlin, has been an active and dedicated contributor to the European cannabis industry for over a decade, dating back to 2015. Her mission is to foster collaboration and build bridges across borders, industries and regulatory frameworks, helping to shape the future of cannabis on a global scale.\u00a0In addition to leading MJ Universe, Haag serves as a board member of the German Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW) where she coordinates activities in technology, commerce and services. She is also a passionate supporter of global legalization efforts, working to align industry practices with regulatory and market needs.\u00a0Haag\u2019s commitment extends to empowering others, particularly women in cannabis.<\/p>\n With over 10 years of legal and international experience, Constantine von der Groeben is the co-founder and managing director of DEMECAN, the only German company that produces medical cannabis domestically. Von der Groeben has a Master of Laws from New York University and a PhD in International Law from the University of Cologne. He has also worked as a Referent at the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, advising on trade and investment issues. As a co-founder and managing director of DEMECAN, von der Groeben oversees the legal, regulatory and business development aspects of the company, and works with a diverse and passionate team to provide high-quality cannabis products to patients and pharmacies.<\/p>\n Peter Homberg is one of the world\u2019s most knowledgeable and accomplished cannabis experts. Homberg specializes in life sciences, IP and corporate law, and M&A transactions. Few people on the planet, if any, possess the extensive experience in advising on medical cannabis compliance as Mr. Homberg. He is a prolific speaker at cannabis industry and policy seminars and conferences, including being a long-time presenter at International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) events, and is the author of numerous articles and other publications on corporate and IP law in the areas of life sciences and medical cannabis.<\/p>\n Shai Ramsahai<\/a>\u00a0is a cannabis industry veteran and entrepreneur who grew up with Royal Queen Seeds (RQS) and uses his intimate knowledge to guide the company\u2019s international expansion. As the son of RQS Founder Boy Ramsahai, Shai has worn many hats at the company, starting as a seed packager and working his way up through roles such as sales representative, online ordering support, European sales team manager, and, ultimately, president. Shai now heads RQS and oversees its global expansion, leveraging his insight into diverse business cultures and mentalities to negotiate strategic partnerships and lead international RQS management teams. Under his leadership, RQS has grown along with several groundbreaking moves including taking over NYC Time Square on 4\/20, joining forces with Mike Tyson for a Tyson 2.0 x RQS collaboration, and opening a flagship location in Thailand. RQS\u2019s front-running position in the world of seeds and genetics has catapulted Shai firmly into the spotlight as one of the most influential executives globally. Originally from Holland, he now calls Malaga, Spain, home. In his free time, Shai enjoys spending time with his two daughters, exercising, unwinding on the beach, and discovering new places around the world.<\/p>\n Kai-Friedrich Niermann is characterized by his outstanding expertise and diverse practice in the cannabis industry. With a broad range of expertise in cannabis and business law, he provides comprehensive legal support to companies and individuals. From contract drafting and company formation to day-to-day legal support, he assists cannabis companies with customized solutions in all legal matters, including white-collar criminal law where necessary. Niermann is also the author of the blog canna-biz.legal<\/a>, where he positions himself as an expert in the thriving cannabis business. Canna-biz.legal not only provides insights into the legal status of cannabis in Germany and Europe today, but also current developments and offers resources for businesses and interested parties. Niermann\u2019s deep understanding of the complex legal framework in this sector makes him a sought-after contact.<\/p>\n Anna-Sophia Kouparanis is co-founder of German cannabis holding company Bloomwell Group, as well as founder of medical cannabis wholesaler Ilios Sant\u00e9 GmbH, making her the first woman in Germany to launch such a business<\/a>. The Bloomwell Group closed a seed funding round of over $10 million in 2022, the highest publicly known seed investment for a medical European cannabis company to date.<\/p>\n Sergio Martinez B\u00e9jar, CEO of Blimburn Seeds and BBG Projects, is a renowned pioneer in the European cannabis industry, based on his 20+ years of experience in wholesale seed distribution, music, fashion, journalism, event organization and e-commerce ventures. He has built, operated, consulted and exited from multiple successful ventures, establishing himself as a respected figure in global cannabis. Based out of Barcelona, B\u00e9jar is the CEO of\u00a0Blimburnseeds.com<\/a>, a leading cannabis seed retailer, and of BBG Projects, a leading seed wholesale company. B\u00e9jar\u2019s deep understanding of how to monetize global trends positions him as a key player with decades of experience in Europe\u2019s nascent and emerging seed markets.<\/p>\n J\u00fcrgen Bickel is the Managing Director and co-founder of STORZ & BICKEL<\/a>, a manufacturer of high-quality medical vaporizers based in Tuttlingen, Germany. The brand\u2019s most famous device, the VOLCANO, was the first medically certified cannabis vaporizer worldwide and remains the gold standard among physicians, researchers, and consumers. J\u00fcrgen Bickel holds a degree in civil engineering and, prior to starting at STORZ & BICKEL, managed a development aid project for drinking water supply in Peru for 5 years. His experience in planning and organizing large-scale projects was of great benefit to him as Managing Director of STORZ & BICKEL, and together with Markus Storz, he established the successful, globally operating brand.<\/p>\n Sita Schubert is an\u00a0accomplished attorney with extensive expertise in facilitating market access\u00a0for international enterprises and start-ups such as Tilray Europe, across Germany and Austria. Her\u00a0comprehensive knowledge spans product launches, approval transfers, clinical\u00a0trials, regulatory compliance and business practices. Schubert excels in steering\u00a0products through every stage\u2014from development and approval to production and\u00a0marketing. As a consultant,\u00a0she offers invaluable support in establishing companies and start-ups,\u00a0ensuring smooth market access. She has designed and led the \u201cRoad Map from\u00a0Science to Business\u201d mentoring and training program, which prepares future\u00a0management to navigate complex industry landscapes effectively.<\/p>\n The post The Most Influential European Cannabis Executives in 2025<\/a> appeared first on Cannabis Now<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The European continent is the most exciting place on the planet right now for cannabis policy and industry, especially after Germany implemented the first provisions of its new adult-use legalization law. In addition to Germany, cannabis is legal for adult use in Malta and Luxembourg, and most countries on theContinue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":80031,"comment_status":"false","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15715,18041,50,18042,18043,80,490,18044,18045,17374,18046,18047,18048,18049,18050,18051,18052],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80030"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80030"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80030\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":80032,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80030\/revisions\/80032"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80030"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=80030"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=80030"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Alex Rogers \u2013 CEO and Executive Producer, International Cannabis Business Conference<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nGeorge\u00a0Bellow \u2013 CO-Founder, SOMA\u00cd Pharmaceuticals LTD<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nJamie L Pearson \u2013 Founder and President, New Holland Group<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nLisa Haag \u2013 Founder, MJ Universe GmbH<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nConstantine von der Groeben\u00a0\u2013 Cofounder and Managing Director, DEMECAN<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nPeter Homberg \u2013 Partner, gunnercooke<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nShai Ramsahai \u2013 President, Royal Queen Seeds<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nKai-Friedrich Niermann \u2013 Cannabis Lawyer, KFN+<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nAnna-Sophia Kouparanis \u2013 Co-Founder, Bloomwell Group<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nSergio Martinez B\u00e9jar\u2013 CEO, Blimburn Seeds and BBG Projects<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nJ\u00fcrgen Bickel \u2013 Managing Director and Co-Founder, STORZ & BICKEL<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nSita Shubert \u2013 Secretary General, European Medical Cannabis Association<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\nRead More: The Most Influential European Cannabis Executives in 2025<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"