This article was written by Lydia Kariuki and published in “mycannabis” on 07 April 2024. The original article can be viewed here.

In a landmark event poised to shape the future of the cannabis industry, ASTM International is proud to announce the organization of a global cannabis conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Scheduled to take place in January 27th and 28th, 2025. This conference promises to be a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world.

The global cannabis industry boasts a rich diversity with numerous stakeholder groups. However, many of these groups have endured historical marginalization, facing barriers that have hindered their participation in these markets, even within their own domains. Recognizing these inequities, ASTM International Technical Committee D37 on Cannabis endeavors to create a platform for amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals within these global industries. The objective of this two-day conference is to establish a vital connection between traditional knowledge, scientific advancements, and the commercialization of Cannabis sativa L. and its derivatives, ensuring that all stakeholders, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, are afforded an equitable opportunity to thrive in the international cannabis marketplace.

Conference Schedule

Day 1: attendees will have the opportunity to listen to voices that have long been marginalized and disenfranchised in the international cannabis market, including legacy cultivators, indigenous communities, women, and other underrepresented groups. By reflecting on shared stories and challenges, attendees can better understand how to empower these groups and overcome barriers to entry, fostering a more diverse and accessible cannabis industry for all.

Day 2: will focus on identifying and addressing the specific barriers that hinder legacy cultivators, indigenous communities, women, and other marginalized groups from accessing the international cannabis market. Through workshops and discussions, attendees will explore innovative strategies for overcoming these obstacles, learning about actionable steps, existing tools, and resources available to empower underrepresented communities and promote equity in the industry.

ASTM Standards Development

Central to the conference agenda will be the development and refinement of ASTM standards for the cannabis sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to actively participate in shaping these standards, contributing their expertise and insights to ensure that they reflect the latest advancements and best practices in the industry.

Networking Opportunities

The conference will serve as a vibrant hub for networking, providing attendees with invaluable opportunities to connect with peers, collaborators, and potential partners from diverse corners of the globe. Whether forging new business relationships, exchanging ideas, or seeking mentorship, participants will find a welcoming environment conducive to fostering meaningful connections.

Learning and Knowledge Exchange

In addition to standards development and networking, the conference will feature a rich program of educational sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations. Attendees can expect to delve into a wide range of topics spanning cultivation, processing, testing, regulatory compliance, and more. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, participants will gain valuable insights, practical skills, and actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry.

Call for Abstracts, Video Submissions, and Sponsors

ASTM International invites submissions of abstracts and videos from individuals and organizations interested in sharing their expertise, research findings, innovative technologies, and success stories with the global cannabis community. Whether presenting groundbreaking research, showcasing cutting-edge products, or sharing insights from real-world experiences, contributors will play a crucial role in shaping the conference program and enriching the collective knowledge base of attendees. Abstracts can be submitted through the ASTM Submission Portal.

Furthermore, sponsors are invited to join ASTM International in supporting this landmark event. Sponsorship opportunities offer organizations the chance to elevate their visibility, demonstrate thought leadership, and align their brand with the advancement of cannabis standardization and innovation on a global scale.

Conclusion

The forthcoming global cannabis conference in Cape Town, South Africa, represents a unique convergence of industry stakeholders committed to driving progress, promoting collaboration, and advancing the cannabis industry through standardization and innovation. With its focus on standards development, networking, learning, and collaboration, this conference promises to be a transformative event that sets the stage for the continued growth and evolution of the cannabis sector.

For more information on how to participate, submit abstracts or videos, become a sponsor, or register for the conference, please visit the official conference website or contact ASTM International directly.

Overcoming Barriers to Entry – Voices from Around the World

Cape Town, January 27-28 2025

Fields of Green for ALL is very proud to be part of the planning committee for the very first ASTM D37 Conference to be held on the African continent.

This is a call for sponsors and speakers for this groundbreaking event.

Information on how to participate is here

and here.

Stigma is the over-arching barrier to entry in the Cannabis sector and the development of standards for quality assurance is the most powerful way of overcoming the enduring misconceptions around the harms of Cannabis.

Deadline for Sponsors (Updated): Deadline Extended to May 31, 2024

Deadline for Speakers (Call for Abstracts): Abstract Deadline Extended to June 30, 2024