On Friday, March 7th, 2025, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered at the World Horti Center in the Netherlands for the latest edition of the Cannabis Summit. Hosted in one of Europe's leading hubs for horticultural innovation, the event delivered a packed agenda of expert insights and critical discussions, cementing its status as a key date in the European cannabis calendar.
A Familiar Face Leads the Conversation
Mariana Larrea Arias returned as the Summit’s compère for the second year in a row, bringing her signature energy and expertise to guide attendees through a day of compelling discussions and thought-provoking panels.
Beau Whitney Opens with a Deep Dive into the European Cannabis Market
The Summit kicked off with a keynote from renowned cannabis economist Beau Whitney, who provided a comprehensive overview of the European cannabis landscape. His analysis covered market growth, regulatory developments, and investment opportunities, setting the stage for the discussions that followed.
Advanced Cultivation: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation
Following Whitney’s address, the Advanced Cultivation panel took center stage, with Sonny Moerenhout of Cultivators in the Netherlands leading the discussion. The panel explored cutting-edge techniques in cannabis cultivation, sustainability measures, and technological advancements reshaping the industry. Experts shared insights on best practices and the latest innovations driving efficiency and quality in cannabis production.
Paul Depla Calls for Reform in Dutch Cannabis Policy
The second keynote of the day featured Paul Depla, Mayor of Breda, who delivered a candid and critical examination of the Netherlands' ongoing Wietexperiment (Closed Coffeeshop Supply Chain Experiment). He outlined the experiment's shortcomings, addressing issues such as regulatory bottlenecks, supply inconsistencies, and the need for broader reform to create a more functional and transparent legal framework.
An Afternoon of In-Depth Discussions
The afternoon session featured a highly anticipated fireside chat between Heidi Whitman and Christian Blake, Chief Growth Officer at Genetica. Their discussion delved into the intersection of genetics, research, and commercialization in the cannabis sector, highlighting how advancements in genomics and data science are shaping the future of cannabis breeding and production.
INNEXO Cracks the Code on Cannabis Seed Phenotyping
The day concluded with an industry-shifting presentation by Dominique van Gruisen, CEO of INNEXO. Van Gruisen unveiled INNEXO’s latest breakthrough in cannabis seed phenotyping, a pioneering technology leveraging spectral imaging and AI-driven sorting. Collaborating with Innoveins Seed Solutions and SeQso, INNEXO has successfully developed a method to identify key genetic and phenotypical traits in cannabis seeds before they sprout—marking a paradigm shift in seed-based cultivation.
This non-destructive technology enables the precise sorting of cannabis seeds based on factors such as germination viability, sex identification, off-type elimination, and phenotypic trait selection. The implications for the medical cannabis industry are profound, offering seed producers greater control over quality and consistency while eliminating the need for feminization and improving scalability.
With the proof-of-concept validated, INNEXO is now working with seed companies and breeders to refine proprietary AI sorting algorithms for their cultivars, ensuring that this revolutionary approach becomes the new industry benchmark.
A Platform for Progress
With thought-provoking discussions and cutting-edge presentations, the Cannabis Summit 2025 once again underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and regulatory evolution in the European cannabis industry. As the sector continues to evolve, conferences like these remain crucial for shaping its future, fostering dialogue, and driving meaningful change.
Until next year, the conversation continues.
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