VideoCannabisPodcastsTrade To Black

How German Election Results Could Impact Cannabis

By Shadd Dales On Feb 27, 2025

On our latest Trade of Black livestream for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Host Shadd Dales speaks with Finn Hänsel, CEO of Sanity Group, to discuss the recent German election and implications for the cannabis industry there. Kathryn Tucker, Special Advocacy Advisor from the National Psychedelic Associations, also joins the show to talk about the possibility of psilocybin being rescheduled under the Trump administration.

Sanity Group’s CEO Finn Hänsel joined the podcast to discuss the rapid expansion of Germany’s cannabis market. The organization is a leading health and life sciences company focused on utilizing cannabinoids to enhance quality of life. Operations span pharmaceuticals, medical products, and consumer goods, with brands like Vayamed, AVAAY Medical, and This Place. Sanity Group has attracted investments, including €20.1 million in a Series A round in 2020, $37.6 million in a Series B round in 2022, and €14 million in 2024 from Organigram Holdings (NASDAQ: OGI). They also collaborate with over 2,000 pharmacies and 5,000 physicians across Germany and holds a 10% share of the German medical cannabis market.

News broke on Sunday that the conservative CDU/CSU party, led by Friedrich Merz, won the election. There have been rumours that the party opposes cannabis legalization, and aim to repeal the Cannabis Act, which could significantly impact the industry. Hänsel says patient numbers have grown 3-4x since legalization in April 2024, while prescriptions have surged nearly tenfold. Germany now imports record amounts of medical cannabis, with January 2025 estimates reaching 10 tons.

Despite concerns, Hänsel believes that the core of Germany’s cannabis law, Pillar One, covering medical access, will remain intact despite the results of the German election. Looking ahead, he sees potential for continued exponential growth. Tune in for the full details, as Finn Hänsel will provide some feedback on what cannabis investors should anticipate next.

Looking at psychedelics, Katherine Tucker, a leading advocate for psilocybin rescheduling, discusses the ongoing legal battles to move the substance out of Schedule I in the U.S. Unlike cannabis, psilocybin has received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA twice, making a compelling case for rescheduling.

While progress is slow, she is optimistic that psilocybin could be rescheduled before cannabis due to its extensive clinical trials and demonstrated medical benefits. However, challenges remain, particularly with the federal-state legal divide. She’ll explain more.

We wrapped up with a look at key industry developments.

AN – Sidebar Square

Shadd Dales

Shadd Dales is the Founder and President of The Dales Report and has an extensive background in the business media industry.

His work translates into over 15 years in mainstream media that included roles with BNN Bloomberg, CTV Properties and the iHeart Radio Network.

Shadd is considered one of the leading on air talents in both the cannabis and psychedelic space and has interviewed some of the most notable CEO names in the industry.

Shadd’s vision is to establish a content platform that is equivalent to a mainstream broadcast produced in a format that is relevant for today’s investor.