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Sanity Group

Europe’s first legal cannabis specialist store has opened: “Grashaus Projects” in Switzerland officially launched

Grashaus Projects is officially up and running: following approval by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) to conduct a cannabis pilot study in the canton of Basel-Landschaft in October, the first of two cannabis dispensaries has now opened at Baslerstrasse 198 in the municipality of Allschwil near Basel this week: On a sales area of around 110 square meters, the Grashaus offers various THC-containing cannabis products such as flowers and soon also extracts, vape liquids, hashish and edibles for the up to 3,950 study participants. All products are produced by the Swiss cultivation partner SwissExtract in accordance with the quality requirements of the BetmPV and on organic regulation. The prices for cannabis flowers, for example, are between eight and twelve Swiss francs per gram, depending on the THC content.
In addition, merchandise and accessories such as grinders and vaporizers from selected, internationally renowned partner brands and manufacturers such as Medusa, Steezy, Pax, HØJ and YewYew are also available for purchase. Workshops and educational events on all aspects of cannabis, including small cultural events, are also planned for the Grashaus in the future.

“Our aim is to offer high-quality products in a safe and regulated environment. We also see our store as a place of education. The opening marks a significant step towards a modern cannabis policy in Europe,” explains Finn Hänsel, CEO of the Sanity Group, which is behind the project together with the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF). Another dispensary is currently being built in Liestal and is also due to open in the coming months.

Full control from production to product purchase

As part of the study, Grashaus Projects is also working with the Swiss track & trace company Cannavigia: Cannavigia’s software ensures that all processes from product cultivation to sale can be tracked seamlessly, guaranteeing quality standards and compliance along the entire value chain. It also ensures that only authorized persons can purchase and consume the permitted amount of cannabis upon presentation of the participant ID card. The participants’ consumption data is protected at all times by a pseudonymous study ID.

Gaining insights into the use of cannabis

The study, led by Prof. Dr. Michael Schaub, Scientific Director of the ISGF, is investigating the regulated sale of cannabis for non-medical purposes. For this purpose, the study will record the consumption behavior as well as the physical and mental health of the participants. Through close exchange and the integration of relevant focus groups such as the public prosecutor’s office, social and health department and municipality, social effects, especially on public safety and order, are analyzed.

Up to 3,950 adults between the age of 18 and 65 who live in the canton of Basel-Landschaft can take part in the study. Within a few weeks, over 200 participants have already been accepted into the study; more and more participants are gradually being admitted. After an initial information event to provide information about the trial and the use of cannabis, potential participants undergo a medical aptitude test and an online initial survey. If they are successfully accepted into the trial, they will then be able to legally obtain cannabis from the point of sale for a limited period of time with a participation card. Every three to six months, ongoing surveys are conducted on the participants’ consumption behavior and physical and mental health. The study runs for a period of five years.

Interested parties can find more information about participating in the study and register online at www.grashausprojects.ch and at www.isgf.ch/pilotversuch-interesse.

Graphic & Pictures: Sanity Group (c)

About Sanity Group
Sanity Group aims to improve people’s quality of life through the use of cannabinoids and the utilization of the endocannabinoid system. The focus is on cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. To harness the full potential of cannabis, Sanity Group invests in research of the cannabis plant and its active ingredients as well as in specific areas of application. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and avaay Medical (medical cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), vaay (lifestyle) and Grashaus Projects (recreational cannabis Swiss pilot project). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production facility for cannabis extracts. Sanity Group Switzerland AG is a subsidiary of Sanity Group GmbH and organizes the operational activities at the point of sale during the study in Switzerland. More information at sanitygroup.com/press.

About ISGF
The Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF) is an associated institute of the University of Zurich and a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization WHO. The focus is both on the transfer of scientific findings into practice and on the scientific penetration of innovative practice approaches. The interdisciplinary team of addiction and health researchers regularly collaborates with renowned national and international experts. For more information, visit www.isgf.uzh.ch.

About SwissExtract
SwissExtract is a Swiss company founded in 2016 and based in Baar in the canton of Zug, which was commissioned to grow the cannabis products for the ISGF and Sanity Group model project in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. The entire process for manufacturing the products – from cultivation to labeling – takes place in Switzerland. Quality is the top priority. All SwissExtract products are subject to strict regular controls by an independent, specialized laboratory. For more information, visit www.swissextract.ch.

About Cannavigia
Cannavigia, a pioneering Swiss tech start-up, stands at the forefront of transforming process and compliance management in the cannabis cultivation and manufacturing industry. Their solutions, distinguished by intuitive design and advanced technology, are anchored in a commitment to client-centric excellence. Cannavigia seamlessly integrates cannabis dispensing monitoring into its suite of services, enhancing comprehensive compliance management. Their involvement in Swiss pilot projects, supported by a long-term contract with the Federal Office of Public Health of Switzerland, underscores their leadership and dedication in shaping responsible cannabis use and distribution. More information at www.cannavigia.com.

Media contact

Mr Thilo Grösch

Head of Public Relations | Press Officer

Email: thilo.groesch@sanitygroup.com | presse@sanitygroup.com

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Sanity Group

First legal cannabis dispensaries in Europe: Sanity Group and ISGF get green light for a cannabis study in Swiss canton Basel-Landschaft

The Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF) and Sanity Group have now received the final approval from the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) to conduct a cannabis pilot study in Basel-Landschaft (Baselland), following approval from the Ethics Committee Northwest and Central Switzerland (EKNZ) last year. It is the sixth approved pilot project with cannabis in Switzerland that has now been given the green light. The study, led by Prof. Dr. Michael Schaub, Scientific Director of the ISGF, will examine the regulated sale of cannabis for non-medical purposes.

Gaining insights into the use of cannabis

For this purpose, the study will record the consumption behavior as well as the physical and mental health of the participants. The societal effects of consumption, especially on public safety and order will be analyzed through a close exchange and integration of relevant focus groups such as the public prosecutor’s office.
“The insights gained from the study can contribute to an informed health policy discussion on the responsible use of cannabis and serve as a basis for decisions on long-term regulation,” says Prof. Dr. Schaub. “In addition, we want to investigate whether we can gain better access to high-risk users with, for example, mental health problems, in order to refer them to appropriate cantonal care centers.”

“Results of international interest”

“We are pleased about the approval for the study in Baselland and the opportunity to make our contribution to social acceptance and knowledge transfer around the cannabis plant and its versatile uses. Our ambition to support the ISGF pilot project with our knowledge and experience as an internationally positioned cannabis company is primarily based on the promotion of research in the field of cannabis. Since the company was founded, our goal has been to further research the benefits of cannabis and destigmatize the plant. Together with the ISGF, we are developing concepts for safe sales based on health protection, youth protection and prevention. We expect interesting findings from the study – the results will be of international interest,” adds Finn Hänsel, CEO of Sanity Group.

In recent months, the company has been working intensively with regional and national authorities to get this ambitious project off the ground, adds Leonhard Friedrich, project manager at Sanity Group.

Nearly 4,000 study participants possible

Up to 3,950 healthy adults living in the canton of Basel-Landschaft will be able to participate in the study in the future. “After an initial information event to educate about the trial and how to deal with cannabis, a medical aptitude test of the potential participant:s will follow, as well as an online entry survey. If successfully accepted into the study, cannabis can then be obtained legally at the point of sale for a limited time in the future with a participation card. Continuous surveys on consumption behavior and the physical and mental health of the participants will take place every three to six months,” explains Michael Schaub. The study is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will run for five years. Interested parties can obtain further information on participation in the study online at www.grashausprojects.ch and at www.isgf.ch/pilotversuch-interesse

First dispensary to be set up in Allschwil, another location in Liestal to follow

Unlike other Swiss projects, dispensing will not take place via pharmacies or clubs, but via stores as a point of sale, initially in the municipality of Allschwil. The property earmarked for this purpose has been designed accordingly in recent weeks. This means that Europe’s first legal shop for consumer cannabis is being set up in Allschwil; another store in Liestal will follow in the upcoming months, where various cannabis products such as flowers, extracts, hashish, edibles and vape liquids will be sold, too.

Cannabis comes from local organic production

All cannabis products will be produced according to the quality requirements of the BetmPV and the organic guidelines in Switzerland by the Swiss cultivation partner SwissExtract. Prices for cannabis flowers are said to range between 8 and 12 CHF, depending on the THC content.

“Our claim is to provide high-quality products with high delivery reliability as the basis for a sound scientific study. We focus on organic quality, ‘Swissness’ and transparency,” says Stefan Strasser, CEO of SwissExtract. “As only natural substances are used in the cultivation of our basic raw material, we guarantee pollutant-free products. The entire value chain is united under one roof with us – cultivation, processing and packaging take place exclusively in Switzerland; in addition, we document the production process from the plant seed to the end product. SwissExtract is a life’s work for us, with sincerity towards people and the environment.”

More information about the project at www.grashausprojects.ch.

Graphic: Sanity Group (c)

About Sanity Group
Sanity Group aims to improve people’s quality of life through the use of cannabinoids and the utilization of the endocannabinoid system. The focus is on cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. To harness the full potential of cannabis, Sanity Group invests in research of the cannabis plant and its active ingredients as well as in specific areas of application. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and avaay Medical (medical cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), vaay (lifestyle) and Grashaus Projects (recreational cannabis Swiss pilot project). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production facility for cannabis extracts. Sanity Group Switzerland AG is a subsidiary of Sanity Group GmbH and organizes the operational activities at the point of sale during the study in Switzerland. More information at sanitygroup.com/press.

About ISGF
The Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research (ISGF) is an associated institute of the University of Zurich and a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization WHO. The focus is both on the transfer of scientific findings into practice and on the scientific penetration of innovative practice approaches. The interdisciplinary team of addiction and health researchers regularly collaborates with renowned national and international experts. For more information, visit www.isgf.uzh.ch.

About SwissExtract
SwissExtract is a Swiss company founded in 2016 and based in Baar in the canton of Zug, which was commissioned to grow the cannabis products for the ISGF and Sanity Group model project in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. The entire process for manufacturing the products – from cultivation to labeling – takes place in Switzerland. Quality is the top priority. All SwissExtract products are subject to strict regular controls by an independent, specialized laboratory. For more information, visit www.swissextract.ch.

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Sanity Group

Cannabis legalization in Germany: Sanity Group’s assessment of the official draft bill on Pillar 1

  • The Cannabis Act establishes a clear legal distinction between medical and non-medical cannabis by creating separate legal bases for each: the Cannabis Cultivation Act (CanAnbauG) and the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG).
  • Cannabis will no longer be classified as a narcotic, making it easier for doctors to prescribe medical cannabis (no more BtM prescription) and significantly reducing the administrative burden. However, many aspects of the original Narcotics Act will be transferred to the new Medical Cannabis Act, so it remains to be seen how the prescription will ultimately look in reality.
  • A major problem for patients will be the planned ban on the inhalation of their cannabis medication: In particular, the need to maintain a minimum distance of 200 m from schools, children’s and youth facilities, and public playgrounds makes it almost impossible for patients to take their medication in public spaces in urban areas. Legislation must be amended to ensure that patients are not restricted in taking their medication.
  • We welcome the fact that the Medical Cannabis Act also regulates the use of cannabis for scientific purposes and that medical, biological and pharmaceutical research is to be strengthened. Unfortunately, there are no concrete supporting measures for this in the text of the law, such as strengthening research funding. Instead, it states that the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) may only grant a permit “in exceptional cases” for scientific or other purposes in the public interest.
  • The Cannabis Cultivation Act will regulate the collective cultivation and controlled distribution of cannabis in cultivation associations. Only registered associations are eligible to apply for a permit. The cannabis clubs are to follow a non-profit approach, which is primarily oriented towards voluntary structures with the active participation of the members. Contracting third parties is only permitted for activities that do not directly involve cultivation, e.g. security or laboratory services.
  • For private self-cultivation, a maximum of three plants (whether male or female) can be cultivated in parallel at home for personal use, and adults over the age of 18 may possess a maximum of 25 grams for consumption. However, this possession limit counts for both public and private spaces, including possession in one’s own home – it is unclear how this is supposed to be compatible with the amount of potential harvesting of the three plants at home.
    Seeds for home cultivation or cannabis clubs can be imported from countries within the EU, e.g. by mail, courier or delivery service. A separate approval from the Federal Plant Variety Office (Bundessortenamt) is not foreseen.
  • We welcome the fact that the Cannabis Act aims, among other things, to contribute to improved health and youth protection and to strengthen cannabis-related education and prevention. However, it is a pity that in the recently presented 2024 budget, four million Euros are to be saved in educational measures in the field of drug and substance abuse. Here, too, the legislature can still make improvements.

In summary, the draft law is a first important step toward more destigmatization and decriminalization on the way to a new drug policy. However, one goal of the law, to curb the illegal market for cannabis, will not be sufficiently fulfilled with a limited number of cannabis clubs and the possibility of self-cultivation. It is therefore all the more important that the planned bill for the implementation of scientific pilot projects for the controlled dispensing of cannabis in specialized stores (pillar 2) is presented as soon as possible after the parliamentary summer break.

About Sanity Group
Berlin-based Sanity Group aims to improve the quality of life of people around the world through the use of cannabinoids affecting the endocannabinoid system. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the focus is also on wellbeing and cosmetic products that utilize cannabinoids. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel, includes Vayamed and avaay Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications) and vaay (wellbeing). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts. More information can be found on sanitygroup.com/press.

Header image: Canva

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Sanity Group

Exclusive partnerships: Sanity Group launches international distribution of its medical cannabis brands Vayamed and avaay Medical with exclusive partners in Europe

Zurich-based Medropharm AG has been granted exclusive rights to distribute at least eight THC flowers from selected cultivars offered by Sanity Group’s brand avaay Medical as well as special products from their Vayamed brand in Switzerland. The sales launch comes at a strategically important time: Since the modification of the Swiss Cannabis Act in August 2022, cannabis flowers are also marketable as medicinal products in the country. The new distribution partnership supplies non-irradiated flowers with complex character traits from South African and Canadian cultivators. The Sanity Group intends to address the rapidly growing Swiss market with a special focus on natural and sustainably produced medicinal products through this offering. The first avaay Medical flowers will be delivered to Swiss pharmacies before the end of June 2023.

Exclusive distribution partnerships also in Portugal, Poland and Malta
In addition, Sanity Group has signed exclusive distribution partnerships for avaay Medical’s medical flowers and Vayamed cannabis extracts in Poland, Portugal and Malta. Warsaw-based CMK Pharma Sp. z o.o. (CMK) has been signed as the exclusive distribution partner for the rapidly growing medical cannabis market in Poland. In addition to the wholesale of cannabis medicines, CMK also runs Centrum Medycyny Konopnej, one of the leading specialist clinics for cannabis therapies in Poland. In Portugal, the expert team of Sintra-based Alkannoli Lda will be distributing and organising product registration in the coming months. For the highly dynamic and strongly liberalized cannabis market in Malta, the pharmaceutical wholesaler E.J. Busuttil Limited with its first-class and long-established distribution channels to the leading pharmacies in Malta could be won as exclusive distribution partner.

More countries to follow
“We took a closer look at various target markets. Our partners for Switzerland, Poland, Portugal and Malta are united by their strong market access and great enthusiasm for quality medical cannabis. We are currently also in advanced talks with partners in four other countries to supply even more markets with our high-quality product range,” says Thimo V. Schmitt-Lord MBE, Director Strategic Sourcing & New Markets at Sanity Group.

“With the market entry in Switzerland and the exclusive distribution partnerships in Poland, Portugal and Malta, we as Sanity Group are taking a significant steps towards expanding our business internationally. Our goal is to improve the quality of life of people in Germany, Europe and the world through the use of medical cannabis as a therapeutic option. We look forward to working with our exclusive partners to build a sustainable future together,” added Dr. Konstantin Rutz, Managing Director of Sanity Group’s medical arm.

About Sanity Group
Berlin-based Sanity Group aims to improve the quality of life of people around the world through the use of cannabinoids affecting the endocannabinoid system. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the focus is also on wellbeing and cosmetic products that utilize cannabinoids. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel, includes Vayamed and avaay Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications) and vaay (wellbeing). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts. More information can be found on sanitygroup.com/press.

About Medropharm AG
Medropharm AG, an internationally operating company headquartered in Zurich, is a leader in the extraction, production and marketing of pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid and plant-based products. The Swiss company’s expertise and core competence lies in the GACP cultivation of cannabis and other medicinal plants, the production of high-quality, GMP-compliant pharmaceutical-grade extracts, and the development of pioneering product solutions for the food, cosmetics, feed and pharmaceutical industries. For more information, visit www.medropharm.ch.

About Alkannoli Lda
Alkannoli LDA is currently constructing a large-scale EU GMP-certified manufacturing facility in Pataías, Portugal, to provide a range of high-quality medical-grade cannabis and cannabis-derived API products. Alkannoli will provide EU GMP pharma-grade cannabinoid products, in various forms, specifically designed to meet the significant medical needs in the fields of oncology and neurology. In addition, Alkannoli provides a regulated pharmaceutical pathway to transform GACP compliant biomass into GMP certified cannabis medicines. The company is proud to be pre-certified GACP, GMP, and GDP, demonstrating its dedication to meeting stringent requirements and ensuring the safety and efficacy of its products. Established in Portugal in 2020, Alkannoli LDA also has established subsidiary companies in Spain and Germany. More information at www.kannolipharma.com.

About CMK Pharma Sp. z o.o.
CMK Pharma Sp. z o.o. is a Polish company based in Warsaw. In addition to the wholesale of cannabis medicines, CMK also runs Centrum Medycyny Konopnej, one of the leading specialist clinics for cannabis therapies in Poland. More information at www.centrum-mk.pl.

About E.J. Busuttil Limited
E.J. Busuttil Ltd. is a long-standing family business, which was founded in 1988 by Mr. Edwin Busuttil, whereby his vision was to create and excel in a business of importation distribution of healthcare products. Nowadays, E.J. Busuttil Ltd. is managed by a board of Directors consisting of Mr. Edwin Busuttil and his two children, Claire Busuttil and Robert Busuttil, who together, have over twenty years of experience within the Healthcare Industry in Malta. Thirty years since its founding, E.J. Busuttil Ltd. is a highly established leader in its field, with a wide-ranging portfolio including pharmaceutical and over-the-counter preparations; medical, surgical and laboratory equipment; and healthcare products for personal use. More information at www.ejbusuttil.com.

Header image: Shutterstock.comKitreel (Stock-Foto ID: 1296586384)

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Sanity Group

Cannabis legalization in Germany – Statement on the revised cornerstone paper

“With the revised cornerstones for the planned cannabis legalization presented today, the government falls far short of expectations and the goal set out in the coalition agreement. The new plans for a two-pillar model contain too little detail; instead of a draft law, only adjusted cornerstones were presented.

We welcome the efforts to decriminalize cannabis for possession and self-cultivation and to implement pilot projects – Germany is thus setting a first trend-setting signal in drug policy. Social equity is and remains an issue close to our hearts at Sanity Group; we therefore welcome the exemption from punishment for the purchase and possession of cannabis for personal use in private and public spaces, as well as the possibility for private individuals to grow their own cannabis, the discontinuation of ongoing investigations and criminal proceedings, and the introduction of cannabis social clubs.

However, valuable time is lost by staggering the two pillars. When introducing pilot projects, we believe it is essential that they are introduced on full national scale in order to create a comparable data basis for reviewing the effects of legal sales under different conditions. Individual, regional model regions, moreover with an opt-in approach, create a “patchwork” that does not sufficiently support the federal government’s declared overriding goal of promoting youth and health protection nationwide and combating the illegal market. Pilot projects need to be implemented in parallel with, rather than downstream of, decriminalization so that, especially with a possible EU notification, no further valuable time is lost in building supply chains,” says Finn Hänsel, founder and CEO of Berlin-based cannabis company Sanity Group, one of the industry’s leading players.

In the view of Sanity Group, it should also be ensured that patients who are dependent on medical cannabis do not treat themselves with cannabis for adult-use without medical advice.

Sanity Group is the only German company familiar with the processes of cannabis pilot projects and is currently planning to implement a pilot project in Switzerland in collaboration with the Swiss Institute for Addiction and Health Research, ISGF.

About Sanity Group
German cannabis company Sanity Group aims to improve people’s quality of life through the use of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the focus is also on wellbeing and cosmetic products that utilize cannabinoids. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing) and This Place (natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts. More information can be found on sanitygroup.com/press.

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Sanity Group

Endosane Pharmaceuticals agrees to Licence Agreement with PreveCeutical Medical thereby Securing Exclusive Rights to Innovative Technology

Endosane Pharmaceuticals has succeeded in taking an important step in the further development of effective delivery forms for cannabinoid products: A licensing agreement has been reached with Canadian company PreveCeutical Medical Inc., allowing Endosane to exclusively use the Canadians’ innovative Sol-Gel technology for the delivery of cannabinoid products. The agreement also includes the further analysis and evaluation of the scientific and commercial potential of the Sol-Gel technology. It is expected that the use of the technology will result in significantly improved cannabinoid uptake compared to conventional dosage forms.

Faster and more effective, thanks to improved absorption

For a drug to exert its effect, it must first be absorbed by the body and then it must reach the “right place.” Depending on the active ingredient, this seemingly simple process can become complex and present a significant hurdle in the drug development process. Cannabinoids in general and CBD in particular fall into this category. The development of a suitable alternative form of delivery is therefore of high importance.

If the scientific assumptions regarding Sol-Gel technology are confirmed in upcoming studies, this would represent a real milestone for the effective and targeted delivery of cannabinoids. The application is carried out via a nasal spray, which, due to the specific properties of the sprayed solution, remains on the nasal mucosa for a longer period of time, allowing the cannabinoids it contains to enter the bloodstream in greater quantities. In addition, it is believed that absorption occurs directly via the so-called “olfactory system” (responsible for the sense of smell) allowing the CBD to reach the ‘target’ receptors in the brain more directly.

“Optimistic that this technology will be a decisive step forward in the development of our drugs”

Max Narr, Managing Director of Endosane Pharmaceuticals, said: “We are very pleased that PreveCeutical Medical have entrusted us with their technology for further targeted investigation. Whilst we will first have to wait and see whether the previous assumptions are reflected in the results from corresponding studies, we are optimistic that this technology will be a decisive step forward in the development of our drugs.”

Endosane is currently in Phase II clinical trials for its cannabinoid-based drug for the treatment of schizophrenia. The company is engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs and pharmaceutical products for the treatment of various indications, through direct or indirect targeting of the human endocannabinoid system.

“We are confident that the agreement with Endosane will facilitate our path to commercialization. Upon successful evaluation, Endosane will utilize PreveCeutical’s technology to advance their drug from Phase II to Phase III clinical trials. If successful, we believe this will significantly enhance the value of our Sol-Gel technology and ultimately benefit both companies,” said Stephen Van Deventer, CEO of PreveCeutical Medical Inc.

 

About Endosane Pharmaceuticals

Endosane Pharmaceuticals GmbH, a joint venture between an international team of scientists and the Berlin-based health and life science company Sanity Group, which develops finished medicinal products for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and psychiatric disorders. To this end, Endosane Pharmaceuticals is systematically researching the endocannabinoid system for its potential to modulate neurophysiological balance. The current drug portfolio contains compounds for the treatment of various indications, including schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Years of scientific research have laid the foundations for the founding of Endosane Pharmaceuticals. The international team is led by the renowned German neurologist and psychiatrist Prof. Dr. F. Markus Leweke (University of Sydney), long-time head of the Center of Excellence for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Research at the Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim at the Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg. The company, founded in 2020, is based in Berlin. For more information, visit www.endosane.com.

About PreveCeutical Medical Inc.

PreveCeutical is a health sciences company that develops innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilizing organic and nature identical products. The Canadian company aims to be a leader in the preventive health sciences sector. With the completion of three of its research programs, the Company is actively working on the development, clinical trials, and commercialization of its products; and has filed a number of provisional patent applications to protect the intellectual property from its research programs. For more information about PreveCeutical, visit www.PreveCeutical.com.

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Sanity Group

Sanity Group welcomes aspects of the official document outlining the key points on cannabis legalization, but sees room for improvement

“We are very pleased that the German government is actively pushing ahead with the planned cannabis legalization. Today’s published key positions paper is a first step that needs to be refined in the course of the parliamentary process. Many of the cornerstones are in line with our expectations, such as the elimination of a THC ceiling, strict age controls on dispensing in licensed stores, and the removal of cannabis from the Narcotics Act. Other points such as a general ban on advertising and lack of import possibilities from other countries do not make sense from our point of view, especially in terms of fighting the illicit market and to meet the market demand,” says Finn Hänsel, founder and CEO of Berlin-based cannabis company Sanity Group.

In detail, the company expressly welcomes the fact that cannabis will no longer be legally classified as a narcotic in Germany in the future. However, a simultaneous regulatory adjustment of medical cannabis would also be necessary from the point of view of Sanity Group, as the legalization of recreational cannabis is likely to have a massive impact on this area as well. With the continuing obstacles to reimbursement for medical cannabis, there is a particular danger that patients will treat themselves with recreational cannabis without medical advice.

The Sanity Group takes a positive view of dispensing in licensed specialist stores, and possibly pharmacies, as well as the proposal to examine specialist stores with consumption facilities where specialist care and advice can be ensured. The Sanity Group welcomes strict proof of age checks at all sales outlets, as well as the obligation to provide proof of expertise and proof of specific advisory and prevention skills, as well as the appointment of a contact person for the protection of minors at each sales outlet. Sanity Group supports the approaches tasked with protecting and preventing use amongst minors in their entirety. 

“Unfortunately, ecommerce sales are no longer envisaged for the time being in the updated key positions paper. However, it is precisely this that can make a major contribution to displacing the illicit market, as it is the only way to serve rural regions,” says Sanity Group founder Finn Hänsel, who would also like to see a wide variety of products – according to the key issues paper, the government wants to allow dosage forms for smoking, inhalation, nasal and oral intake in the form of capsules, sprays and drops. Edibles are not to be allowed initially. “By restricting the dosage forms, you give the illicit market a gateway to offer more edibles in the future,” Hänsel points out.

The entrepreneur is pleased that a possible THC cap is not being considered: “A limit on the THC content would have meant that the illicit market would continue to flourish with high-percentage THC products and many consumers would not even switch from the illegal to the legal market. Therefore, a limit would have been counterproductive.”

His company welcomes the exemption from punishment for the purchase and possession of cannabis for personal use in private and public spaces, regardless of the specific THC content and origin, as well as the possibility of personal cultivation for private individuals and the discontinuation of ongoing investigations and criminal proceedings, which is a “correct and important signal”.

The Sanity Group also welcomes the fact that cultivation in greenhouse facilities or indoors is to be made possible in Germany. However, Sanity Group sees it as problematic that cultivation is apparently to take place exclusively in Germany due to legal conditions at EU and international level: “National demand will not be able to be met by German production alone. Production in Germany is also expensive and very energy-intensive, which will have an impact on the selling price. Importing from EU and non-EU countries must therefore be made possible in our view to meet demand and push back the illicit market – especially immediately after implementation of legalization,” says CEO Finn Hänsel, who believes the influence of findings from other countries where cannabis is already legalized is essential. In Canada, for example, it took domestic producers a long time after legalization to ramp up production to meet demand, which eventually benefited the illicit market. Sanity Group would like to see further legal scrutiny and search for solutions on this issue.

The company also takes a critical view of a general advertising ban: although a restriction in the area of advertising is perfectly understandable for reasons of youth protection, a general advertising ban is not conducive to the development of an enlightened consumer base. Finn Hänsel: “In our view, a complete advertising ban is not conducive, since product information is essential for education and destigmatization. A completely new legal market is developing in which consumers must orient themselves responsibly. In order for them to be able to make an informed and considered purchase decision, it is also necessary for suppliers to be able to distinguish themselves from one another, e.g. through product design and informative advertising materials. In addition, it should be expected that the illicit market will make moves to differentiate and improve its product selection. A clear way to do this would be through branded packaging. If recreational cannabis that is sold legally is subject to similar packaging and restrictive marketing rules, this will provide the illicit market with a clear advantage which is something we need to avoid.”

The Sanity Group sees the proposed tax model based on THC content as fundamentally positive due to the health policy steering effect, but emphasizes again that the total price for cannabis including all taxes must be competitive with the illegal market (about ten euros per gram). The company also believes that part of the taxes should be used for the protection of young people and target-group-specific measures for education and addiction support.

About Sanity Group
Berlin-based Sanity Group aims to improve people’s quality of life through the use of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the focus is also on wellbeing and cosmetic products that utilize cannabinoids. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing) and This Place (natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts. More information can be found on sanitygroup.com/press.

Headerimage: Sanity Group // Screenshot: bundesgesundheitsministerium.de

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Sanity Group

German Cannabis company Sanity Group announces $37.6 Million Series B funding round

The new investment will fuel Sanity Group’s growth, enable European expansion and strengthen research and development activities. 

“This funding is an important milestone for us and a strong signal towards the future of cannabis in Germany and Europe. I am grateful for the belief shown by both new and existing investors. Our goal is to leverage the full potential of the cannabis plant and to explore and harness the different cannabinoids – with the new capital, we will be able to accelerate our medical and consumer business units whilst preparing accordingly for cannabis legalization in Germany,” said Finn Age Hänsel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sanity Group.

“This financing round is not only the largest funding round achieved by a European cannabis company to date, but also one of the few upsizing rounds in this current economic phase of the German startup scene. Against the backdrop of a challenging global economy, we are proud to have achieved a funding round of this magnitude, facilitating the pursuit and progress of our mission to become a significant cannabis brand in Germany and Europe”, added Max Narr, Chief Investment Officer of Sanity Group.

“Our mission is to help aspiring companies become tomorrow’s market leaders. We invest in curious minds with a shared passion to innovate. We have felt this passion from the Sanity Group team since our involvement in the summer of 2021, and we look forward to accompanying their further development in the future”, said Michael Sidler, Partner at Swiss VC Redalpine, lead investor in the Series A financing round in 2021.

Karan Wadhera, Managing Partner at Casa Verde Capital, added: “Sanity Group is already the most well capitalized cannabis business in Germany and is on track to become one of the leading brands in Europe. We are thrilled with their continued progress and will keep offering financial and operational support as they scale.”

Sanity Group was founded in 2018 and has around 120 employees in the medical, consumer health and science sectors now. The company aims to improve quality of life through the use of cannabinoids. The focus is on pharmaceuticals, medical products and consumer goods. Sanity Group’s existing investors include music producer Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas), Hollywood actress Alyssa Milano, manager Scooter Braun, Swiss VC Redalpine, Casa Verde Capital, HV Capital, Calyx, TQ Ventures, Atlantic Food Labs, Cherry Ventures, Bitburger Ventures, SevenVentures, GMPVC, Navy Capital and SOJE Capital.

About Sanity Group
Berlin-based Sanity Group aims to improve people’s quality of life through the use of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the focus is also on wellbeing and cosmetic products that utilize cannabinoids. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing) and This Place (natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts. More information can be found on sanitygroup.com/press.

*This investment was made by BT DE Investments Inc., a wholly owned BAT Group company. For further information about BAT, visit BAT.com.

Picture: Sanity Group

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Sanity Group

Portugal, South Africa and Canada: Sanity Group strengthens and diversifies its global partner network

Sanity Group’s new partners for medicinal cannabis flos include the South African suppliers FarmaGrowers, Chroni-Co and Safri Canna, the Canadian suppliers Groupe Fuga, Habitat Life Sciences, Candre Cannabis and Miracle Valley, as well as Cannexpor Pharma from Portugal. To expand its sourcing options, Sanity Group’s medical division is also partnering with Portugal-based MHI Cultivo Medicinal, a subsidiary of MediCane Health Inc, thereby actively integrating a licensed platform for EU GMP processing of cannabis flos into its network.
To strengthen its market position in dronabinol and active ingredient development, Sanity Group has also entered into an exclusive partnership with GESLabs, a South African innovation company based in Cape Town, for the production of innovative dronabinol products and cannabis isolates.

Overall, by expanding its supplier network and establishing new innovation and value-added partnerships, Sanity Group is expanding its leading position in medical cannabis products and strengthens its pole position for the planned legalization of cannabis for adult-use in Germany.

“We looked at over 200 potential partners worldwide. In addition to product quality and process reliability, the new partners impressed us with their sustainable corporate governance and their enthusiasm for cannabis,” says Thimo V. Schmitt-Lord, Director Innovation & New Markets at Sanity Group.

About Sanity Group
Berlin-based Sanity Group aims to improve people’s quality of life through the use of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. In addition to pharmaceuticals, the focus is also on wellbeing and cosmetic products based on cannabinoids. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing) and This Place (natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts. More information at sanitygroup.com/press.

About Chroni-Co
Chroni-Co is a South African producer of high quality craft cannabis for the medical and pharmaceutical industry. The family business has been farming for over ten generations and follows the mantra: Old school values, New school visions. As dedicated preservationists of the land, the belief in living honestly, respectfully and with integrity in harmony with Mother Nature is upheld with the goal of producing the highest quality handcrafted cannabis for the medical and pharmaceutical industries to support research, and to promote non-harmful alternatives for pain management, mental health and chronic diseases. For more information, visit www.chroni-co.com.

About GESLabs
GESLabs is a cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing business specializing in alkaloid and cannabinoid active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacture. Using carefully cultivated, (GACP), biomass processed through world-class technology GESLabs can deliver best-in-class active pharmaceutical ingredients for use in prescription medicines and wellness supplements. Find out more at www.geslabs.com.

About SafriCanna
SafriCanna is a South African medical cannabis company focused on the cultivation, processing and export of high-grade medical cannabis flowers to international markets. It is the first and largest purpose built EU-GMP cannabis cultivator in South Africa and is on track to become the largest exporter of dry flower out of the Southern hemisphere. The company’s vision is to be the leading Southern hemisphere certified medical cannabis producer, by bringing together global best practices and unique South African advantages. SafriCanna has already established strategic distribution partnerships with the leading cannabis importers / distributors in Germany, UK, Israel and Australia. For more information, visit www.safricanna.com.

About Cannexpor Pharma 
Cannexpor Pharma is an EU-based group of companies with an indoor pharmaceutical facility in Portugal that intends to supply pharma grade cannabis products to our partners and patients worldwide. Our focus is the quality of the product that we produce. Our indoor cannabis cultivation techniques and strict quality control allow us to achieve extreme purity of cannabis flowers, consistency of the selected cannabis genetics, and superior cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Find out more at cannexpor.com.

About MHI Cultivo Medicinal
Founded in 2019, Incorporated in Canada with presence in Israel, Portugal, Germany and Australia, MediCane’s seed-to-customer business model allows comprehensive monitoring and control of the cultivation process, along with subsequent medical and pharmaceutical R&D. This model includes genetic seed development, plant propagation and cultivation, manufacturing, pharmacological development, medical research, and distribution of the final products to end-users. The genetic bank contains a variety of strains that are cultivated in MediCane’s state-of-the-art greenhouses and then processed in post-harvest and manufacturing facilities under GACP and EU- GMP quality standards. The distribution of the final products to end-users is carried out through a global BTB and BTC partner network. In addition, through its EU-GMP premises in Portugal, MediCane Health Inc. provides contract manufacturing services for EU-GMP premium cannabis based preparations and substances, enabling premium pharma-grade and pharma-kraft cultivators around the world to meet the stringent European Good Manufacturing Practices standards and regulations for the health and wellbeing of patients. More information at www.medicane.net.

About FarmaGrowers
Established in 2019 in the North West Province of South Africa, FarmaGrowers specializes in the cultivation, manufacturing (curing) and exporting of Medicinal Cannabis. The vision is to provide the best quality EU GMP Medicinal Cannabis for export. FarmaGrowers aims to build lasting relationships with clients globally and be known as a market leader in a groundbreaking new industry. Leveraging the unique climate of Southern Africa as well as cutting edge technology and international experience, FarmaGrowers strives for sustainable growth and leaving an unforgettable, yet environmentally friendly footprint in the Medicinal Cannabis Industry, locally as well as internationally. For more information, visit www.farmagrowers.co.za.

About Candre Cannabis
Candre Cannabis Inc., based in Sundre, Alberta, Canada, is a licensed craft cannabis producer focused on providing high-quality, in-demand cannabis products for medical and recreational use. Candre’s indoor facility built specifically for the production of premium quality cannabis is designed with 12 completely isolated grow rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology including three tier mobile vertical grow infrastructure which triples the overall cannabis canopy. Find out more on www.candrecannabis.com.

About Habitat Life Sciences
Canadian Habitat Life Sciences Inc. is focused on innovative, sustainable agriculture technology that is environmentally thoughtful and economical. Using cutting-edge technology and techniques, the company aims to revolutionize agriculture with an innovative approach to vertical growing and aquaponics that conserves land, water and air. Aquaponics is a production system that combines aquaculture, the cultivation of aquatic organisms, with hydroponics, the cultivation of plants in nutrient-enriched water. Habitat’s proprietary know-how and technology connects aquaculture waste streams to integrated hydroponic greenhouse infrastructure inputs resulting in an environmentally sustainable and economically profitable aquaponics system. To achieve its vision of balancing environmental stewardship with profitability in the production of both food and recreational cannabis, Habitat has assembled a team of leading edge aquaponics experts, horticultural experts, and business leaders. They believe that responsibly and sustainably grown products should not only nourish your body, they should nourish your mind, your community, and your habitat. For more information, visit www.habitat.life.

About Groupe Fuga
Groupe Fuga is a private corporation based in Stoneham, near Québec City, Canada. Philippe Laperrière is the company’s CEO. On an area of just over 8,600 square meters, Fuga grows cannabis in small batches, in living soil that is enriched with organic matter, in order to enhance its properties while favouring the health of both users and the staff. Fuga’s approach is clear and resolutely turned towards the future of this field: The company is much more interested in the entourage effect derived from the interactions with terpenes than in the race to produce cannabis with the highest THC level. 1% of the revenue is donated to the community for social projects. For more information, visit www.fuga.ca.

About Miracle Valley Medicinal Alternatives
Miracle Valley is a fully operational, cultivation focused facility licensed under the Cannabis Act of Canada with the goal to provide the highest quality cannabis products available. The British Columbian based company established to produce, process, package and distribute bulk and finished cannabis to domestic and international distributors. Miracle Valley is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to being a world-class employer. Miracle Valley’s team combines decades of experience growing true legacy craft strains with the most advanced tech in picturesque Mission, British Columbia. Their mission: To be a top tier provider of cannabis products and set the standard for premium cannabis cultivation. For more information, visit www.miraclevalley.ca.

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Sanity Group

Sanity Group has expanded its management team

Dr. Konstantin Rutz has joined the Sanity Group after more than five years at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he was a project manager in the Health Care division. He has taken over as Managing Director of Sanity Group’s Medical division. The 36 year old lawyer has several years of experience in the pharmaceutical, life science and medtech sectors and has most recently been particularly involved in pharmaceutical commercial issues.

Alongside Dr. Konstantin Rutz, Tobias Wirth has also joined Sanity Group: He has more than 15 years of sales experience in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the indication areas of pain and oncology as well as in the area of medical cannabis, and is now responsible for sales and marketing at Sanity Group’s Medical division. He spent eight years at Teva GmbH in various management roles and was most recently at Cannamedical Pharma GmbH, before joining Sanity Group.

Since May 2022, Laura Simonow, Founder of the functional natural cosmetics brand This Place, has been Managing Director of the Consumer Health division Sanity Care with the brands This Place and VAAY.

Florian Blaschke joined Sanity Group in January 2022 as Chief Finance Officer, responsible for the Group’s finances. Max Narr, who has been with the Sanity Group since 2020 and is Managing Director of the joint venture Endosane Pharmaceuticals, is responsible for Strategy and M&A at Sanity Group as Chief Investment Officer.

The new management structure is also due to the decision of Sanity Group co-founder Fabian Friede to step down from the operational side of the business for personal reasons. Friede will remain with the company as a shareholder and advisor.

About Sanity Group
Berlin-based health and life science company Sanity Group aims to improve people’s quality of life through the beneficial use of cannabinoids and the utilization of the endocannabinoid system. The focus is on cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. In parallel, Sanity Group is also working and researching new medical products, innovative dosage forms, and technological products and services. Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medical cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing) and This Place (functional natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group operates a production facility for cannabis extracts. More information at sanitygroup.com/press.

Image: Sanity Group – Maximilian König (c)