International Cannabis Symposium 2026 – Day Two: A Global Perspective on Cannabis Reform
If Day One of the International Cannabis Symposium focused on South Africa’s evolving cannabis landscape, Day Two expanded the conversation to a truly global scale. Hosted once again at the University of Cape Town’s Law Faculty, the programme brought together influential speakers from Australia, Europe and the Americas, each offering valuable insight into how different jurisdictions are approaching cannabis regulation.
One of the strengths of the symposium was its ability to demonstrate that, while every country faces unique political and legal challenges, many of the industry’s core issues are remarkably similar. Whether discussing patient access, economic development, social justice or international trade, collaboration emerged as the common thread throughout the day.
Bob Hoban Opens the Conversation
One of the highlights of the morning was hearing from international cannabis attorney Bob Hoban, whose work advising governments, businesses and organisations has made him one of the most respected voices in global cannabis policy.
Having had the opportunity to meet Bob during the Welcome Drinks the evening before, it was fascinating to hear him address the symposium. His ability to simplify the complexities of international cannabis law while encouraging practical, evidence-based regulation made for an engaging introduction to the day’s international programme.
Bob emphasised that cannabis reform is no longer a local conversation—it is a global movement. Countries now have the opportunity to learn from one another rather than repeating the mistakes of early legal markets. His presentation reinforced the importance of cooperation, education and thoughtful regulation if emerging industries are to thrive.
Dr Brian Walker: Lessons from Australia
The symposium welcomed Dr Brian Walker, a Member of the West Australian Upper House and one of Australia’s leading advocates for sensible cannabis reform.
Drawing on his experience as both a medical professional and legislator, Dr Walker discussed Australia’s evolving cannabis landscape, highlighting both the progress achieved and the obstacles that remain.
His presentation demonstrated how political leadership, medical evidence and patient advocacy can work together to influence legislative change. It also served as a reminder that cannabis reform is often a gradual process requiring persistence, collaboration and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions.
For many South African delegates, Australia’s journey offered valuable lessons on balancing regulation with accessibility while ensuring patient welfare remains at the centre of policy development.
Latin America: A Continent Connected by Opportunity
One of the day’s most interesting discussions explored cannabis development across South and Central America.
Rather than viewing each country in isolation, the panel examined how diverse jurisdictions are increasingly working together to strengthen regional collaboration and establish cannabis as an important economic sector throughout the continent.
The conversation highlighted the enormous agricultural potential of the region while acknowledging that legal frameworks continue to evolve at different speeds. Despite those differences, the overall message was optimistic: collaboration between neighbouring countries creates opportunities for research, investment, trade and shared regulatory knowledge.
Having previously attended a Latin American Chamber of Commerce meeting with the CUetip team, I found this discussion particularly relevant. It reinforced the growing importance of international cooperation as cannabis transitions into a truly global industry.
Europe: Independent Countries, Shared Challenges
The European panel shifted attention towards another fascinating regulatory landscape.
Although individual European countries continue developing their own cannabis policies, many speakers acknowledged that broader reform at the European Union level will ultimately be necessary to unlock the industry’s full potential.
The discussion highlighted the complexities of operating within multiple independent legal systems while still striving for greater consistency across borders. Whether addressing patient access, commercial regulation or cross-border trade, European delegates shared many of the same frustrations experienced elsewhere in the world.
It became increasingly clear that cannabis policy is no longer simply a national issue—it is becoming an international conversation requiring cooperation between governments, researchers and industry leaders.
World Premiere: Amadiba – Cannabis vs Mining
One of the most memorable moments of the symposium came with the world premiere of the documentary Amadiba: Cannabis vs Mining, directed by Christophe Lardinois.
The film explores the ongoing tension between traditional cannabis cultivation, rural livelihoods and large-scale mining interests within the Amadiba region of South Africa. Rather than presenting a simple conflict, the documentary highlights the complex relationship between land, community, economic development and cultural heritage.
The screening was exceptionally well received by delegates.
As the credits rolled, conversations immediately began throughout the auditorium. The documentary challenged attendees to think beyond cannabis as merely an agricultural commodity and instead consider its role within broader discussions around environmental protection, community rights and sustainable development.
For many delegates, it was one of the emotional highlights of the symposium and an important reminder that cannabis policy often intersects with issues far beyond the plant itself.
As the conference programme concluded, the conversations simply moved to a different venue.
The evening’s official after-party took place at Alibi Cannabis Social Club on Bree Street, one of Cape Town’s well-known cannabis-friendly social spaces.
Although the event was scheduled to conclude at 10 p.m., very few people seemed interested in leaving. Conversations continued well into the night as delegates relaxed after another full day of presentations.
By this stage, I was definitely feeling both physically tired and pleasantly stoned, so I settled into one of the comfortable seating pods inside the club and simply enjoyed watching the conversations unfold around me.
One of the things I enjoy most about cannabis events is that networking feels completely natural. There were no formal introductions or business pitches—just genuine conversations between people who share a passion for the plant.
Throughout the evening, I had the opportunity to spend time with local South African cannabis club owners, catch up once again with the dedicated team from Fields of Green for ALL, and chat with delegates from Brazil, who seemed determined to ensure that nobody was ever without another perfectly rolled, top-quality joint.
Those informal conversations often become just as valuable as the presentations themselves. Ideas are exchanged freely, friendships develop naturally and new collaborations frequently begin over a shared appreciation for good cannabis.
Reflections on Day Two
Day Two demonstrated that while cannabis laws may differ across continents, the industry’s ambitions are remarkably consistent.
Around the world, people are working towards the same goals: sensible regulation, greater patient access, scientific research, economic opportunity and recognition of cannabis as a legitimate agricultural and medicinal crop.
From insightful international presentations to the powerful premiere of Amadiba: Cannabis vs Mining, and finally an unforgettable evening of networking at Alibi Cannabis Social Club, the second day of the International Cannabis Symposium reinforced why gatherings like this are so valuable.
The presentations may have ended inside the lecture theatres, but the conversations continued long into the Cape Town night—and in many ways, that’s where some of the symposium’s most meaningful connections were made.
