The CanG in the Bundesrat
Why is everyone talking about the Bundesrat?
The Bundesrat is one of the five constitutional bodies of the Federal Republic of Germany and represents the interests of the 16 federal states at the federal level. Its members are not elected representatives, but members of the state governments. Its composition reflects the political majority within the states. The Bundesrat plays an important role in the legislative process, especially in laws concerning the states. This direct representation of state interests and its unique operational approach distinguishes it from the Bundestag.
Next Friday, the Bundesrat will vote on the Cannabis Act. Each federal state has one vote in the Bundesrat, weighted by population size. The decision is not made solely by the respective Prime Minister but depends on the collective vote within each state government. If a coalition government is divided, the state abstains from voting. The Cannabis Act is subject to objection, meaning it does not require consent. The distinction between laws that require consent and those that do not is vital, as it determines the extent to which the Bundesrat can block or merely delay a law. In the regular procedure, the Bundesrat can delay the Cannabis Act but not prevent it.
The Internal Structures of the Bundesrat
The Bundesrat has so-called committees. These are tasked with developing recommendations for the procedure in the chamber of states. These recommendations reveal the sentiment towards certain legislative initiatives and suggest possible amendments. The recommendations from committees focused on health policy, domestic policy, and legal matters are particularly relevant for the Cannabis Act. The recommendations can range from full support to significant amendment requests and are usually an important indicator for the Bundesrat’s further proceedings.
If the Bundesrat fails to reach a consensus, the Mediation Committee (in German: Vermittlungsausschuss) is convened upon request. This committee consists of members of the Bundestag and the Bundesrat and is tasked with mediating in case of disagreements between the two chambers. The committee can develop amendment proposals, which must then be voted on again in both chambers. The Mediation Committee is thus an important tool for finding consensus in the legislative process and is meant to enable a swift agreement. The Health Committee (G), the Committee on Internal Affairs (In), and the Legal Committee (R) demand the Bundesrat to convene the Mediation Committee. However, these committee recommendations are not binding.
On the Threshold of Decision
We are at a decisive moment where it’s vital for the industry to be well-prepared, maintain transparency, and strategically target the upcoming significant milestones in Germany’s cannabis reform.
The Cannabis Act not only establishes essential guidelines for non-commercial cultivation but also signifies a turning point in medicinal cannabis management in Germany. It heralds significant ease for medical professionals and patients alike. These advancements indicate that comprehensive cannabis reform is closer than ever – possibly leading to an increase in skeptical media voices anticipating the law’s failure.
Anything else?
Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@cansativa.de. If you are interested in revolutionising the cannabis industry with us, then stay tuned and follow our briefings!
We wish you a good read!
With legalising greetings,

Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa

Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa


Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa


Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Insights into Research: Cannabis as a Potential Factor in Endometriosis Therapy
Endometriosis: A chronic and currently incurable affliction
Endometriosis is a chronic disease that receives relatively little attention. It affects about 8 to 15 percent of all individuals with a uterus, making it one of the most common gynecological diseases. It is a systemic disease that affects the entire body without a single focus of inflammation. The condition involves the growth of uterine muscle layer tissue outside the uterus, such as in the abdominal and pelvic area, on the intestines, or on the ovaries. The consequences include chronic inflammation, scarring, and adhesions of the affected tissue, severe pain, and cramps that can radiate from the abdomen to the back and legs. Since the cause is not yet understood according to current scientific knowledge, there is no cure that addresses the root cause of endometriosis. Overall, about half of those affected require ongoing treatment [i].
Endometriosis can be treated in various ways: medicinally or surgically by removing the endometriosis foci. Other potential therapies may target hormone levels or dietary changes. Patients who receive medical therapy are typically prescribed painkillers to treat and alleviate their symptoms [ii]. However, this carries risks: prolonged and regular intake can lead to dependence and tolerance effects; painkillers can also cause permanent damage to organs like the liver or kidney. In recent years, treatment with medical cannabis is also being slowly researched as a potential option in the therapy of endometriosis.
Medical Cannabis as an Effective Component of Endometriosis Therapy
Medical cannabis has proven to be a promising component in the treatment of endometriosis [iii]. In recent years, researchers have examined medical cannabis as a treatment for endometriosis, particularly focusing on the interaction of cannabinoids with the body’s own endocannabinoid system and the gut. Their findings suggest that cannabis has the potential to alleviate a range of symptoms associated with endometriosis [iv].
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain regulation. These compounds can alleviate neuropathic pain, which is common in endometriosis, and reduce inflammation, leading to more effective pain relief. Known interactions with the endocannabinoid system involve two endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor, found in large numbers in the uterus and on nerve cells, produces a pain-blocking effect when interacting with cannabis. The CB2 receptor, located in the immune system, inhibits inflammatory responses when cannabis is used [v].
Research findings indicate that medicinal cannabis, with its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, may have the capacity to simultaneously address multiple symptoms. Investigations are exploring the extent to which medical cannabis can not only mitigate pain but also positively influence associated symptoms like cramps, nausea, sleep disturbances, and anxiety, commonly linked with endometriosis. Testimonials from women who have used cannabis for their condition suggest notable improvements in sleep quality and a decrease in nausea and vomiting. These observations hint at the potential for a more comprehensive treatment approach, potentially enhancing the life quality of those impacted.
Treatment with medical cannabis usually involves the intake of oils or capsules and the use of vaporizers. This allows for individual dosing as determined in consultation with the treating physician, giving patients better control over their symptoms and the ability to tailor their therapy to their needs. Additionally, this therapy is gentler on patients: there are indications that medical cannabis has fewer and milder side effects and is better tolerated [vi].
More Research Needed to Improve Therapy Options
Despite initial promising (research) results and growing acceptance of medical cannabis as a treatment option for endometriosis, we are still at the beginning of understanding this treatment method’s full potential. Further comprehensive clinical studies and research are needed to fully grasp the capabilities of medical cannabis and its active ingredients in treating endometriosis and other conditions.
Therefore, increased commitment to research and development of medical cannabis is essential to advance innovative and effective therapies that meet patients’ needs. Promoting research in the medical cannabis field is crucial for this purpose. Only through continuous investment in research and development can we further improve healthcare for individuals with endometriosis and other pain patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life sustainably.
Anything else?
Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@cansativa.de. If you are interested in revolutionising the cannabis industry with us, then stay tuned and follow our briefings!
We wish you a good read!
With legalising greetings,

Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa

Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Sources:
[i] Endometriose-Vereinigung Deutschland e.V.. (2023). Was ist Endometriose. Endometriose-Vereinigung Deutschland e.V.. https://www.endometriose-vereinigung.de/was-ist-endometriose/
[i] Frauenärzte im Netz. (14.12.2021). Endometriose: Therapie. Frauenärzte im Netz. https://www.frauenaerzte-im-netz.de/erkrankungen/endometriose/therapie/
[ii] Frauenärzte im Netz. (14.12.2021). Endometriose: Therapie. Frauenärzte im Netz. https://www.frauenaerzte-im-netz.de/erkrankungen/endometriose/therapie/
[iii] Sinclair, J., Collett, L., Abbott, J., Pate, D. W., Sarris, J., & Armour, M. (2021). Effects of cannabis ingestion on endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and related symptoms. PloS One, 16(10), e0258940. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258940
[iv] Sinclair, J., Collett, L., Abbott, J., Pate, D. W., Sarris, J., & Armour, M. (2021). Effects of cannabis ingestion on endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and related symptoms. PloS One, 16(10), e0258940. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258940
[v] de Souza, H. F. (14.11.2023). Cannabis shows promise in easing endometriosis pain, new research suggests. News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231114/Cannabis-shows-promise-in-easing-endometriosis-pain-new-research-suggests.aspx
[vi] de Souza, H. F. (14.11.2023). Cannabis shows promise in easing endometriosis pain, new research suggests. News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231114/Cannabis-shows-promise-in-easing-endometriosis-pain-new-research-suggests.aspx


Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa


Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Cansativa and Cronos Group Inc. launch leading medical cannabis brand PEACE NATURALS® in Germany
Cronos Group Inc. (“Cronos”), a publicly traded global cannabis company, and Cansativa GmbH (“Cansativa”), the German market leader for medical cannabis, have entered into a supply agreement for the import, marketing, and distribution of the PEACE NATURALS® product line in Germany. The first of three products will be delivered to pharmacies on 1st of November 2023. Two further products will launch by November 2023. Pre-orders via the online shop of Cansativa are available for pharmacies now.
The PEACE NATURALS® brand is returning to the German market after a brief absence. While it was available sporadically, Cansativa and Cronos have the shared goal to keep the brand and its products available in Germany over the long term.
The PEACE NATURALS® product range that will be available in Germany initially includes three cannabis dried flower varieties: GMO Cookies, Cocoa Bomba and Space Cake. In the Canadian cannabis market, Cronos has won awards for its products and innovations in a number of product categories. Cronos has invested heavily in research and development for its genetic breeding and tissue culture program, which have resulted in cultivars medical patients can count on for quality and consistency. Cronos has a sophisticated flower genetics and cultivar program, headed by industry-leading R&D professionals who have brough best-selling strains to consumers in medical and adult-use markets.
Patients can obtain relevant information, including THC levels and cannabinoid specifics ofPEACE NATURALS® products, from their physician, local pharmacy or a Cansativa partner pharmacy.
“We are very happy to bring such a successful brand like PEACE NATURALS® back to Germany,” says Benedikt Sons, founder and CEO of Cansativa. “Together with our partner Cronos, we want to ensure a reliable and consistent supply of these high-quality products for cannabis patients.”
“We intend to establish our PEACE NATURALS® brand as a top medical brand in Germany,” says Mike Gorenstein, Chairman and CEO of Cronos. “We are proud to bring high-quality, medical cannabis to this market and look forward to establishing PEACE NATURALS® as a trusted brand in Germany.”
About Cansativa Group
Cansativa Group was founded in 2017 by the brothers Benedikt and Jakob Sons in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Cansativa has the largest platform for the most desirable cannabis products and brands which makes it the leader in the medicinal cannabis market. Since the award of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) in August 2020, it is the only company with approval for the distribution of medicinal cannabis from German cultivation. Through a network of around 2000 pharmacies, Cansativa currently supplies around 300,000 patients in Germany with medicinal cannabis in the context of pain therapies.
With regard to the planned legalisation of cannabis, the Cansativa Group sees itself as a pioneer in the democratisation of the cannabis market. Cansativa has the necessary infrastructure and expertise to safely import, store, license, distribute and brand cannabis. The company is also committed to cannabis education. With the vision “We enable
Cannabis”, Cansativa sees itself as a driving force of the cannabis industry in Germany.
Further information www.cansativa-group.de
About Cronos Group Inc.
Cronos is an innovative global cannabinoid company committed to building disruptive intellectual property by advancing cannabis research, technology and product development. With a passion to responsibly elevate the consumer experience, Cronos is building an iconic brand portfolio. Cronos’ diverse international brand portfolio includes Spinach®, PEACE NATURALS® and Lord Jones®. For more information about Cronos and its brands, please visit: thecronosgroup.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release may contain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and court decisions (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute Forward-looking Statements. In some cases, Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify Forward-looking Statements. Some of the Forward-looking Statements contained in this press release include statements about importing, distributing and marketing the PEACE NATURALS® product line; anticipated delivery and launch dates of such products; the availability of the PEACE NATURALS® product line in Germany and the consistency and reliability of the supply thereof; the quality and consistency of Cronos cultivars; the PEACE NATURALS® brand and its positioning in Germany; Cansativa’s impact on the cannabis industry in Germany; and the Cronos brand portfolio. Forward-looking Statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks. Financial results and performance or achievements expressed or implied by those Forward-looking Statements are not guarantees of future performance. A discussion of some of the material risks applicable to the Company can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, each of which has been filed on SEDAR and EDGAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov/edgar, respectively. Any Forward-looking Statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, Cronos disclaims any obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Statement. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any Forward-looking Statement.
Press contacts:
Cansativa Group
Ioana Freise, External Affairs
pr@cansativa.de
Cronos Group
Emily Whalen, Media Relations
media.relations@thecronosgroup.com