Starting in 2016, Switzerland approved cannabis flowers and products for tobacco cessation or as a tobacco substitute. The catch is that the THC content cannot go over 1%. Since then, over 600 companies have been licensed across the nation, producing a variety of high-CBD, low-THC cannabis concoctions. These companies are exporting all over the world and are poised to lead the burgeoning market once the Swiss government fully legalizes cannabis, something that should happen in the very near future.

At the International Cannabis Business Conference Zurich (May 15-16) and CannaTrade (May 17-19), CBD companies will be out in force. I caught up with the leaders of a few of the top Swiss CBD companies to ask them about their businesses.

Company X, Clint Younge

How influential has progress across Europe or the globe impacted Switzerland?

“It’s impacted it a lot, the thing is with Switzerland, if you work with the government they are a lot more receptive than other countries I have noticed.”

What are some attributes that make your company special and/or unique?

“The fact that we put integrity over greed, we put client care at the highest standard and we can execute anything from seed to sale.”

“We are extremely excited to be expanding and getting this journey going and we hope that everyone stays tuned for what we are doing in the near future because we have some big things planned.

Grünkraft, Tiano Thomas

What do you see as the greatest opportunities for the industry?

“The acceptance and needs of society in respect to cannabis are constantly growing, a factor which is reinforced repeatedly by new findings which shed a positive light on the plant’s effects. Besides more jobs emerging due to this new branch of trade, society is starting to realize how well this often-demonized plant can aid when consumed in a regulated way. Even older generations nowadays seem to be curious about the effects of cannabis and have changed their attitude towards the plant.”The plant’s negative stigma, gained through its criminalization, has begun to crumble. Today, hemp is reaching the place in society it deserves, with the variety of ways it can be used for. Its potential has been rediscovered and the plant is gaining more and more value, not only for medical and recreational uses. Across Europe, consumers are developing stronger opinions on resourceful, conscious and organic products. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time until this trend takes over and people will start to be criticized for holding conservative notions towards the plant and fighting against the regulated use of cannabis.”

What are some attributes that make your company special and/or unique?

“We have started Grünkraft in a small single-family house which was about to be renovated and could be use by us for the intervening time. We filled every room with plants and acquired all knowledge by self-education – from how to treat clones up to how to extract the oil. Today, we have to our knowledge the cleanest and most innovative indoor facility in the country. Due to the large demand of our products and the fast growth of the company, we were forced to optimize procedures wherever possible. As a result, my partners and I have acquired a wide range of knowledge in all aspects of the CBD agent. We are proud to say that even though our products show high quality and are exclusively made in Switzerland, we can produce and sell them in large amounts and for good prices. We are young, goal oriented, resilient and motivated to always find new ways and better solutions than before.”

Ivory Group, Alexandre Lacarré

What are some of attributes that make your company special and/or unique?

“Founded in 2017, Ivory Group is an early mover in the European cannabis industry based in Switzerland. Privately held by three families who are passionate about the excellence and the opportunities afforded by an emerging global industry.

“Our cultivation techniques are certainly top-notch. We utilize Hybrid greenhouses for the combined action of sun and sodium lamps that gives advantage of the entire natural light spectrum for the development/optimal maturation of the terpenic profiles. Our facility is situated in close proximity to Lake Geneva. Excellence is guaranteed with a meticulous manufacturing process, highlighted by full plant air-cured drying and hand-trim to ensure only the highest quality flower makes it into our products.

“Our value proposition is a premium, great tasting, indoor-quality product aggressively marketed versus similar competitor offerings. Consumer experience is at heart of everything we do to ensure our brands reflect the tastes and preferences of our current enthusiasts and future customers.

“Our exclusive joint-venture with Dinafam Seeds – a world-recognized genetics company – also sets us apart as they have been industry leaders for the development of pure CBD strains to be sold in Switzerland. We utilize their innovative strains that are below the legal 1% THC limit but high in CBD, testing 20+%, with full terpenes and flavor of THC-known genetics now available in CBD products.”

Pure Holding AG, Renato Auer

How influential has progress across Europe or the globe impacted Switzerland?

“It’s actually the other way around from our perspective. Switzerland was first mover and turned into the CBD hub. The large experience and plenty of human capital is also something that distinguishes Switzerland as a force to be reckoned with. Switzerland has opened most EU CBD markets and triggered the movement with its higher threshold of THC in CBD plants and made a huge impact. Furthermore the strong innovation and R&D capacity in research and pharma will propel it even further.”

What are some attributes that make your company special and/or unique?

Our genetic cannabis breeding program

Value chain from varieties breeding all the way to sales channel of the final product

R&D, location between Basel und Zurich

Human capital and experts available experts in all fields throughout the complete value chain

First mover

Collaborations with the ETH Zurich,

Our team and team spirit is unique

What are some of the best reviews that you have gotten from customers?

“The purity of our isolates is complimented worldwide from all sides of the market in various industries including pharma, from both clients and prospects. Time to market and a fast product delivery are definitely other positive feedbacks we receive on a regular basis.

“We strive to be the best partner for our customers. Loyal and straightforward. Furthermore our goal is to become the largest cannabis producer in Europe. Last but not least, Pure shall become the best cannabis genetic breeder in the world.”

To learn the latest about the industry and to network with top investors and entrepreneurs, there is still time to attend ICBC Zurich and CannaTrade. Get your tickets today! (Tickets to ICBC Zurich include access to CannaTrade.)