Icelandic Experts Advocate Evidence-Based Cannabis Reform at Hemp4Future Conference

At the recent Hemp4Future conference in Reykjavík, Icelandic and international experts gathered to discuss the potential for cannabis and hemp to bolster the country’s public health and sustainability goals. The event, held over two days in October, featured panels and workshops exploring how regulated cannabis access could serve Iceland, provided policymakers move beyond outdated fears and embrace data-driven reform. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that Iceland’s unique environmental resources and wellness-focused culture put it in a strong position to benefit from sensible cannabis regulation

A central theme was the persistent myth that legalization leads to increased youth cannabis use. Presenters cited data from Germany and the United States showing no significant rise in adolescent consumption following reforms. For example, a 2025 German study found only minor changes in youth use over 15 years, with a decline among male adolescents from 2019 to 2023. Similarly, the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future report and Colorado’s Healthy Kids Survey both indicated stable or declining rates of teen cannabis use post-legalization. "Youth use falls when cannabis is regulated," said Pearson, a speaker at the event. "The fear doesn’t match the evidence."

The medical potential of cannabis was a recurring focus, particularly given Iceland’s high prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Experts pointed to research showing cannabinoid-based medicines, such as nabiximols, effectively reduce MS-related spasticity. Additional studies highlighted the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating severe childhood epilepsies, including Dravet syndrome, with FDA-approved therapies like Epidiolex now available for several conditions. Clinicians at the conference also discussed evidence supporting cannabinoids for chronic pain and chemotherapy-related nausea, though they noted that findings for sleep disorders remain inconclusive

Legal and regulatory frameworks were scrutinized as key determinants of a successful cannabis program. International cannabis attorney Bob Hoban warned that countries often legalize cannabis without establishing practical commercial pathways, hindering progress. "Perfect regulation doesn’t exist," Hoban told attendees. "Countries that wait for perfection usually fail. Progress comes from starting, adjusting and creating balance between domestic access and international commerce." Speakers stressed that Iceland’s renewable energy and clean environment could give it a competitive edge in sustainable hemp production, especially when leveraging geothermal and hydroelectric power

Hemp’s environmental benefits also featured prominently, with research cited showing hemp’s water use is up to 60% less than cotton and that it can sequester over 3 metric tons of CO₂ per hectare. Its ability to remediate contaminated soils was noted, though speakers cautioned that results depend on local conditions. Despite strict cannabis prohibition, Iceland already permits limited medical use, such as Sativex for neurological conditions, and experts argued that expanding regulated access would improve consumer safety, public health oversight, and harm reduction

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, the Hemp4Future conference marks a pivotal moment for Iceland as it considers modernizing its cannabis laws. With mounting international evidence dispelling fears around youth use and highlighting clear public health and environmental gains, Iceland is well-positioned to craft a model policy rooted in science and sustainability. The industry will be watching closely to see whether Iceland’s policymakers act with the courage and pragmatism advocated by conference experts