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Hall 622 Full: Three Days of Pure Cannabis
During the 25‑year anniversary edition of CannaTrade, Hall 622 in Zurich‑Oerlikon buzzed with activity from May 29 to 31 2026. The venue welcomed an international crowd that included long‑time Swiss enthusiasts, first‑time visitors, and representatives from every age group. Regular attendees appreciated the chance to catch up with familiar faces, while newcomers found it easy to strike up conversations and build connections. Throughout the weekend the atmosphere remained relaxed and inquisitive, underscoring why the format has remained successful for a quarter of a century.
150 Exhibitors, One Focus: Pure Cannabis
Around 150 booths filled the 6,000 m² exhibition space, showcasing the full spectrum of the cannabis plant. Cultivation supplies for indoor and outdoor grows stood beside CBD flowers, extracts, tinctures, and topicals. Vaporizer, bong, and rolling‑paper manufacturers displayed their 2026 product lines, while medical‑focused exhibitors linked visitors with Swiss pharmacies and healthcare providers.
One noticeable trend was the culinary use of hemp. The accompanying Hemp Food Festival featured hemp pasta, hemp oil, hemp‑infused snacks, hemp beer, and CBD chocolate. These offerings demonstrated that hemp as a food ingredient has moved well beyond niche markets and entered the mainstream, attracting even those who do not consume cannabis for recreational or therapeutic purposes.
Knowledge on the Main Stage: Panels, Lectures, Discussions
The main stage hosted a dense schedule of panel discussions, expert lectures, and moderated talks over the three days. Topics ranged from evolving Swiss and international regulations to the latest medical research, innovative cultivation techniques, and the future direction of the Swiss pilot programme. The blend of industry practitioners, scientists, and activists created a dialogue that often continued beyond the allotted time, spilling into informal chats at the exhibitor booths.
Swiss Joint Rolling Championship
A longstanding crowd‑pleaser, the Swiss Joint Rolling Championship returned as a highlight of the event. Contestants demonstrated technique, speed, and style on stage, vying for the title of “Swiss Champion” for the coming year. Observers noted that the competition felt more like a craft demonstration than a spectacle, with participants displaying concentration, practiced routine, and creative flair. The stands were consistently filled, confirming the contest’s enduring popularity.
CannaSwissCup and CannAward: The 2026 Winners
Two award ceremonies punctuated the program. The CannaSwissCup once again recognized the top Swiss CBD varieties, serving as a quality benchmark for the sector. Detailed results and category winners are available at cannabisscup.ch.
The CannAward honored the most visually striking booth at the fair, with the accolade going to Highstore at booth 113. In addition, two Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented:
- Marco Kuhn, founder of CannaTrade a quarter‑century ago and a longtime activist in the Swiss cannabis community.
- Sven Schendekehl, secretary of the Legalize It association for over three decades.
Both recipients were celebrated for their sustained contributions, which have helped shape the Swiss cannabis landscape as it exists today.
25‑Year Birthday Party Friday Evening
On Friday evening the trade fair transformed into a birthday celebration. Exhibitors, visitors, and longtime companions gathered inside Hall 622 for music, DJs, live acts, and numerous toasts to the past 25 years. The gathering offered ample opportunity for stories and recollections from those who have attended every edition since the inaugural event. Many described the night as a memorable piece of scene history that will likely be revisited at the next anniversary.
Around the Edges: Lounges, Live Glass, Graffiti & Skate Zone
Beyond the core programme, CannaTrade offered several complementary spaces. The CB Lounge and Chillout Area provided quieter environments for conversation and rest. In the Graffiti Zone, artists collaborated over the weekend to create a vibrant mural that captured the event’s atmosphere. The Live Glass Show allowed spectators to watch glassblowers shape raw material into pipes, bongs, and artistic pieces. Finally, the Skate Zone highlighted the fair’s connection to urban Swiss subculture, reinforcing CannaTrade’s role as a cultural hub as well as an industry showcase.
Outlook: Next CannaTrade May 19‑21, 2028
Organizers have confirmed that CannaTrade will continue on its biennial schedule. The next edition is slated for May 19‑21, 2028, again taking place in Hall 622, Zurich. For anyone who missed the 2026 show or is already planning ahead, the dates, venue, and organizing team are locked in. The intervening years are expected to bring advancements in cultivation gear, novel CBD formulations, and further regulatory developments—topics that will undoubtedly feature in the 2028 programme.
Hemp Magazine remains the Main Media Partner of CannaTrade. For a comprehensive calendar of international cannabis industry events, visit cannadoo.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About CannaTrade 2026
When and Where Did CannaTrade 2026 Take Place?
CannaTrade 2026 ran from May 29‑31, 2026 in Hall 622, Zurich‑Oerlikon. The event marked the fair’s 25‑year anniversary; a retrospective on its origins can be found in our earlier piece “CannaTrade Turns 20.”
How Many Visitors Did CannaTrade 2026 Have?
Across the three days, over 8,500 attendees passed through the venue, exploring the exhibits of roughly 150 international exhibitors spread across 6,000 m² of exhibition space.
When is the Next CannaTrade?
The following CannaTrade will occur from May 19‑21, 2028, again in Hall 622, Zurich. Switzerland continues to be a pioneer in European cannabis policy, having opened the continent’s first legal dispensaries.
What Other Major Cannabis Trade Shows Are There?
Besides CannaTrade, notable events in the German‑speaking region include Spannabis in Barcelona—Europe’s largest hemp fair—and Mary Jane Berlin.
For the original source of this recap, see Here
