Wednesday, October 29, 2025

GOLDEN LEAF GALA 2025 Celebrates Success in Cologne: Dialogue, Responsibility, and Transparency in Medical Cannabis Take Center Stage

Emotion, insight, and genuine connection defined the GOLDEN LEAF GALA 2025, held on October 10 at Cologne’s Flora. Organized by Four 20 Pharma GmbH in cooperation with the Sanity Group and the Cansativa Group, the event brought together around 250 guests from medicine, politics, associations, and the public. The goal: to promote education, break down stigma, and shape the future of medical cannabis therapy.

The evening featured inspiring talks, powerful stories, and moving patient testimonials. Particularly impressive were the contributions by extreme athlete Joey Kelly and actor Wolfgang Fierek, who spoke openly about overcoming challenges, resilience, and the medical benefits of the cannabis plant.

“One year ago, we set a strong signal with the first GOLDEN LEAF GALA – today we can see it was a true catalyst,” summarized Thomas Schatton, Founder and CEO of Four 20 Pharma. Despite ongoing political debates, it is clear that medical cannabis has established itself as an effective and well-tolerated treatment option. Schatton emphasized the need for evidence-based medicine and patient access free from prejudice.

Joey Kelly inspired the audience with a message of perseverance: “When resistance is at its highest, that’s when it’s most important to keep going. I hope everyone here reaches their goal – to destigmatize medical cannabis.”

Actor Wolfgang Fierek shared his own recovery story following a serious motorcycle accident in 2003 and how cannabis therapy supported his rehabilitation: “Cannabis therapy helped me find my way back to life. I strongly support its recognition as a standard medical treatment. Events like the GOLDEN LEAF GALA are vital to changing public perception and breaking down stigma.”

Alongside the celebrity guests, numerous medical experts and patients took the stage to share their experiences and discuss medical progress, policy developments, and future challenges. The common denominator: responsibility, transparency, and education.

Torsten Greif, CEO and Founder of Four 20 Pharma, summed up the evening: “The GOLDEN LEAF GALA was once again a huge success and a motivation to keep pushing forward. The evening clearly showed how valuable dialogue and awareness around medical cannabis truly are.”

Finn Hänsel, CEO of the Sanity Group, added: “A meaningful health policy needs dialogue, evidence, and the courage to evolve. The medical use of cannabis can only reach its full potential through cooperation between industry, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.”

Benedikt Sons, CEO of the Cansativa Group, also praised the event: “What was once a niche topic has grown into a strong, responsible community. The GOLDEN LEAF GALA perfectly symbolizes this transformation.”

To close the evening on a heartfelt note, all ticket proceeds were donated to the “It’s for Kids” Foundation, supporting disadvantaged children and young people.

The GOLDEN LEAF GALA 2025 was more than just an industry event – it was a powerful statement for quality, responsibility, and a new era of understanding in medical cannabis.