Despite my training as an aircraft technician, I have always been fascinated by biology and medicine. After doing my community service in a drug counseling center, I studied medical engineering, specializing in cell and tissue engineering. There I was able to gain my first experience with tissue engineering and was engaged in the development of bioreactors for the cultivation of cartilage tissue. When I had to learn about the relevance of this field on my own body due to a meniscus injury, I delved into the physiological processes and came across the endocannabinoid system. Out of curiosity I tried to medicate my injuries with hemp extracts and was fascinated by the physiological relevance of the characteristic ingredients – the cannabinoids. After completing several internships at IMP Vienna and moving my focus to brain research, I really became aware of the role of the endocannabinoid system.

I founded a start-up with my friends and still long-time business partners to produce and market hemp extracts throughout europe. At the same time, I pursued a master’s degree in neuroscience and specialized in cannabinoids. At the Center for Brain Research I investigated the effects of phytocannabinoids on GABAA receptors in the lab while I was engaged in the production of hemp extracts on the business side.

As a pioneer in Austria we succeeded with cannhelp in the first successful production of CO2 extracts and our company established itself as one of the pioneers in this industry. To date, I have co-developed more than 50 products in the field of nutritional supplements, aroma products, medical products and cosmetics and I am active in our group of companies as managing director and medical product consultant.

As a consultant, I was also able to gather experience in the field of regulatory affairs during this time and contributed to the approval of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. On an international level, I was able to participate in the planning of a research facility for medical cannabis in Thailand. I am a quality representative for ISO 9001 and have the qualification as a business manager to develop and market medical devices.