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Author: Hazel Norman

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Uruguay’s Legal Cannabis Exports Continue To Increase

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Uruguay will forever hold the title of being the first country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. Lawmakers in Uruguay adopted recreational cannabis legalization in 2013, with legal domestic sales beginning in the nation’s pharmacies in 2017.

The South American nation is rapidly becoming a top source of legal medical cannabis products for other countries. Uruguay’s legal cannabis companies exported over $3 million worth of medical cannabis products in the last year to such nations as Germany, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Uruguay’s export data is part of a new report published by the Uruguay XXI Institute.

“In 2023, Uruguayan companies exported about 25 tons of cannabis, of which 83% corresponded to medicinal flowers, with sales of USD 1.5 million.” El Planteo reported about the previous year’s statistics for contextual purposes.

The report by the Uruguay XXI Institute also determined the following:

  • Uruguay’s domestic adult-use consumer base is an estimated 250,000 people
  • The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries has issued cultivation licenses to 36 companies
  • Annual consumption of recreational cannabis in Uruguay is between 44 and 50 tons

Legal sales at pharmacies began in Uruguay in the summer of 2017, and consumers could initially choose from two different strains. The two strains are named ‘Alpha’ and ‘Beta’, each with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels equal to or less than 9%, and cannabidiol (CBD) levels equal to or less than 3%.

Then, in 2022, Uruguay permitted a third option, ‘Gamma,’ which has a THC level equal to or less than 15%, and CBD levels equal to or less than 1%. Regulators in Uruguay recently approved a fourth option that contains a higher level of THC than the other three options.

“The new variant has a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of equal to or less than 20% and a cannabidiol (CBD) content of equal to or less than 1%.” stated Latin America Reports in its local coverage.

“Currently, 71,843 Uruguayan citizens are legally registered to purchase cannabis in pharmacies, 11,708 have received permission to grow it at home, and 13,687 are members of cannabis clubs.” the outlet also reported.

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Denmark Announces Plan To Make Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Permanent

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The government in Denmark recently announced its plans to make its medical cannabis pilot program permanent. The pilot program, first introduced in 2018, was originally designed to help federal lawmakers and regulators gather data and other research to be better suited to craft national laws and rules. The program has issued over 20,000 prescriptions since its launch.

“The scheme was introduced in 2018 to give selected patient groups, e.g. patients with multiple sclerosis or cancer, a legal opportunity to be prescribed medical cannabis as part of their treatment.” stated the Ministry of the Interior and Health (translated from Danish to English).

“We can see that many patients who are prescribed medical cannabis by their doctor seem to benefit from the treatment. This applies, for example, to cancer patients who may suffer from severe nausea after treatment with chemotherapy, or people with multiple sclerosis who may have severe pain,” Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde stated.

“If it’s up to the government, patients must continue to have a legal option to use medical cannabis, which is why we plan to make the scheme permanent. But now we have to see how the parties to the agreement stand.” the minister also stated.

Denmark’s medical cannabis pilot trial is slated to end in 2025. The proposal to make the medical cannabis pilot program permanent still needs final approval.

“On behalf of the government, Sophie Løhde has invited the agreement parties – SF, Liberal Alliance, Enhedslisten, Dansk Folkeparti and Alternativet – to negotiations on the trial scheme on medical cannabis.” the Ministry of the Interior and Health stated about the next steps.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

A recent market analysis by Introspective Market Research projects that the legal global medical cannabis industry will be worth an estimated $91.065 billion by 2032. Introspective Market Research estimates that the emerging worldwide medical cannabis industry was worth over $13 billion in 2023.

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Czech Cabinet Moves To Allow Cannabis Possession And Cultivation

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The Czech Republic’s cabinet recently approved a plan that would permit adults in the European nation to cultivate multiple plants in their private residences and possess a personal amount of cannabis.

The plan, which would legalize the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants and set a maximum possession limit of 50 grams of cannabis, was originally introduced by the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Justice back in September 2024. The plan does not go far enough according to members of the Czech Pirate Party.

“Instead of legalization and money in the budget, today the government presents pasquil. You can grow cannabis, but you can’t harvest it. To be able to grow three cannabis plants and at the same time have a limit of 50 grams that you can have at home is absurd. It’s like you could raise three hens, but they could lay a maximum of one egg, otherwise you’ll be fined or go to jail,” said former Deputy Prime Minister and former head of the Pirates Ivan Bartoš according to local reporting by Echo24.

Personal cannabis possession without intent to distribute was first decriminalized in the Czech Republic in 2010 and medical cannabis was legalized in 2013. Adult-use cannabis reform in the Czech Republic is part of an increasing trend in Europe where multiple countries have now adopted legalization measures to boost public health strategies.

What is being proposed in Czechia is similar to what was implemented in Germany earlier this year from cultivation plant limit and possession limit standpoints, however, the proposed legal age of 21 years old would differ from what Germany adopted and is similar to what is in place in two dozens states in the U.S.

Currently, cannabis is legal for adult use at a national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The Czech government “believes it will manage to push through the changes by the end of its term in October 2025” per local reporting by TVP World.

According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), nearly 30% of Czech adults have consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetimes and 11.1% report having consumed cannabis within the last year. The average rate for once-a-year consumption across Europe is 8% according to EMCDDA data.

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Advocates Urge German Government To Prioritize Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Last week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the firing of Finance Minister Christian Lindner, effectively ending the ruling government’s coalition of Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), Lindner’s Free Democratic Party (FDP), and the Greens. The coalition was often referred to as the ‘traffic light coalition.’

Chancellor Scholz also announced that Germany’s Parliament will hold a confidence vote in January which could move the next Bundestag elections to March 2025. The collapse of the traffic light coalition is resulting in industrial hemp industry advocates urging the nation’s lawmakers to ensure that the Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act is prioritized.

“Following the upheaval in the federal government, important legislative projects are to be brought through the parliamentary process by the end of the year so that they can come into force before the early elections. The Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW) is calling on the federal government and the parties represented in the Bundestag to put the Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act (NLG) on the priority list.” stated BvCW in a press release.

The Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act was previously approved by German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir last month and includes the removal of the ‘intoxication clause,’ although the law is not yet finalized and still needs to be approved via the parliamentary process. The measure would also legalize the cultivation of industrial hemp indoors.

“Germany is lagging far behind in Europe and the world in the cultivation, research and use of industrial hemp. We cannot wait another few years . The Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act must therefore be passed by the Bundestag as soon as possible in order to finally give farmers and the industry legal certainty and to make Germany competitive again,” warns Dirk Heitepriem, President of the Cannabis Industry Association.

“We ask the legislator to give this law priority. For many agricultural businesses, processing companies and traders, it is essential that the removal of the intoxication clause is finally finalized and thus the considerable – in some cases livelihood-threatening – economic damage is put to an end. This will quickly strengthen the industrial hemp industry and at the same time reduce bureaucracy, costs and risks,” said Michael Greif, interim managing director of the BvCW.

The push for industrial hemp policy and regulatory modernization in Germany comes at a time when much of Europe is doing the same. Market analysts associated with Research and Markets project that the global industrial hemp market will reach $25.33 billion in value by 2032.

“Industrial hemp has enormous potential for the German economy. From renewable, climate-friendly building materials, in vehicle construction or as a regional alternative protein source for humans and animals. At the same time, it offers agriculture great potential, for example in the regeneration of weak and contaminated soils. That is why we need the law now to simplify the cultivation of industrial hemp, create legal clarifications and thus growth impulses for our economy,” explains Marijn Roersch van der Hoogte, Vice President and Department Coordinator for Industrial Hemp.

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Parliamentary Report: Cannabis Reform In NSW Is “Only Rational Course”

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

A new parliamentary report issued in New South Wales calls for cannabis reform in the Australian state. The 148-page report, which was tabled by the premier and finance committee, called cannabis reform the “only rational course of action.”

“The committee strongly believes that this must not deter the government from pursuing a rational, staged and evidence-based policy that addresses the growing need for legal and regulated cannabis markets,” Legalise Cannabis MP Jeremy Buckingham stated after the report was tabled according to local reporting by Cannabiz.

“The majority of committee members are persuaded that at least initial reforms should be considered by government.” Buckingham also stated.

Currently in New South Wales, cannabis possession without intent to distribute is punishable by up to two years in prison, and ‘gifting’ cannabis is treated as distribution. The tabled parliamentary report recommended that the penalty for possession be reduced to a maximum of three months, or to penalize such activity with only a fine.

Additionally, the report recommended that ‘gifting’ cannabis without consideration should be treated as possession, and that medical cannabis patients should be afforded an affirmative defense when they test positive for THC but do not exhibit signs of intoxication when operating a motor vehicle on public roadways.

In the Australian Capital Territory, where the country’s capital is located, cannabis is already decriminalized and has been since January 2020. Driving while under the influence of cannabis is still prohibited in the territory, as is cannabis commerce and public cannabis consumption.

Cannabis remains prohibited at the federal level in Australia, although medical cannabis is legal in some instances.

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UK Government Announces Reforms To Hemp License Regulations

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Government officials in the United Kingdom announced this week that regulators are changing hemp licensing regulations in the country. Starting in 2025, hemp license holders in the UK will no longer have to identify a specific area on a farm property where they intend to cultivate hemp. Rather, the farmers can produce hemp anywhere on the licensed farm.

Furthermore, starting in 2026, the maximum period for a hemp production license will be increased from the current 3 years to 6 years. Hemp producers in the UK will also be able to defer the start date of cultivation by up to one year.

“These reforms will bring an important boost to this industry and cut down the unnecessary burdens that have been placed on businesses.” Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Crime and Policing, said. “This government will always listen and engage with industry experts, and we want to make it easier for licence holders to capitalise on the economic potential of legally growing hemp.”

“These improvements to the licensing regime for industrial hemp are a positive step for farmers.” Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said. “Recognising that industrial hemp is a field-grown agricultural crop, these reforms will simplify the license application process and provide greater flexibility within the crop rotation, enabling farmers to fully realise the economic and environmental benefits of the crop.”

In other recent hemp industry news in the United Kingdom, a government-appointed advisory panel, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), recommended that the UK increase the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) allowed in hemp from 0.2% to 0.3%.

“The ACMD is supportive of the proposed change to increase the maximum THC content of industrial hemp grown outdoors for seed production or in order to use the non-controlled parts of the plant to produce fibre for use in the construction and textile industries from 0.2% to 0.3%, as the potential benefits outweigh an increased risk of harms.” the panel stated.

“The ACMD recommends the Home Office to conduct an assessment of the impact of the legislative change after 2 years. The ACMD foresees no issues with applying the lower fee of £580 to a raised level of THC not exceeding 0.3%, to align with other international examples.” the panel also stated.

According to the United Kingdom government, the number of hemp licenses in the UK increased from six licenses in 2013 to 136 in 2023. A first-time hemp license in the United Kingdom costs £580. Hemp producers who apply for subsequent licenses pay £326, or less than £109 per year.

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Turkey Sets Hemp Quota For Medical Products

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

In 2016, hemp cultivation became legal in 19 provinces in Turkey for industrial purposes. Aspiring hemp producers must obtain the country’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock permission before beginning operations. Hemp product permits are valid for a maximum of three years in Turkey.

Regulators in Turkey recently announced that annual hemp cultivation in the country will be limited to 5,000 square meters and 120,000 plants ‘for the production of pharmaceutical active ingredients.’ Many medical cannabis products around the globe incorporate cannabidiol derived from hemp plants.

“Exempt from these restrictions are universities, research institutes within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and organizations with research permits, which may conduct scientific and R&D projects without being subject to the quota. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will oversee the allocation of the quota.” stated Daily Sabah in its local reporting.

The modern push to boost Turkey’s emerging hemp industry came in 2019 when Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, announced that the country would take steps to increase production. Turkey was experiencing an economic crisis, and increased hemp production for the purpose of medical cannabis product exports was established to try to address the problem.

Turkey has a long history of cannabis and hashish production going back many centuries, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that the country outlawed production due to pressure from the United States.

According to a recent market analysis by Spherical Insights LLP, the global industrial hemp market is projected to be worth an estimated $24.30 billion by 2033.

“The Global Industrial Hemp Market Size is to Grow from USD 5.38 Billion in 2023 to USD 24.30 Billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.27% during the projected period.” the researchers stated.

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62% Of Canadians Still Approve Of Cannabis Legalization

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Canada became the second country on the planet and the first G-7 nation to adopt a national adult-use legalization measure in 2018. The only country to do so before Canada was Uruguay, where lawmakers approved a national adult-use legalization measure in 2013.

However, unlike Uruguay where legal recreational cannabis sales are limited to residents only, Canada permits recreational cannabis sales across the country to anyone of legal age. The legal age for cannabis purchases in Canada at the federal level is 18 years old, although provinces and territories can set a higher age limit.

The recreational cannabis commerce system in Canada is the most robust on earth. In addition to Uruguay and Canada, cannabis is also legal for recreational purposes at a national level in Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Canada is the only nation on that list that permits nationwide sales to adult non-residents.

Investigators affiliated with Research Co. recently surveyed Canadians to determine the level of support for legalization six years after implementation. The survey results are based on an online survey conducted from October 13 to October 15, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada.

“In the online survey of a representative national sample, 62% of Canadians (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023) agree with marijuana being legal in Canada, while 33% disagree and 4% are undecided.” Research Co. stated about the results.

“Agreement with legal cannabis in Canada is highest in Quebec (66%), followed by Alberta (64%), Ontario (also 64%), British Columbia (60%), Atlantic Canada (56%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (53%).” the researchers also stated.

Research Co. also determined the following:

  • 33% of Canadians report having tried cannabis before it was legal
  • 14% only did so after legalization
  • 51% of consumers report making all of their purchases through licensed retailers
  • 74% support expunging charges for people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use

Recreational cannabis is currently legal in two dozen states in the U.S. and in Washington D.C. Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and courts in a handful of other nations have rendered decisions providing some level of protection to adult cannabis consumers.

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How Many Countries In Africa Have Legalized Commercial Cannabis Cultivation?

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

As cannabis policy modernization has spread across the globe, one continent that has experienced a significant amount of reform in recent years is Africa. Currently, the only nation in Africa that has adopted a national adult-use legalization measure is South Africa. However, several other African nations have adopted laws that permit commercial medical cannabis and hemp cultivation.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

According to a recent report titled “Medical Use of Cannabis in Africa: The Pharmacists’ Perspective” which was published by the National Library of Medicine, nine African countries have adopted laws to regulate commercial cannabis and hemp cultivation, as well as the processing, storage, sales, and/or exports of harvests. Per recent reporting by Business Insider:

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In addition to the dozens of countries around the world that have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures, Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany have implemented adult-use legalization measures, as well as South Africa, as previously mentioned in this article.

The legal global cannabis industry is set for significant expansion in the coming years, with a recent report by Skyquest Technology Consulting projecting that the regulated worldwide cannabis market will surpass $148.4 billion in value by 2031.

“Cannabis market was valued at USD 36.4 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 42.6 Billion in 2023 to USD 148.4 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.9% during the forecast period (2024-2031).” the market analysts stated.

“Legalization and regulation are among the primary factors contributing to the development of the cannabis market. The market is expanding beyond the capacity of understanding and awareness as an increasing number of countries have legalized cannabis for medical and recreational purposes.” the analysts also stated.

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German Survey Finds 80% Would Rather Open A Specialty Cannabis Store

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Earlier this year, on April 1, 2024, Germany adopted the historic CanG law that legalized cannabis possession, cultivation, and use by adults. Germany may have not been the first country in Europe to do so, but legalization in Germany is undeniably the most significant cannabis policy modernization victory in Europe’s history.

Due to European Union agreements, legalization in Germany differs in many aspects compared to legalization in the Western Hemisphere. Whereas adult-use cannabis products can be sold nationwide in Uruguay and Canada at retail outlets, legalization in Europe focuses more on boosting public health outcomes and research.

Starting on July 1, 2024, people could start applying to launch German adult-use cannabis cultivation associations. The associations are member-based and are one of the main ways that cannabis can be legally obtained by adults in Germany.

The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) recently conducted a poll of its members asking if people in Germany would rather open a cannabis cultivation association or a specialty cannabis store.

“In our non-representative survey, which we shared in our newsletter, we asked from 07.10.2024 – 15.10.2024: “If you had the choice, would you rather set up a cultivation association or open a specialty store or licensed point of sale for cannabis as part of a model project?” BvCW stated in a recent newsletter.

“The respondents voted as follows: 50% definitely wanted a specialist shop/licensed point of sale, 30% rather wanted a specialist shop/licensed point of sale, 10% rather wanted a growers’ association, 5% definitely wanted a growers’ association and 5% partly/partly.” BvCW stated about the results of the survey.

“Thus, over 80% said they rather or definitely wanted to open a specialist shop/licensed point of sale.” BvCW also stated.

In addition to home cultivation and cannabis cultivation associations, Germany’s legalization model will eventually also incorporate regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials, similar to what is already in place in the Netherlands and Switzerland but on a much larger scale.

Unfortunately, until European Union agreements are modernized, nationwide sales at retail outlets like what is in place in Uruguay and Canada will have to wait. With that being said, Germany will continue to lead the charge to achieve such policy modernization at the continental level, and a more robust commerce system will no doubt be permitted in Germany in the future.

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EU Court Of Justice Approves Indoor Hemp Cultivation

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Humans have cultivated hemp under the sun for centuries, making use of their hemp harvests in several ways from making rope to paper to textiles. In recent years, the hemp plant has become the focus of significant research aimed at developing medications and other therapies.

Additionally, consumable hemp products have risen in popularity and availability across the globe thanks to regulatory changes and product innovations. ‘Floral hemp’ or ‘cannabis light’ products are particularly popular on the European continent.

How hemp is cultivated has evolved in recent decades. While hemp is still cultivated in large fields under the sun, many cultivators are growing hemp indoors under artificial lighting and incorporating cutting-edge techniques. According to a recent decision by the European Union Court of Justice, indoor hemp cultivation using hydroponics is permitted. Per excerpts from reporting by EU News:

According to the EU Court of Justice, member states cannot ban hemp cultivation in indoor hydroponic systems. The only limitation is respect for public health, that is, compliance with the legal limit of THC not exceeding 0.2 per cent.

According to the Court’s findings, hydroponic cultivation increases agricultural productivity, develops technical progress, and ensures better use of inputs. In addition, it ensures the security of supply, as it is not subjected to direct weathering, and reasonable prices to the consumer. Not allowing hemp farmers to benefit from the CAP with this innovative technique would cause significant economic damage (taking into account that the criteria for receiving funding are strict and well-defined at the European level to avoid illicit cultivation).

Hemp policy in the European Union remains hazy, with many regulations either involving a lot of grey areas, or nation-level regulations conflicting with EU-level policies and regulations. The current situation creates a lot of uncertainty for entrepreneurs, investors, and consumers.

The European Union is not the only jurisdiction to struggle with modernizing its hemp policies and regulations. Every other continent is also struggling to create sensible hemp policies and regulations as the global hemp market continues to evolve.

Spain's Ministry Of Health Begins Process Of Enacting Medical Cannabis Regulations

Spain’s Ministry Of Health Publishes Medical Cannabis Draft Royal Decree

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The road to properly regulated medical cannabis in Spain has been long and full of twists and turns. However, the effort to bring Spain’s medical cannabis policies into the modern age passed a major milestone with the nation’s Ministry of Health publishing a draft royal decree focused on medical cannabis.

“After three years of delays, Spain’s Ministry of Health published on Monday 30 September the draft royal decree to allow the prescription of cannabis preparations, a text that will now be submitted for hearing and information before its final approval.” reported Sur in its domestic coverage.

“The draft establishes broad restrictions on the medical use of cannabis and specifies very specifically the pathologies for which it can be used: multiple sclerosis (stiffness and muscle spasms associated with the condition); severe forms of refractory epilepsy (certain types of epilepsy that do not respond to conventional treatments); nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy; and refractory chronic pain (persistent pain that is not relieved by the usual treatments). In all these cases, experts believe that there is “scientific evidence” of the benefits of medical cannabis.” the media outlet also reported.

Back in February 2024, Spain started the process of crafting the draft royal decree that was recently published. As we reported at the time, before a royal decree is officially issued, the public is afforded the opportunity to provide input, with Spain’s government having previously set up an email address dedicated to receiving such input (normativa.aemps@aemps.es).

“The Ministry addresses this regulation based on the conclusions of the Subcommittee of the Congress of Deputies for the analysis of experiences with the regulation of cannabis for medicinal use, which called on the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products to prepare a roadmap to approve the regulation.” Spain’s government stated in a press release (translated from Spanish to English) at the time.

“The proposed regulation guarantees the quality of the products and the safety of patients, enabling the legal avenues available to have therapeutic compounds based on standardized cannabis preparations that have shown evidence in relieving pain and the suffering of patients, considering the oral administration of these compounds as it is the most appropriate in terms of therapeutic effectiveness and safety for patients.” the government’s press release stated.

“This regulation is designed to evolve dynamically, allowing new elements to be incorporated as more information and the experience of the therapeutic cannabis program becomes available. In addition, it will contribute to generating more and better evidence on the use of cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes.” Spain’s government also stated.

Despite the lack of proper regulations in Spain, the nation’s cannabis industry is thriving, albeit not within a regulated system. Suffering patients deserve to have safe access to safe medical cannabis therapies, and entrepreneurs and investors deserve to operate in a business environment that is built on a strong foundation of certainty.

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Ukraine Approves List Of Qualifying Medical Cannabis Conditions

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Earlier this year, in August 2024, Ukraine’s medical cannabis program officially launched. Ukraine’s Parliament first approved medical cannabis reform in December 2023, with President Volodymyr Zelensky signing the measure on February 15th, 2024.

Cannabis resin, extracts, and tinctures are excluded from the list of ‘dangerous substances’ in Ukraine under the new policy. The production of medical cannabis, development of medical cannabis therapies, and distribution of medical cannabis products are to be tightly regulated in the European nation.

“In order to implement the Law, the Ministry of Health team, together with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the State Medical Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police and other executive authorities, have developed by-laws that regulate all processes in detail and will allow the patient to receive medicine from medical cannabis.” Ukraine’s Ministry of Health stated in a news release announcing medical cannabis legalization’s implementation (translated from Ukrainian to English).

“In order to ensure the cultivation of medical cannabis in Ukraine, Licensing conditions have been developed, which will soon be considered by the Cabinet of Ministers.” the Ministry of Health also stated. “Also, the entire chain of circulation of medical cannabis, from import or cultivation to dispensing to a patient in a pharmacy, will be subject to license control.”

As originally reported by Marijuana Moment, Ukraine officials recently approved the list of qualifying conditions for suffering patients to qualify under.

“On Friday, Ukraine’s Ministry of Health revealed a list of about 20 qualifying conditions for which medical cannabis can be prescribed to patients, while noting that additional conditions could be added down the line if it’s deemed medically appropriate.” Marijuana Moment reported.

“Those conditions include multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, shingles, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, complications from chemotherapy, Parkinson’s disease, childhood epilepsy and weight loss associated with eating disorders. The ministry also noted that a medical advisory committee could approve additional conditions in the future.” the media outlet also reported.

Ukrainian medical cannabis cultivation facilities are required to be operated in ‘closed soil conditions’ with ’round-the-clock video surveillance.’ Additionally, national police must have ‘free access’ to all facilities under the new regulations.

“For cultivation, there is a procedure for purchasing plant seeds – they must have a quality certificate and be registered in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine.” the Ministry of Health stated in its news release in August 2024.

“Medicines from medical cannabis will be made in a pharmacy setting and prescribed by prescription to patients for whom conventional medicines do not have a therapeutic effect or cause adverse reactions that are poorly tolerated.” according to the Ministry of Health. “It will be possible to buy such medicines in Ukraine only with an electronic prescription, which will indicate the dosage form and dosage, the names of the active substances included in their composition. It is expected that medicinal products from medical cannabis will be available to patients in the form of oral drops, hard capsules, and dental pastes.”

“The law allows people entering or leaving Ukraine or transiting through its territory to carry medicinal products based on medical cannabis for their own use in an amount that does not exceed the amount prescribed by a doctor’s prescription.” the Ministry of Health also stated.

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Legal Home Cultivation Coming To Manitoba In 2025

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Canada legalized cannabis for adult use in 2018, making it the first G-7 nation to do so, and only the second country worldwide to make the public policy change. The only other country to legalize at a national level prior to Canada was Uruguay, which adopted its own national recreational cannabis legalization measure in 2013.

Part of Canada’s national legalization model involved permitting adults to cultivate cannabis plants in their private residences. However, not every province and territory got on board with the home cultivation component of Canadian legalization.

One of those jurisdictions is Manitoba, which still prohibits home cultivation. It appears that adults will be able to cultivate cannabis in Manitoba starting in 2025.

“Legislation to allow Manitobans 19 and older to grow their own recreational cannabis isn’t expected to kick in until the new year despite being passed in June.” reported Free Press in its local coverage.

“We expect the bill to come into force in early 2025,” Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said in a recent email.

“The (Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority) is drafting regulations to ensure the framework for growing cannabis at home prioritizes public safety, with a focus on protecting youth and ensuring cannabis plants are not accessible to young people,” the minister said according to the local reporting.

Home cultivation is currently permitted at a national level in Uruguay, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. A number of other countries have witnessed court decisions being rendered that also provide some level of protection for adults cultivating a personal amount of cannabis in their homes.

Cannabis cultivation is also permitted in several states in the U.S. that have adopted adult-use legalization measures, although not every legalized state permits such activity. Washington State, which was one of the first states to legalize in the U.S. along with Colorado in 2012, still prohibits recreational home cannabis cultivation.

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Guyana Attorney General Directs Law Enforcement To Not Jail Cannabis Offenders

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall recently cautioned law enforcement not to jail cannabis consumers in possession of less than 30 grams of cannabis in the South American country, stating that doing so is against the law.

“The statement from the Attorney General follows a report of the Police arresting and locking up a man who was allegedly nabbed with 15 grams of marijuana. In a separate incident, another person was arrested and kept in custody by the Police after being found with 4.2 grams of Marijuana in Matthews Ridge.” reported News Source in its local coverage.

“The principle is, that if you cannot be found guilty and jailed at the conclusion of your case., or if you plead guilty then a Police Officer has no power and authority to put you in the lock up for that offence when you are arrested, you are entitled to bail,” Mr. Nandlall said according to the local media outlet.

In Guyana, if a cannabis consumer is caught with 15 grams of cannabis or below, the offender is charged and the penalty is mandatory counseling. For consumers caught with between 15 and 30 grams, the penalty is community service ordered by a Magistrate.

Guyana’s South American peer Uruguay remains the only country on the continent to have adopted a national adult-use legalization measure. Uruguay became the first country on the planet to legalize cannabis at a national level back in 2013, with legal sales beginning in 2017.

National recreational cannabis legalization has also been adopted in Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Several other countries have decriminalized personal cannabis activity to some degree, and at least 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures, including in South America.

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BvCW Poll Finds 88% Support For Legal Cannabis Plant Sales In Germany

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) recently conducted a poll asking the question “Should the commercial trade in cannabis cuttings be legal for people over 18, in addition to distribution by cultivation associations?” (translated from German to English).

According to the BvCW poll, which was conducted from September 16, 2024 – September 23, 2024, as part of the organization’s newsletter, 88% of respondents selected ‘yes’, 2% selected ‘partly’, 3% selected ‘rather no’, 5% selected ‘no’, and 2% selected ‘don’t know.’

Starting on April 1st, 2024, adults aged 18 or older can cultivate up to three plants in Germany in their private residences. In order for home cultivators to start their gardens, they first need to acquire cannabis genetics in the form of cannabis seeds or cuttings/clones.

Limiting home cultivators in Germany to only seeds makes no rational sense being that the seed will eventually turn into a small plant anyway. Cannabis cuttings/clones provide some unique advantages over seeds that many cultivators prefer, including speeding up the cultivation process. Prohibiting them serves no purpose other than to perpetuate the illogical policies of Germany’s past.

A recent YouGov poll in Germany found that 7% of poll participants indicated that they had already purchased cannabis seeds or cuttings/clones since legalization took effect. In addition to the 7% of poll participants indicating that they had already purchased cannabis genetics for their home gardens, another 11% of poll participants responded that they plan to purchase cannabis genetics in the future.

Home cannabis cultivation by adults for recreational purposes is also legal in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, South Africa, and in many states in the U.S. Major court decisions in other nations also provide some level of protection for cultivating personal amounts of cannabis.

industrial hemp field industrial hemp field

Africa’s Industrial Hemp Industry Projected To Be Worth Up To $2.4 Billion

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Policies and regulations pertaining to industrial hemp cultivation and commerce are being modernized around the globe to permit entrepreneurs, investors, and entities to gain their share of the emerging global hemp market, including in Africa.

A recent market analysis by the Africa Hemp Fund projects that Africa’s industrial hemp industry possesses a market potential of $2.4 billion, and the entity’s market projection excludes cannabidiol (CBD), which itself is a massive market.

“Africa has long been known for its rich natural resources, and now the continent is poised to tap into a new industry with immense potential – industrial hemp.” states the Africa Hemp Fund, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development in Africa.

“The Africa Hemp Fund believes that the continent is well-positioned to become a major player in the global industrial hemp market. With its vast land and favorable climate, Africa has the potential to become a leading producer and exporter of industrial hemp. This could not only bring economic benefits to the region, but also create 180,000 job opportunities.” Africa Hemp Fund also stated.

Africa’s emerging industrial hemp industry fits within the larger global industrial hemp market, which is expected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years as more countries modernize their hemp laws and regulations.

According to market analysts at Spherical Insights LLP, the global industrial hemp market is projected to be worth an estimated $24.30 billion by 2033. Spherical Insights describes itself as “a market research and consulting firm which provides actionable market research study, quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight especially designed for decision makers and aids ROI.”

“The Global Industrial Hemp Market Size is to Grow from USD 5.38 Billion in 2023 to USD 24.30 Billion by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.27% during the projected period.” the researchers stated in a press release.

The worldwide industrial hemp market is embarking on an industry journey that has never occurred before at this scale, so as time goes on projections for Africa’s industry and the global industry could ultimately prove to be too conservative.

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Italian Government Continues Push For Ban On ‘Cannabis Light’

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Cannabis products that are low in THC, often referred to as ‘cannabis light,’ have grown in popularity among consumers in Europe at a seemingly exponential rate in recent years. Whereas cannabis products that contain large amounts of THC remain largely prohibited on the continent outside of medical products, cannabis light products are widely available.

Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the new trend. Government officials in Italy are pushing to ban the products completely, which would significantly impact the nation’s emerging cannabis light industry. Such a policy change may also violate European Union policies.

“The proposed change in the law would not only prohibit extracts made from hemp inflorescences containing the non-psychoactive ingredient cannabidiol (CBD), but would also have massive consequences for the industrial hemp industry, warn Italian farmers’ associations.” stated Proplanta in its local reporting.

“If the new regulations come into force, the production, processing and sale of hemp flowers would be prohibited. This applies even if they have a THC content of less than 0.2%.” the outlet also reported.

Currently, cannabis that is not low in THC is legal for adult use in Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany, in addition to Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa. At least 57 countries around the world have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

Members of Italy’s emerging cannabis light industry are warning of the negative consequences if/when the country bans the sector’s products. According to members of Italy’s cannabis light sector, around 4,000 hectares are currently dedicated to hemp cultivation, and the industry employs thousands of people. Italy’s consumable hemp industry is estimated to be worth roughly 500 million euros.

According to leading Italian trade group Federcanapa, Italy’s emerging hemp-derived consumables industry includes 3,000 businesses and over 15,000 workers. The global cannabidiol (CBD) market was worth an estimated $7.6 billion in 2023 according to a recent market analysis by Market.us, and will climb to a projected $36.6 in value by 2033.

“Between 2023 and 2032, this market is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 27%.” the researchers stated.

volkswagen

Volkswagen To Research And Develop Hemp Materials

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

The hemp plant has been used by humans for many centuries for various purposes before it was prohibited in the 1900s. Thankfully, policies are being modernized around the globe to permit the use of the hemp plant, and hemp products are making a major comeback.

A recent example of the modern hemp revolution can be found in an announcement by Volkswagen. Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.

“Volkswagen has entered into a cooperation with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH from Darmstadt. The aim is to research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp.” the company stated in a press release. “These could be used as a sustainable surface material in Volkswagen models from 2028. The material made from 100% bio-based hemp uses residues of the regional hemp industry. It can be produced on existing industrial plants and recycled or composted at the end of its service life in an automobile.”

“Our innovative surface material called LOVR™ that we are developing and testing for the automotive industry in cooperation with Volkswagen is scalable and groundbreaking for sustainability in the automotive sector.” stated Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder of Revoltech GmbH.

The main focus of the new partnership will be hemp-based leather materials to be used on some of Volkswagen’s automobile lines. If successful, innovations yielded by the new partnership between Volkswagen and Revoltech could be incorporated by other automobile makers, as well as by other industries.

“Together with the Revoltech GmbH start-up, the predevelopment team at the Volkswagen brand is working on a material innovation as a substitute for imitation leather. This material made from what is known as industrial hemp cultivated for the food industry is an all-natural, 100% biological single-layer surface material called LOVRTM (the letters stand for leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) that is being developed specifically with the automotive industry in mind.” Volkswagen stated.

“The hemp fibers and a fully bio-based adhesive are combined using a special technology and processed to become a surface material. This truly circular material is sourced from regional hemp fields and is fully recyclable or compostable once it has reached the end of its service life. It is produced from residues of the hemp industry that have no further use. In addition, it can be manufactured on existing industrial plants, thus enabling swift scalability – and is therefore also suitable for use in large-scale production.” Volkswagen also stated.

According to a recent market analysis by Spherical Insights LLP, the global industrial hemp market is projected to be worth an estimated $24.30 billion by 2033.

hemp hemp hemp hemp hemp hemp

What Is Holding Back Zimbabwe’s Hemp Industry?

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Humans harnessing hemp is far from being a new thing. Hemp fiber was used as far back as 10,000 years ago during the Early Jomon Period in Japan. Consumption for medical purposes goes back at least as far as back as 2,800 BC. Cannabis was included in Emperor Shen Nung’s (regarded as the father of Chinese medicine) pharmacopeia around that time.

Unfortunately, many countries began prohibiting hemp in the early 1900s as overall cannabis prohibition took hold. From an agricultural standpoint, hemp and cannabis are the same plant. However, from a legal standpoint, hemp and cannabis are now treated differently by many governments.

In countries that permit hemp activity, below a defined THC threshold (.2-1%) is considered to be hemp, and above the defined THC threshold is cannabis. Hemp and cannabis laws vary across the globe, with some countries still prohibiting both.

One nation that has modernized its hemp laws to permit production and commerce is Zimbabwe. The African nation adopted reforms in 2019 and 2020 that now govern the domestic hemp industry. Still, the industry is taking longer to thrive in Zimbabwe than advocates have hoped.

“The key challenges are production, seeds, access to finance from local financial institutions, market access, certification of our farmers, and value-addition,” Jonathan Mukuruba, agribusiness director at the Agriculture Marketing Authority, said during a recent panel discussion according to HempToday. “We still do not yet have good agricultural control and control practices applicable to agricultural practices for our processors locally.”

“As of this year, the Agricultural Marketing Authority has issued a total of 61 licenses for hemp production, including cultivation, trade, research, and breeding. Reports suggest Zimbabwe has so far exported over 8,000 ton of hemp – most likely flower biomass for CBD — primarily to Poland, Switzerland and Germany, but figures are difficult to verify.” HempToday also reported.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use at the national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa, although recreational cannabis commerce remains prohibited in Luxembourg and South Africa.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

The legal global cannabis industry is set for significant expansion in the coming years, and a new report by Skyquest Technology Consulting is projecting that the regulated worldwide cannabis market will surpass $148.4 billion in value by 2031.

cannabis plant outdoor

Guyana Lawmaker Authors Op-Ed About Legalization’s Benefits

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The Republic of Guyana, a country in South America, is home to cannabis prohibition policies that may not be as harsh as in other nations, however, there is still considerable room for improvement.

Guyana’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control (Amendment) Bill of 2021 removed prison sentences for consumers found in possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis. Consumers caught with more than 30 grams still face potential prison time.

Hon. Jermaine Figueira MP JP, a member of Guyana’s Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance for Change (AFC), represents Region 1 in Guayana’s Parliament. The lawmaker recently issued an op-ed in which he touted the benefits of Guyana further modernizing the nation’s cannabis policies, particularly as it pertains to a regulated industry.

“The world is changing and it is changing very fast due to factors such as climate change, artificial intelligence, improved technologies, social media platforms, wars and even in terms of what was not acceptable as legal, customs and norms. One such global perspective on “marijuana” has shifted dramatically and rightfully so in recent years, moving from strict prohibition to varying degrees of legalization and acceptance.” Figueira wrote in an op-ed published by Stabroek News.

“Countries like the Netherlands, the United States, Antigua, and Jamaica to name a few, have all witnessed significant economic benefits following the legalization, cultivation and sale of marijuana.” the lawmaker also wrote.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use at the national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa, although recreational cannabis commerce remains prohibited in Luxembourg and South Africa.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

“Drawing on the experiences of these countries, Guyana will learn to tap into the high potential economic gains and its spin off benefits once it moves away from its present backwardness when it comes to this economic/money crop.” Figueira’s op-ed stated.

“Guyana, equally with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, could develop a merger of its eco/ cannabis tourism sector that will create thousands of jobs and attract millions of international visitors annually, boosting local businesses and generating additional revenue.” he also wrote.

“States like Colorado and Washington have demonstrated how a well-regulated market can generate substantial tax revenue and reduce criminal justice costs. Our country can learn from these regulatory frameworks to establish our own robust legal and economic structures.” Figueira concluded.

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Calls For Senate Approval Of Medical Cannabis Bill In The Philippines

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Earlier this year the Philippines House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved HB 10439, a measure that would legalize certain medical cannabis therapeutic products in the Philippines in limited instances. The principal author of HB 10439 is National Unity Party president and Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte.

Despite the overwhelming approval in the Philippines House of Representatives, the measure appears to have stalled now that it is being considered by the Philippines Senate. Representative Villafuerte is urging Senators to approve the measure with no further delays.

“With the House’s third and final approval of HB 10439 in the previous legislative session, what we only need now is for our senators to act on their counterpart measure, in the hope that we can come up with an enrolled bill for submission to, and enactment into law by, President Marcos this third and final session of the 19th Congress,” Villafuerte said according to local reporting by Politiko.

What is being proposed in the Philippines is the legalization of cannabidiol (CBD) in limited circumstances, which, compared to other medical cannabis legalization models found around the world, would still be very restrictive. Representative Villafuerte is hopeful that the international spread of reform will tip the scales in the Philippines.

“I am more upbeat that the Congress will be able this time around to finally write a law allowing qualified patients with debilitating diseases to use CBD as an alternative treatment for their afflictions, hoping that the UN CND’s recognition of non-addictive CBD will convince most of our senators to pass their measure (Senate Bill 2573) legalizing medical cannabis,” Villafuerte said.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

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Thousands Of Farmers In Morocco Have Received Authorization To Cultivate Cannabis In 2024

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

The climate in parts of Morocco is well-suited for large-scale cannabis production, which is why the North African nation has long served as a leading source of unregulated cannabis, particularly as a source for the European market.

In recent years, Morocco’s government has worked to modernize the nation’s cannabis policies and regulations to permit legal cannabis production and commerce. According to recently released statistics from Morocco, production authorizations have increased exponentially in 2024.

According to the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-related Activities (ANRAC), Morocco has issued 2,837 authorizations to 2,659 farmers so far in 2024, up from 430 authorizations in 2023.

Additionally, regulators in Morocco have issued 60 authorizations for processing, 49 for marketing, 39 for exports, and 24 for seed imports. The increase in authorizations in 2024 demonstrates the growth of Morocco’s emerging legal cannabis industry.

Earlier this month, Morocco’s king pardoned nearly 5,000 farmers previously convicted of cultivating cannabis. The pardons issued by King Mohammed VI should “encourage farmers” to get involved in Morocco’s emerging legal cannabis industry to “improve their revenue and living conditions” the head of ANRAC stated according to initial reporting by Reuters.

Currently, cannabis is legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization policies to some degree. Morocco is trying to gain a meaningful share of a legal global cannabis industry that is estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars.

Malta cannabis cultivation associations

Malta Regulatory Chief: Cannabis Reform Is Working

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

In 2021 Malta became the first European nation to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The only countries to adopt a national recreational cannabis legalization measure before Malta was Uruguay in 2013 and Canada in 2018.

However, unlike Uruguay and Canada where adult-use cannabis is dispensed through a variety of outlets nationwide, Malta is bound by European Union agreements that limit recreational cannabis commerce to noncommercial cultivation associations and regional pilot research programs.

Malta has adopted a cannabis legalization model that is built on home cultivation and cultivation associations from which consumers can source their cannabis legally. According to the nation’s top regulatory chief, legalization in Malta is working.

“The country’s harm reduction approach is working,” ARUC Chairperson Joey Reno Vella stated in a recent interview according to local reporting by Malta Today.

“Before 2021, before the reform was enacted, you had a reality where studies showed a large section of the population used cannabis, but they had no regulated market from where they could buy it. The cannabis they bought was not cultivated in a safe manner, and so posed more risks. They had to turn to the black market where they did not know what they were buying,” Vella also stated.

“They now know from where the product came from, what it contains and know that it does not contain harmful substances like bacteria, heavy metals and mold. The product will cause less harm and expose people to less risks.” Vella concluded.

Malta issued its first noncommercial cultivation association license in October 2023. The European nation’s emerging adult-use cannabis industry now boasts roughly 2,000 cultivation association members at 8 licensed locations. Six more associations have in-principal licenses and will become operational soon.

Per our prior reporting, regulations for noncommercial clubs in Malta include (but are not limited to):

  • A maximum of 500 club members
  • Cannot be located within 250 meters of a school or ‘youth center’
  • No advertising
  • Cannot use the word ‘cannabis’ in the club’s name, or anything that would ‘incite use’
  • At least two club founders with no prior convictions of money laundering
  • Clubs must have a legal representative
  • Club administrators have to be residents for at least 5 years
  • All cannabis has to be cultivated by the club itself (out of public view)
  • Registration fee of €1,000
  • License fee starting at €8,750
  • Initial licenses valid for 1 year, with 3 year renewals
  • Labeling requirements
  • Ongoing government auditing
  • Product testing
  • THC percentage caps for consumers 18-20 years old
  • Consumers can only have a membership at 1 club at a time
  • Revenue dispersal requirements
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Medical Cannabis Legalization Officially Launches In Ukraine

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Ukraine’s Parliament first approved medical cannabis reform in December 2023, with President Volodymyr Zelensky signing the measure on February 15th, 2024. This week the law took effect in Ukraine, paving the way for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and people with serious illnesses to access medical cannabis legally.

Cannabis resin, extracts, and tinctures are now excluded from the list of ‘dangerous substances’ in Ukraine under the new policy. The production of medical cannabis, development of medical cannabis therapies, and distribution of medical cannabis products will be tightly regulated in Ukraine.

“In order to implement the Law, the Ministry of Health team, together with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the State Medical Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police and other executive authorities, have developed by-laws that regulate all processes in detail and will allow the patient to receive medicine from medical cannabis.” Ukraine’s Ministry of Health stated in a news release announcing medical cannabis legalization’s implementation (translated from Ukrainian to English).

“In order to ensure the cultivation of medical cannabis in Ukraine, Licensing conditions have been developed, which will soon be considered by the Cabinet of Ministers.” the Ministry of Health also stated. “Also, the entire chain of circulation of medical cannabis, from import or cultivation to dispensing to a patient in a pharmacy, will be subject to license control.”

Medical cannabis cultivation facilities are required to be operated in ‘closed soil conditions’ with ’round-the-clock video surveillance.’ Additionally, national police must have ‘free access’ to all facilities under the new regulations.

“For cultivation, there is a procedure for purchasing plant seeds – they must have a quality certificate and be registered in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine.” the Ministry of Health stated.

All harvests will be subject to laboratory testing and all ‘laboratory studies’ will be ‘carried out exclusively in state laboratories.’ Every sale/purchase of medical cannabis in Ukraine will be required to go through a centralized electronic system for tracking. The Ministry of Health expects the system to be operational ‘in the fall of this year,’ and the system’s timeline will directly affect the launch of legal sales.

“More than 30 types of operations for more than 10 accounting objects will be recorded and accounted for. The system will include information on the production of medical cannabis seeds, sowing, cloning, planting plants and planting material, sending samples for laboratory testing, collecting plants, transporting, purchasing, manufacturing medicines, destroying waste, dispensing at a pharmacy, etc. Seeds, planting material, plants, intrapharmacy preparations, medicines, waste, etc. will be subject to accounting.” stated the Ministry of Health.

“Medicines from medical cannabis will be made in a pharmacy setting and prescribed by prescription to patients for whom conventional medicines do not have a therapeutic effect or cause adverse reactions that are poorly tolerated.” according to the Ministry of Health. “It will be possible to buy such medicines in Ukraine only with an electronic prescription, which will indicate the dosage form and dosage, the names of the active substances included in their composition. It is expected that medicinal products from medical cannabis will be available to patients in the form of oral drops, hard capsules, and dental pastes.”

“The law allows people entering or leaving Ukraine or transiting through its territory to carry medicinal products based on medical cannabis for their own use in an amount that does not exceed the amount prescribed by a doctor’s prescription.” the Ministry of Health concluded.

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Colombia Exported Over $10.8 Million Worth Of Cannabis Products In 2023

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Colombia’s emerging legal cannabis industry exported over $10.8 million worth of cannabis products in 2023 according to recently released stats from ProColombia. ProColombia is a government agency of the Executive Branch of the Government of Colombia in charge of promoting Colombian non-traditional exports, international tourism, and foreign investment in the South American nation.

According to Colombia’s Ministry of Justice and Law, more than 3,000 licenses for the cultivation and production of cannabis have been issued in Colombia so far, with an estimated 864+ hectares of legal cannabis planted and a potential cultivation area of ​​at least 57 thousand hectares.

Of the $10.8 million worth of legal cannabis products exported from Colombia in 2023, 32% went to Brazil, 25% went to Australia, and another 14% went to Germany. Germany imported a record 31,398 kilograms of medical cannabis products in 2023.

“According to Mónica Hoyos, director of the Observatorio Colombiano de la Industria del Cannabis, who led the internationalization route of medicinal cannabis for companies of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce last year: Brazil, Australia, Peru and Germany present better conditions for Colombian exports of medicinal cannabis, data that corroborate the information provided by ProColombia.” reported Sechat in its local coverage.

Mónica Hoyos also issued words of caution that the export numbers reported by ProColombia could be lower than what was actually exported from Colombia in 2023 due to various factors.

“From what we have been able to analyze, under-reporting may occur due to issues of tariff classification and export modalities. This situation, for example, has drawn the attention of entities such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which recognized the discrepancies in the hemp export data from its database (Comtrade) and the data from national customs.” stated Hoyos according to Sechat.

Colombia has a long history with the cannabis plant, albeit not always involving a regulated industry. The South American nation legalized medical cannabis and industrial hemp in 2016 and 2021, respectively.

Cannavigia, an international cannabis compliance and production management company, estimates that Colombia’s commercial cannabis cultivators can produce dry cannabis flower for as low as $0.06 per gram, giving it a major advantage over legal industries in other nations where cannabis can cost as much as $2 per gram to produce.

The Colombian export figures for 2023, before any future adjustments, were an 11.3% increase over 2022 when Colombia’s medical cannabis exports amounted to $9.7 million, and a 96% increase compared to 2021.

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Dutch Cannabis Pilot Trial Could Be Extended

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are an interesting public policy experiment. The trials are permitted under EU law and are designed to help policymakers and regulators gather information to study and analyze to be better suited when crafting national cannabis industry policies and regulations.

Under the regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trial model a limited number of cannabis producers and retail outlets are permitted to conduct cannabis commerce activity. Additionally, adult consumers can register for the trials to source cannabis legally.

Pilot trials are currently operating in Switzerland and the Netherlands, and are expected to launch in Germany by the end of the year as part of ‘pillar 2’ of Germany’s advancing recreational legalization model.

The pilot trials in the Netherlands launched earlier this summer, and currently, ten municipalities are part of the public policy research experiment. Unfortunately, cannabis producers are reportedly struggling to meet quality standard requirements for the program, and that, in turn, could yield an extension of the pilot trials. Per excerpts from The Mayor:

Five of the licensed growers are only scheduled to begin deliveries in the first half of 2025. The intention is that the growers supply at least 570 kilograms of weed and 160 kilograms of hash per week.

Given that the growers have been unable to meet the required standards, this may mean extending the pilot phase and therefore delaying the next phase of the cannabis legalization plan in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands has long served as a top international cannabis tourism destination, and while the pilot trials are reserved for Dutch residents, many cannabis advocates have hoped that successful pilot trials would quickly lead to more comprehensive reform. It appears that advocates will have to wait a bit longer.

As was learned via Germany’s push for adult-use legalization, the European Union limits what cannabis reform measures can be implemented among its member nations. Widespread legal adult-use cannabis commerce, such as what is in place in Canada, remains prohibited by the European Union until EU agreements are modernized.

Currently, cannabis is legal for adults to cultivate, possess, and consume in Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany, as well as in Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa. Court decisions in several other nations also afford some level of legal protection to adult cannabis consumers, although the court decisions in those nations do not provide the same level of codified protections as in the previously mentioned countries where adult-use legalization measures were adopted and implemented.

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German Medical Cannabis Imports Rose 51% In The Last Year

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

Germany’s legal medical cannabis industry was already the largest in Europe before the first provisions of adult-use legalization took effect on April 1st, 2024, and thanks to the recent removal of cannabis from Germany’s Narcotics List, the nation’s medical cannabis industry is set to surge.

Still, Germany imports a considerable amount of medical cannabis products from other countries, particularly from Canada. According to a recent social media post by international cannabis expert Alfredo Pascual, medical cannabis imports have increased significantly over the last year:

In 2023, Germany imported 31,398 kilograms of medical cannabis products according to data from Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), a 26.2% increase compared to the prior year. In 2022 Germany imported 24,876 kilograms, compared to 20,771 kilograms in 2021, 11,746 kilograms in 2020, and 8,057 kilograms in 2019.

Roughly 50% of imported cannabis to Germany in 2023 originated from Canada compared to 40% the previous year. In the first half of 2024, 56% of medical cannabis product imports to Germany originated from Canada.

Starting in 2017, Germany legalized the use of 14 different varieties of cannabis flower for patients with severe debilitating diseases and no other treatment options. The legal medical cannabis products have been distributed through German pharmacies ever since. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that Germany allowed medical cannabis to be produced domestically, with the European nation’s medical cannabis industry initially relying solely on medical cannabis imports.

Three companies were chosen in 2019 to produce medical cannabis within Germany. The companies were capped at 10,400 kilograms of product production over the course of a four-year span. With the new CanG law taking effect, that quota system has since gone away. More companies can now apply to cultivate medical cannabis within Germany’s borders, and that will presumably impact Germany’s medical cannabis imports.

somai pharmaceuticals products

Legal Global Cannabis Products Are Becoming More Diverse

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

As the legal cannabis industry continues to expand to nearly every corner of the planet, the variety of products available to medical cannabis patients is also expanding. Raw medical cannabis flower is still popular in many jurisdictions, however, patient demand and regulatory parameters are driving product innovation, particularly at the international level.

A great example of that can be found in Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom where multi-country operator SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals recently introduced its proprietary Mint Oral Solutions product line.

“The new line includes single-strain oils infused with peppermint terpene mixes in various dosage forms, from CBD-dominant to balanced and high-THC. The mint line is the first introduction to improve patients’ compliance and treatment adherence, combining purified extracts and a subtle aromatic mint taste.” SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals stated about its new product line.

“Cannabis patients prioritize the products’ performance, smell, and taste,” said Michael Sassano, the founder and interim CEO of SOMAI Pharmaceuticals. “So as we prioritize improving patient experience, mint is an excellent starting experience as a popular blend with calming and therapeutic effects, as well as a pleasant subtle taste.”

Currently, the international cannabis industry is a patchwork of laws, rules, and regulations. As such, each market has its own nuances and limitations regarding which types of products can be sold. That, in turn, results in the introduction of new products as entrepreneurs and innovators come up with fresh ideas for products to meet evolving demand.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures. The spread of global medical cannabis policy reform is being matched by a rise in the worldwide industry’s market potential.

For example, the global cannabis pharmaceuticals sector alone is projected to reach $102.4 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 53.3% from 2024 to 2030, according to a recent analysis by Research and Markets.

“In 2023, Europe dominated the overall market with a revenue share of 41.9% owing to increasing cannabis consumption, as well as rising awareness and positive attitude towards cannabis and its products.” stated Research and Markets in its analysis.

A separate global CBD market analysis conducted by Grand View Research found that the global CBD market was worth $7.7 billion in 2023, and estimates that the market will grow by 15.8% from 2024 to 2030.

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Thailand Reverses Course And Will Regulate Cannabis Instead Of Prohibit It

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

In recent years Thailand has served as arguably the wildest nation on earth from a cannabis public policy observer standpoint. For many decades, Thailand had some of the harshest cannabis laws on the planet, which is why it was such a tectonic shift when Thailand decriminalized cannabis in June 2022.

Since June 2022, cannabis commerce has increased across many parts of Thailand, and the country is now a top international cannabis tourism destination. The increase in cannabis activity has resulted in calls by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to reverse course and reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, even though Thailand’s cannabis policies are working as intended.

Thailand’s historic cannabis policy shift in 2022 was designed to pave the way for the nation’s emerging cannabis industry to become a regional and international cannabis industry leader. Every household in the entire country could sign up initially to legally cultivate low-THC cannabis plants, which a reported 1.1 million citizens of Thailand have done.

During Thailand’s historic change in 2022, the nation’s Public Health Minister indicated that there would be no plant limit for the government’s cannabis cultivation program. Thailand’s government also gave away over 1 million cannabis seeds directly to households that signed up for the program.

A broad spectrum of government agencies in Thailand agreed to do their part to push Thailand’s emerging cannabis industry forward after the 2022 policy change. Researchers estimate that Thailand’s 2022 policy change resulted in roughly 12,000 cannabis dispensaries opening nationwide. The dispensaries operate on three-year licenses from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicines and employ an estimated 60,000 people.

Mere weeks ago, Thailand was set to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. However, in recent days Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin indicated that his prohibition policy pursuit would be abandoned, and instead of re-banning cannabis in Thailand, lawmakers would seek to properly regulate the nation’s emerging industry.

“According to the source, Srettha instructed Somsak to push for a bill to regulate the use of marijuana instead of reinstating the plant on the list of Category 5 Narcotics. The aim of the bill should be to ensure marijuana is used for medical purposes, research and for certain products.” stated The Nation in its local reporting.

Thailand was at risk of being the first nation in modern history to decriminalize cannabis and then re-criminalize it. Cannabis opponents around the globe were starting to point to Thailand as ‘evidence’ of ‘failed cannabis reform.’ They will now have to pivot their arguments, which will be no easy task given the fact that cannabis policy modernization is succeeding in many parts of the world.

Currently, cannabis is expressly legal for adult use at the national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot programs are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and cannabis is legal for adult use in 24 U.S. states and Washington D.C.

Thailand’s cannabis policy differs from the previously mentioned jurisdictions in that only low-THC cannabis varieties are permitted.

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Court Case Challenges Japan’s Strict Cannabis Laws

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

When it comes to cannabis policy reform efforts, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. The most straightforward way to achieve cannabis reform is when lawmakers draft, approve, and implement a measure. However, that is not always possible, as many lawmakers around the globe continue to cling to failed cannabis prohibition.

One of the most popular ways to get around anti-cannabis politicians is through citizen initiatives or referendums in which ordinary citizens collect enough signatures to force a vote on cannabis policy reform. Collecting signatures to force a vote has proven very successful in the United States at the state level.

Another route that has yielded results comes in the form of legal challenges. When someone is subjected to prohibition enforcement they are usually afforded the right to challenge such policies in court, and while court decisions are not as good as the passage of bills by lawmakers, they provide some level of protection to consumers and patients.

Landmark cannabis court rulings were previously issued in several countries, including Spain, Italy, South Africa, and Mexico. A recent example can be found in Brazil, where the nation’s Supreme Court determined that personal cannabis possession should not be a crime.

Japan is home to one of the strictest set of cannabis policies on earth. Late last year, Japan lifted its nationwide ban on the importation of cannabis-derived medications, although the medications can only be used in very limited circumstances.

Coupled with the lifting of importing cannabis-derived medications, Japan also approved new penalties for consuming cannabis. Under the new guidelines, people caught having consumed cannabis can face up to seven years in prison in Japan.

Ryujiro Oyabu, a 52-year-old Japanese pottery artist, was pulled over by police in Japan on August 8th, 2021, and found to be in possession of three grams of cannabis. Oyabu is reportedly fighting the possession conviction with the assistance of constitutional lawyer Hidehiro Marui who argues that cannabis prohibition is unconstitutional.

If the challenge succeeds, it could have a major impact on Japan’s cannabis policies.

“His team plans to argue that since marijuana is now recognised as a medicine, the government must elaborate further and present scientific evidence of its dangers, by which they hope to undermine the principles behind criminalisation.” stated iNews in its original coverage.

Only time will tell if Japan’s top court is willing to consider the case, and if so, whether or not the challenge succeeds. Fortunately, there are many examples now from around the globe of such legal challenges succeeding.

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Israel May Apply Import Fees On Canadian Cannabis

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Israel’s government is considering imposing import fees on medical cannabis products imported from Canada. Israel previously launched an “anti-dumping” investigation to determine if Canadian cannabis imports were hurting the nation’s domestic industry. In the fiscal year 2023, Israel imported about 21,000 kilograms of medical cannabis products from Canada’s emerging legal cannabis industry.

The investigation’s preliminary findings seem to have determined that prices for Canadian cannabis have impacted Israel’s medical cannabis industry and that a proposed ‘fix’ will come in the form of import fees.

A final decision on whether to implement import fees on Canadian medical cannabis products is expected sometime later this year. Per initial reporting by StratCann:

In the course of the investigation, it was determined that the large volume of cannabis sold into the Israeli medical market from Canada was having a significant impact on both the local market and domestic companies’ ability to compete.

These products, determined Tal’s report, were sold at lower prices that, he argues, do not reflect the normal course of business and at prices that are lower than production costs or from their prices in the Israeli market, especially given the additional costs of exporting cannabis from Canada.

StratCann reports that roughly 80% of cannabis imported by Israel currently comes from Canada. The remaining imports reportedly originate from Portugal, Uruguay, and Uganda. Israel’s investigation “determined that a fair price for Canadian cannabis sold into the Israeli market was about $2-8 a gram” according to StratCann.

Israel’s legal medical cannabis industry is in a state of contraction right now according to domestic coverage, with The Israeli Cannabis Magazine reporting that “after a record of over 140,000 patients in January 2024, in the last six months the number of medical cannabis license holders in Israel dropped by about 8% to 128,355 as of today, the beginning of July 2024.”

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German Federal Ministry Of Food And Agriculture Publishes Draft Industrial Hemp Bill

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

According to the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture has published a draft industrial hemp bill that would modernize policies pertaining to the cultivation and handling of industrial hemp in Germany.

“The aim of the planned Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act (NLG) is to eliminate legal uncertainties and create new fields of activity in the industrial hemp sector. The draft deletes the intoxication clause (“abuse clause”) and allows the indoor cultivation of industrial hemp. This is intended to promote sustainable raw materials and support climate protection. However, the regulation excludes the consumption of cannabis products for intoxication purposes.” BvCW stated in an email this week (translated from German to English).

“The plan is intended to provide greater legal certainty and more fields of activity for the industrial hemp sector. Cannabis products intended for consumption for intoxicating purposes, so-called edibles, will not be permitted under the Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act.” the measure states (translated from German to English).

“The plan will in particular remove the so-called abuse clause and eliminate the associated legal uncertainty when dealing with industrial hemp. In addition, the indoor cultivation of industrial hemp will be permitted as a new field of activity.” the measure also states.

The Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act also points out that “there are no alternatives to the plan, because agricultural subsidies such as direct payments from the European Union for areas on which industrial hemp is grown have not led to the hoped-for increase in the area under cultivation in Germany.”

“In order to promote industrial hemp in Germany, the possibilities for cultivation must be expanded and the requirements for handling industrial hemp must be relaxed.” the bill’s text states.

In May 2024 at the last parliamentary evening in the House of Agriculture and Food Industry, Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) spoke publicly in favor of modernizing Germany’s hemp policies. Part of Minister Özdemir’s public statements included the announcement of the abolition of the intoxication clause.

“Imagine if dealers and producers of non-alcoholic beer were subjected to raids and punished because they could distill a schnapps from the remaining alcohol. In practice, such a complex extraction does not take place with industrial hemp,” said BvCW managing director Jürgen Neumeyer at the time. “This senseless noise clause has increasingly led to economic damage and bankruptcies in recent years. The abolition is urgently needed and we are therefore very pleased! This is an important step towards re-establishing the German industrial hemp industry. We look forward to a draft from the BMEL and will continue to support the parliamentary process constructively.”

Cannabis advocates have long pushed for this type of reform, including in the lead-up to the passage of the new CanG bill. Unfortunately, opponents were able to maintain the status quo under the premise that consumers could make intoxicating products out of hemp.

“If access to THC-containing flowers is to be made possible through clubs and home cultivation anyway, why should anyone go to the trouble of extracting low doses of THC from CBD flowers for several hours in their own home workshop?” Krautinvest.de pointed out in its initial reporting.

“Speaking at the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) Berlin last year, industry veteran and President of EIHA Daniel Kruse said: “I would simply cancel this clause. All stakeholders will advocate for its abolition.” Business of Cannabis stated in its initial reporting.

“The debate about the ‘misuse of hemp’ needs to be brought to an end. Hemp has huge potential if the clause is abolished. Industrial hemp would lead to more sales than medical and recreational put together in Germany.” Daniel Kruse also stated at ICBC Berlin.

According to BvCW, the Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act “is now being coordinated between departments, so that statements on this can probably be submitted soon. The BvCW is now preparing a statement on this.”

In addition to causing headaches in Germany, the lack of comprehensive hemp and CBD industry reform has also caused similar issues throughout Europe. Germany’s hemp policy modernization efforts and how it fits into the greater continental context will be a major topic of discussion at the next International Cannabis Business Conference B2B event in Berlin. Registration is now open.

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Cannabis Cultivation Associations Moving Forward In Lower Saxony

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Cannabis cultivation associations appear to be moving forward in Lower Saxony, with local media outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reporting that Agriculture Minister Miriam Staudte delivered the first approved permit to “Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee” (translated from German to English) in the district of Oldenburg.

“With regard to consumer protection, it is clear to me: By allowing cultivation by associations, risks posed by illegally sold cannabis, such as excessive THC levels, can be avoided.” stated Minister Staudte according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

So far, 45 cannabis cultivation associations have registered to start applying for a permit in Lower Saxony, 16 of which have reportedly completed their applications. Cannabis cultivation associations became legal in Germany as of July 1st, although bureaucratic issues hampered an immediate rollout.

North Rhine-Westphalia is another area of Germany that is already accepting applications for cannabis cultivation associations, albeit “only a few” so far according to local reporting from ASB Zeitung.

“In North Rhine-Westphalia, a few Cannabis growing associations filed applications for permits starting July 1st, as revealed by a dpa survey of the responsible district administrations.” stated ASB Zeitung.

“According to a spokesperson, the first applications have been submitted in the Regierungsbezirk Duesseldorf, but a specific number could not yet be named by the authority. Three applications have been filed at the Bezirksregierung Köln by Tuesday, and one in Detmold. At the Bezirksregierung Arnsberg, there were initially “three incomplete applications,” according to a spokesperson. The Bezirksregierung Münster reported no applications yet.” ASB Zeitung also stated.

German cannabis cultivation associations have to adhere to various rules, including limiting membership to a maximum of 500 members and restricting sales to 50 grams per member a month (30 grams for members 18-20 years old). Clubs will also be permitted to sell cannabis clones and seeds.

In a recent nationwide survey conducted in Germany by Pronova BKK, 44% of self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers indicated that they plan to join one of the country’s cannabis cultivation associations once they launch in their respective jurisdictions. Another 27% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also indicated that they plan to join an association.

The Pronova BKK survey involved 1,000 people in Germany aged 18 and over and was conducted in May 2024. The survey also determined the following (translated from German to English) about Germany’s cannabis consumer base:

  • Over a quarter of Germans consume cannabis at least occasionally, and one in ten consumes it weekly
  • More than half of Generation Z consumes cannabis at least occasionally
  • For a third of cannabis consumers, legalization does not influence consumption behavior
  • Among younger respondents under 45 years of age, one in ten has increased consumption since legalization
  • Eight percent of non-users are considering growing their own cannabis at home

Among self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers participating in the survey, 51% selected “Yes, I can imagine having my own cannabis to grow at home” when asked about home cultivation. Another 40% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also selected that option in the survey.

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Thailand Committee Votes To Reclassify Cannabis As A Narcotic Effective January 1st

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The wild cannabis public policy ride continues in Thailand where a key committee voted this week to officially reclassify cannabis and hemp as a narcotic in the country. Thailand adopted a historic cannabis reform measure in June 2022 that removed cannabis from the nation’s narcotics list.

Starting January 1st, 2025, cannabis will be reclassified as a narcotic in Thailand according to the committee-approved plan, and not just cannabis varieties that are high in THC. Even floral hemp that is low in THC will be classified as a narcotic in Thailand. Per excerpts from Bangkok Post:

The resolution stated that cannabis and hemp are to be regarded as narcotic plants except for their branches, roots and seeds. Cannabis buds and any materials containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will also be classified as narcotics.

“If the Office of the Narcotic Control Board agrees with our conclusion, the next step will be for the Food and Drug Administration to amend any cannabis-related laws and set up criteria for how the plants can be used.

The potential law reversal in Thailand comes at a time when cannabis policy modernization efforts are gaining momentum in other parts of the world. The first provisions of Germany’s adult-use legalization law took effect on April 1st, 2024, and South Africa recently adopted a limited recreational cannabis legalization measure the following month.

In addition to Germany and South Africa, cannabis is also legal for adult use in Uruguay (2013), Canada (2018), Malta (2021), and Luxembourg (2023). Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and nearly half of the states in the U.S. have approved recreational cannabis legalization measures.

Thailand’s expected policy change serves as a sobering reminder to cannabis advocates around the world that there is still a considerable amount of work to do in order to not only ensure that harmful cannabis prohibition policies are eliminated, but also, that the policy changes remain in place.

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German Legal Cannabis Market Projected To Reach $4.6 Billion By 2034

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business.

The legal German cannabis market is projected to reach an estimated $4.6 billion in value by 2034 according to a new market analysis by researchers at The Niche Research. The market analysis predicts that Germany’s legal cannabis market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2% between 2024 and 2034.

Germany implemented the first provisions of its national adult-use cannabis legalization law on April 1st, and the home cultivation sector is already increasing in size at an exponential rate. According to a recent survey by Pronova BKK, 51% selected “Yes, I can imagine having my own cannabis to grow at home” when asked about home cultivation. Another 40% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also selected that option in the survey.

A separate survey by YouGov found that 7% of surveyed German adults have already purchased cannabis seeds or clones, and another 11% reported that they will in the future. Cannabis seed banks across Europe have reported a significant sales spike due to German home cultivation legalization.

Medical cannabis was already a huge industry in Germany prior to adult-use legalization, with the country being home to Europe’s largest medical cannabis market. However, part of the CanG law involved the removal of cannabis from Germany’s Narcotics List, and with it, caps on domestic medical cannabis production. Germany imported a record 32,398kg of medical cannabis products in 2023, up 26.6% from 2022.

One could easily argue that the biggest winner of German recreational legalization so far is the nation’s medical cannabis industry. Doctors can more easily prescribe medical cannabis in Germany thanks to the CanG law, and the medical cannabis supply chain is more streamlined than ever. The changes are expected to boost Germany’s medical cannabis base from 0.03% to 1% of Germany’s population in the coming years.

Previous projections for Germany’s emerging cannabis industry include one by Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf which estimated that adult-use legalization will create 27,000 new jobs in Germany, although that projection may prove to be too conservative as time goes along.

Consider the fact that North Rhine-Westphalia alone is planning on permitting up to 3,000 social cannabis clubs, each able to serve up to 500 members. Every one of those social clubs will create jobs, and that is just one sector of the industry in one region of Germany. If the nation’s medical cannabis industry continues to surge as social clubs and regional pilot projects launch this year, the economic potential of Germany’s emerging industry will be enormous.

Germany’s cannabis industry is currently estimated to be worth nearly 1.2 billion euros according to Euromonitor International. Euromonitor estimates that the emerging global cannabis industry is currently worth 51.4 billion euros, with that figure estimated to top 60 billion in 2025.

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Brazil’s Supreme Court Decriminalizes Personal Cannabis Possession

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Brazil’s top court issued a landmark ruling this week, determining that the nation’s cannabis prohibition policies toward individual consumers possessing a personal amount of cannabis are unconstitutional.

Deliberations began on the personal cannabis possession case in 2015. A majority of the justices on Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of decriminalization. In their decision, the justices made it clear that it only applies to individual consumers and not distributors. What constitutes a ‘personal amount’ of cannabis in Brazil is yet to be specifically defined.

This week’s ruling builds on previous decisions in Brazil, such as a ruling in October 2023 that determined cannabis odor alone does not justify searching an individual’s home. A decision in March 2023 granted a registered NGO permission to cultivate medical cannabis domestically in Brazil after the government refused to grant permission.

In June 2022, Brazil’s top Court ruled in favor of three patients who sought to cultivate their own cannabis.

The ruling in Brazil this week is somewhat similar to court decisions rendered in a handful of other nations. In October 2018, Mexico’s Supreme Court deemed the nation’s prohibition policies against personal use to be unconstitutional.

In 2018 South Africa’s Supreme Court issued a similar ruling as Mexio’s, and in 2019 Italy’s Supreme Court ruled against personal cannabis cultivation prohibition.

Brazil now enters a growing global debate about what constitutes ‘legalization’ or ‘decriminalization’ and which nations fall into which category. Brazil’s ruling this week provides for some protections for individuals, however, it’s clearly not the same as having codified adult-use laws.

Currently, Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa have officially adopted laws that expressly protect adult consumers who possess and use cannabis. Law enforcement is expressly prohibited from going after adult consumers who are within the parameters of those nations’ cannabis laws.

Brazil is in a similar category as Mexico where case law is such that cannabis prohibition pertaining to individual consumers is unconstitutional, but also, lawmakers have not passed a new measure to officially replace old policies with new ones. The saga in Mexico has gone on for over 5 years and still no changes. Only time will tell if the same proves to be true in Brazil.

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44% Of German Adult Cannabis Consumers Plan To Join A Social Club

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

In a recent nationwide survey conducted in Germany by Pronova BKK, 44% of self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers indicated that they plan to join one of the country’s social cannabis clubs once they launch this summer. Another 27% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also indicated that they plan to join a club.

The Pronova BKK survey involved 1,000 people in Germany aged 18 and over and was conducted in May 2024. The survey also determined the following (translated from German to English) about Germany’s cannabis consumer base:

  • Over a quarter of Germans consume cannabis at least occasionally, and one in ten consumes it weekly
  • More than half of Generation Z consumes cannabis at least occasionally
  • For a third of cannabis consumers, legalization does not influence consumption behavior
  • Among younger respondents under 45 years of age, one in ten has increased consumption since legalization
  • Eight percent of non-users are considering growing their own cannabis at home

Among self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers participating in the survey, 51% selected “Yes, I can imagine having my own cannabis to grow at home” when asked about home cultivation. Another 40% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also selected that option in the survey.

The results of the Pronova BKK survey were published shortly after the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) released its annual European Drug Report. The EMCDDA report lists that 34.7% of German adults have consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetime.

A YouGov poll that was also conducted in May 2024 found that 7% of surveyed German adults (consumers and non-consumers) have already purchased cannabis seeds or clones. Another 11% indicated in the YouGov survey that they planned to purchase seeds or clones in the future. The YouGov poll involved 3,375 German adults.

The first provisions of Germany’s CanG law took effect on April 1st, 2024. Adults in Germany can now cultivate up to three plants in their private residences and possess up to 25 grams of cannabis when away from their homes.

Additionally, cannabis was removed from the nation’s Narcotics List which is having an immediate impact on Germany’s medical cannabis industry. Germany was already the largest legal medical cannabis market in Europe, and now domestic production quotas are removed, doctors can prescribe cannabis more easily, and the medical cannabis supply chain has fewer hurdles.

In 2023, Germany imported 31,398 kilograms of medical cannabis products according to data from Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), a 26.2% increase compared to the previous year’s medical cannabis imports.

With domestic production quotas removed and many patients now cultivating their own medical cannabis, total imports will presumably lower by a considerable amount in Germany in 2024.

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Mexico Regulators Authorize The Cultivation Of Low-THC Hemp

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) has reportedly authorized the cultivation of low-THC hemp plants (less than 1% THC content). The announcement came in the form of a letter from the regulatory entity to Semillas Endemicas Mexicanna SA de CV, as originally reported by El Planteo.

“The official document acquired by El Planteo, dated November 17, 2023 but delivered to the company just a few days ago, details the conditions under which Semillas Endemicas Mexicanna SA de CV can operate. The permit includes the import of seeds, the processing of hemp for the extraction of cannabidiol (CBD), and the marketing of cannabidiol oil as long as the THC content in the plants does not exceed 1%.” El Planteo stated in its coverage.

“The requested health authorization must guarantee that the plant produces concentrations equal to or less than 1% of THC and under the monitoring, control and safety conditions that the competent authority deems appropriate to protect health and public order.” the regulator’s letter reportedly stated.

Mexico has a long history with the cannabis plant, with many of the nation’s unregulated cannabis farms historically supplying markets in the United States. In recent years, as cannabis policy modernization has spread across the United States, less cannabis has been smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico.

In December 2021, Mexico’s Supreme Court deemed barriers to low-THC cannabis production to be unconstitutional. The 2021 decision followed a previous Supreme Court decision in 2019 that deemed prohibition policies pertaining to the personal use of cannabis to be unconstitutional.

Despite the landmark decisions in Mexico, there was still the regulatory hurdle of COFEPRIS granting its authorization for low-THC hemp production. The issuance of authorization to Semillas Endemicas Mexicanna SA de CV by COFEPRIS marks a major milestone for Mexico’s emerging legal industry.

COFEPRIS emphasized that the issuance of this one authorization does not open the floodgates to unfettered low-THC hemp production in Mexico.

According to an April 2022 market analysis, New Frontier Data determined that “Mexico’s total 2021 imports of hemp fiber were worth $120,000, or 25 metric tons (MT). Among those, imports from the United States accounted for 63% of the total of the tariff group, with France second at 29%.”

“In 2020, Mexico’s CBD market was valued at $9.2 million.” New Frontier Data stated. “Expectations over the next seven years are for the market to reach $675 million.”

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Cannabis Pilot Trial Program Expands In The Netherlands

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Regional cannabis commerce pilot trials are popping up in Europe, including in the Netherlands where the official launch of more pilot trials occurred in several municipalities this week. Trials first launched in Breda and Tilburg back in December.

The municipalities of Groningen, Zaanstad, Almere, Arnhem, Nijmegen, Voorne aan Zee, Heerlen, and Maastricht were previously announced for pilot trial locations, and as of today, consumers registered as pilot participants can make legal purchases at 80 coffee shops in those jurisdictions.

The coffee shops are supplied by three domestic producers, with two more producers expected to enter the fold by September according to domestic reporting by Dutch News. Cannabis pilot trials were first proposed in the Netherlands in 2017 as part of a governing coalition agreement, but a series of delays prevented the program from launching until late 2023.

“The aim of the experiment is to ascertain whether or not it is possible to regulate a quality-controlled supply of cannabis to coffee shops and to study the effects of a regulated supply chain on crime, safety, public nuisance and public health. In order to allow the experiment to take place, special legislation must be adopted.” the Netherlands’ government stated when pilot programs were first proposed.

A proposal to expand the cannabis trials to the Amsterdam-Oost district was denied in March 2024 by members of the Netherlands Parliament. Amsterdam has long served as a top international cannabis destination.

According to a recent poll, a strong majority of residents in the Netherlands (60%) want to install regulations around the country’s cannabis industry. Regional cannabis commerce pilot trials are also operating in Switzerland, and pilot trials are expected to launch in Germany by the end of the year.

Adult-use legalization in Germany is already having a butterfly effect in the Netherlands. A survey of adults in Germany recently found that 7% reported having already purchased cannabis seeds, with another 11% indicating that they plan to in the future.

Seed banks in the Netherlands have reported significant upticks in seed orders since Germany legalized and home cultivation became permitted.

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Italy’s Hemp Industry Seeks European Commission Intervention

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Much of Italy’s public cannabis policies are shaped by legal decisions. In late 2019, Italy’s Supreme Court ruled that laws against ‘small-scale domestic cultivation of cannabis’ were unconstitutional, providing some level of legal protection for consumers and patients.

In 2021, cannabis activists in Italy successfully collected hundreds of thousands of signatures to place a cannabis referendum measure on the ballot for voters to decide. However, in 2022 the nation’s Supreme Court deemed the measure’s language to be unconstitutional.

A decree was issued in 2020 to classify CBD as a narcotic in Italy, but shortly after it was issued, the decree was temporarily suspended. That temporary suspension was then lifted via yet another decree in 2023, just to also be temporarily suspended.

Efforts to shut down Italy’s emerging hemp-derived industry have picked up recently, resulting in Italian trade groups seeking an intervention by the European Commission.

“The Italian hemp supply chain receives important news from the European Commission. Our complaint against amendment 13.6 to the Security Bill (Security Bill) has been officially examined.” the Canapa Sativa Italia trade organization stated in a news release (translated from Italian to English).

“This amendment, which introduces restrictions on the cultivation and trade of hemp inflorescences and derived products, has been contested because it could violate European Union law on free competition and movement of goods. The complaint, registered under number CPLT(2024)01387, represents a positive signal for the sector, which has over 15 thousand workers and a turnover of 500 million euros.” the organization also stated.

If the European Commission determines that there is a violation of Union law, it could send a “letter of formal notice” to Italy’s government. The notice would compel Italy’s government to submit various information by a set deadline.

From there, if the returned information is not deemed to be satisfactory, the European Commission may issue a “reasoned opinion” and possibly refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

“This process, although it may take years, is essential to ensure that national regulations comply with EU law.” stated Canapa Sativa Italia.

An estimated 5% of adults in Italy report having consumed cannabis within the last month, 10.8% report having consumed it at least once in the last year, and 34.8% of adults in Italy have consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetime.

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Thailand Issues Draft Regulation To Reclassify Cannabis As A Narcotic

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Lawmakers in Thailand continue to move forward with their plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, unveiling a draft regulation this week that would change the cannabis plant’s legal status. Thailand removed cannabis from its national narcotics list in June 2022.

Thailand’s historic cannabis policy shift in 2022 was supposed to pave the way for the nation’s emerging cannabis industry to become a regional and international powerhouse. Every household in the entire country could sign up initially to legally cultivate low-THC cannabis plants, which a reported 1.1 million citizens of Thailand have done.

At the time of Thailand’s historic change in 2022, the nation’s Public Health Minister indicated that there would be no plant limit for the government’s cannabis cultivation program. Thailand’s government also gave away over 1 million cannabis seeds directly to households that signed up for the program.

A broad spectrum of government agencies in Thailand agreed to do their part to push Thailand’s emerging cannabis industry forward after the 2022 policy change. However, times have clearly changed, and Thailand is set to make a dramatic U-turn on cannabis policy. Per the Yahoo News:

The Ministry of Public Health will re-list cannabis buds as a “category five” narcotic from Jan. 1, according to the draft rules published on Tuesday. But the use of various other parts of the plant, including roots and leaves, will however remain legal.

The ministry will receive public feedback on the proposal until June 25. Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said on Tuesday he will listen to suggestions from both cannabis advocates and opponents.

Researchers estimate that Thailand’s 2022 policy change resulted in roughly 12,000 cannabis dispensaries opening across the country. The dispensaries operate on three-year licenses from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicines and employ an estimated 60,000 people.

The current draft regulation that was published earlier this week does not include any grace period for cannabis businesses in Thailand, and the industry will presumably be brought to a grinding halt. Medical cannabis will still be permitted in Thailand, although details about what that will ultimately look like remain elusive.

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EMCDDA Releases The ‘European Drug Report 2024’

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction has released its annual European Drug Report, in which it determines that cannabis “remains by far the most commonly consumed illicit drug in Europe.”

“National surveys of cannabis use would suggest that, overall, an estimated 8 % of European adults (22.8 million aged 15 to 64) have used cannabis in the last year.” the authors of the report stated.

Currently, Europe is home to multiple countries that have modernized their cannabis policies to permit adults to use cannabis. Malta became the first European nation to do so in 2021, followed by Luxembourg in 2023.

On April 1st, 2024, Germany became the largest country in Europe (and the entire planet) to implement a national recreational cannabis legalization measure. Adults in Germany can now cultivate up to three plants in their private residences and possess a personal amount of cannabis both in their homes and when away from their homes.

Slovenia became the latest European country to see its voters approve an adult-use cannabis legalization measure. Over the weekend, voters in Slovenia approved an adult-use legalization referendum measure in addition to also approving a domestic medical cannabis production measure. Both cannabis consultation referendum measures will now be considered by Slovenia’s lawmakers.

According to the recent report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, “around 1.3 % of adults in the European Union (3.7 million people) are estimated to be daily or almost daily users of cannabis.”

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction report also determined that “of the 51 cities with comparable data, 20 reported an annual increase in the cannabis metabolite THC-COOH in wastewater samples, while 15 reported a decrease.”

The report also determined the following:

  • In 2022, EU member nations reported 243,000 seizures of cannabis concentrate amounting to 468 tonnes (816 tonnes in 2021), and 234,000 seizures of floral cannabis amounting to 265 tonnes (256 tonnes in 2021). The overall quantity of cannabis concentrate seized in the European Union decreased by 43% in 2022.
  • Approximately 609,000 cannabis use or possession offenses were reported in the European Union in 2022 (566,000 in 2021), in addition to roughly 98,000 supply offenses (100,000 in 2021).
  • In 2022, the average THC content of cannabis concentrates in the European Union was 24.8% and cannabis flower was 10.1 %.

According to a recent market analysis, the legal European medical cannabis market is projected to be worth over $9.7 billion by 2028, with the United Kingdom and Germany projected to gain a 77% market share by the end of the forecast period.

South Africa Legalizes

South Africa’s President Signs ‘Private Setting’ Cannabis Legalization Measure

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Back in 2018, South Africa’s Constitutional Court issued a landmark ruling that deemed cannabis prohibition as it pertained to adult individuals to be unconstitutional. The 2018 decision stemmed from a lower court decision in Western Cape in March 2017 which determined that a ban on cannabis use by adults at home was unconstitutional.

The 2018 decision in South Africa left many unknowns, including how much cannabis a person could cultivate and possess in a private setting. The Court largely punted many policy decisions to lawmakers, who then proceeded to drag their feet for several years. Today, after a long delay, South Africa’s President signed a measure to codify the Court’s 2018 decision.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (“CfPPA”). The CfPPA regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in a private setting.” The President’s office stated in a press release.

“The consequent regulatory reform enabled by the CfPPA will, amongst others, entirely remove cannabis from the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. This will further enable amendment of the Schedules to the Medicines and Related Substances Act and provide for targeted regulatory reform of the Plant Breeders Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act, as well as other pieces of legislation that require amendment to allow for the industrialisation of the cannabis sector.” the press release also stated.

South Africa joins a growing list of nations that have adopted modernized adult-use cannabis policies. Uruguay legalized cannabis nationally for adults in 2013, with national product sales launching in 2017.

Canada became the second nation to adopt adult-use cannabis legalization in 2018, making it the first G-7 nation to adopt recreational reform. Malta legalized in 2021 followed by Luxembourg in 2023.

Germany is the largest nation to pass a national adult-use legalization measure, with the first provisions of the nation’s CanG law taking effect on April 1st. Social cannabis clubs are expected in Germany in July, and regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are expected to launch by the end of the year.

South Africa’s recently approved measure does not legalize adult-use cannabis product sales. However, the removal of cannabis from the nation’s Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act is significant.

Somewhat similar to Germany’s recent removal of cannabis from its national Narcotics List, the removal in South Africa will likely have a dramatic impact on its national medical cannabis industry. Researchers estimate that South Africa’s medical cannabis industry has the potential to create a R100 billion-a-year boost to the nation’s economy and create over 130,000 jobs.

Today’s cannabis measure signing in South Africa adds to the growing momentum for global reform.

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Cannabis Shops In Thailand Expected To Close By April 2025

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Thailand made a historic shift in cannabis policy in June 2022 by becoming the first country in the Southeast Asia region to remove cannabis from its national narcotics listing. It appears that policy change will be short-lived, with the nation’s prime minister declaring that cannabis will be reclassified as a narcotic by the end of 2024 and that the country’s cannabis shops will be closed by April 2025.

The announcement was not surprising given the number of anti-cannabis talking points that Thailand Prime Minster Srettha Thavisin has offered up since taking office. While not surprising, it is still defeating news for Thailand’s emerging cannabis industry, which has thrived in recent years thanks in large part to the Thailand government’s help.

Every household in the entire country could sign up initially to legally cultivate low-THC cannabis plants, which a reported 1.1 million citizens of Thailand have done. It was the first time in the history of the world that such a public policy was implemented at a national level.

At the time of Thailand’s historic change in 2022, the Public Health Minister indicated that there would be no plant limit for the government’s cultivation program. Thailand’s government also gave away over 1 million cannabis seeds directly to households that signed up. Additionally, the government gave out low-interest loans to help aspiring cultivators get their operations started.

Thailand’s government also launched an app to help streamline the process of people signing up their households to cultivate cannabis. An FAQ public service announcement effort was launched to help people understand the law and cultivation program back then.

A broad spectrum of government agencies in Thailand previously agreed to do their part to push Thailand’s emerging cannabis industry forward. Thailand also released thousands of people serving time for cannabis offenses.

Unfortunately, major changes appear to be on the way. Per Thai Examiner:

An order given by the Prime Minister on Wednesday would close cannabis shops in Thailand by April 1st, 2025. On Wednesday, Srettha Thavisin made it clear he wanted cannabis reclassified as a scheduled narcotic by the end of 2024. It came as a high-powered working group zeroed in on firm plans for a drug crackdown in Thailand. The meeting was attended by three senior ministers, the Prime Minister, and the secretary to the Defence Minister. In short, one of the proposals agreed upon was the internment of drug addicts at a military base. In addition, discretion given to police in relation to small-time users was tightened. The Prime Minister said he wanted to see more vigorous police action in wiping out illegal drug use.

The region in which Thailand is located is home to some of the harshest cannabis public policies and penalties on Earth, with several Southeastern Asian countries still issuing the death penalty for certain cannabis-only offenses.

Thailand’s emerging cannabis industry was estimated to be worth 28 billion Thai baht (€728 million) within the first year of the historic 2022 policy change and was projected to increase to 336 billion baht (€8.7 billion) by 2030 prior to the prime minister’s announcement.

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Signature Drive In Switzerland Seeks To Legalize Cannabis For Adult Use

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Europe is currently home to three nations that have adopted a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure, and if cannabis advocates in Switzerland succeed in their effort, their country could become the fourth.

Currently, Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany have approved legalization measures. Malta did so in 2021, Luxembourg did it in 2023, and Germany’s legalization measure officially came into effect on April 1st, 2024.

Out of the three nations, Germany’s legalization model is the best. All three legal European countries permit cannabis cultivation, possession, and use. However, Luxembourg does not permit adult-use commerce in any form, and in Malta commerce is limited to noncommercial cannabis clubs. In addition to clubs, Germany will also allow regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials.

Switzerland currently has cannabis trials underway, and according to domestic reporting, the signature-gathering effort seeks to take sales nationally. Per Swiss Info:

The people’s initiative, “Cannabis legalisation: opportunities for the economy, health and equality”, wants a new article on cannabis enshrined in the constitution. According to the text of the initiative published in the Swiss Federal Gazette, citizens should be allowed to grow and possess cannabis from the age of 18 for their personal use.

Commercial cannabis growers and sales outlets would require a licence and be subject to strict quality and safety regulations. The proceeds from the taxation of cannabis products would be channelled into drug education, addiction prevention and awareness.

The effort needs to successfully gather 100,000 valid signatures by October 30th, 2025 to trigger a vote. It is worth noting that a similar effort occurred in Italy in recent years, with advocates gathering the necessary signatures. However, Italy’s top court ultimately ruled that the measure was unconstitutional before voters got to decide on it.

If the effort does succeed in getting enough signatures in Switzerland, in addition to being reviewed by Swiss courts, the measure will presumably also be reviewed by the European Union. The European Union indicated in its discussions with Germany that nationwide adult-use cannabis sales are not permitted by current EU agreements.

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Canada Received $1.9 Billion From Legal Cannabis Sales In 2022/2023

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Canada became the first G-7 nation on the planet to pass a national adult-use legalization measure in 2018, and only the second country to ever do so. The only country to have passed a national adult-use legalization measure before Canada was Uruguay, which legalized cannabis for adult use in 2013.

However, unlike Uruguay, which limits legal adult-use sales to residents, anyone of legal age (18 years old) can make recreational cannabis purchases from retailers in Canada. Canada remains the largest adult-use policy and industry experiment on Earth.

Statistics Canada recently released new cannabis industry and consumer data, including how much money the legal industry generated for Canadian governments during the 2022/2023 fiscal period. Per excerpts from Statistics Canada:

Sales of recreational cannabis by provincial cannabis authorities and other retail outlets increased 15.8% to $4.7 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year. Most of the increase was due to higher sales of inhaled extracts (+59.0%), which accounted for one-quarter of total cannabis sales.

Federal and provincial governments received $1.9 billion from the control and sale of recreational cannabis in 2022/2023, up by almost one-quarter (+24.2%) from a year earlier.

With more than 3,000 legal cannabis stores in Canada, over two in three cannabis consumers bought from the legal market. Among those who used cannabis in the 12 months before the survey, just over 7 out of 10 (71.7%) bought exclusively from legal sources.

Cannabis legalization is succeeding in Canada by every reasonable measure, as demonstrated by the new consumer and industry data from Statistics Canada. In addition to the revenue generated by Canada’s legal industry for public coffers, governments have also saved a considerable amount of public resources by no longer arresting consumers for cannabis activity.

Canada is a glowing example of what is possible when lawmakers take a sensible approach toward cannabis. The nation’s cannabis law is not perfect, however, it is undeniably better than cannabis prohibition and countries would be wise to follow in Canada’s footsteps.

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Germany Imported A Record Amount Of Cannabis In 2023

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Germany continues to serve as the largest legal medical cannabis market in Europe, and not just for domestically produced medical cannabis products. Germany reportedly imported a record amount of medical cannabis products from other countries in 2023.

In 2023, Germany imported 31,398 kilograms of medical cannabis products according to data from Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), a 26.2% increase compared to last year’s medical cannabis imports.

In 2022 Germany imported 24,876 kilograms, compared to 20,771 kilograms in 2021, 11,746 kilograms in 2020, and 8,057 kilograms in 2019. Canada was the top source of imported medical cannabis in Germany followed by Portugal and the Netherlands. Roughly 50% of imported cannabis to Germany in 2023 originated in Canada compared to 40% the previous year.

Starting in 2017, Germany legalized the use of 14 different varieties of cannabis flower for patients with severe debilitating diseases and no other treatment options. The legal medical cannabis products have been distributed through German pharmacies ever since.

However, it wasn’t until 2019 that Germany allowed medical cannabis to be produced domestically, with the European nation’s medical cannabis industry initially relying solely on medical cannabis imports. Domestic production has ramped up since 2019, yet, medical cannabis imports have remained strong.

With the new German adult-use cannabis legalization law (CanG) taking effect on April 1, 2024, Germany’s medical cannabis industry is set to undergo a fairly substantial evolution going forward.

Three companies were chosen in 2019 to produce medical cannabis in Germany. The companies were capped at 10,400 kilograms of product production over the course of a four-year span. With the new CanG law taking effect, that quota system is going away. More companies can now apply to cultivate medical cannabis within Germany’s borders.

Furthermore, a major component of the new CanG law involves cannabis being removed from Germany’s Narcotics List, which will have a significant impact on patient access to medical cannabis. Germany’s medical cannabis program will no longer require a narcotic prescription form. The policy change will likely result in a dramatic increase in Germany’s legal medical cannabis base.

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Japan’s Cannabis Market Expanded Sixfold Between 2019-2023

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Japan’s emerging cannabis industry expanded sixfold during four years spanning from 2019 to 2023 according to a new report by Euromonitor International. Japan’s emerging legal cannabis industry currently largely revolves around the buying and selling of CBD products.

In December 2023, Japan’s government lifted a long-time ban on cannabis-derived medications. The approved measure legalized imported, regulated cannabis-derived medical products in Japan.

One such cannabis-derived medication, Epidiolex, has been found to help people who suffer from severe epilepsy. A study conducted in 2019 found that “6.9 per 1000 individuals have epilepsy in the general Japanese population, and that the prevalence of epilepsy increases with age, probably because of elderly onset cerebrovascular diseases.”

The new report by Euromonitor International regarding Japan’s emerging cannabis industry was insightful. Per excerpts from The Japan Times:

Japan’s cannabis market expanded sixfold over four years to ¥24 billion ($154 million) in 2023, a trend that is expected to accelerate with the amendment in December of cannabis laws, market research firm Euromonitor International said in a recent report.

The growing sales of products using CBD (cannabidiol), a compound found in marijuana, are attributed to the rising demand for products that offer relaxation, sleep and stress relief, the firm said, estimating the current number of CBD users in Japan at 588,000.

“The year 2023 marked a pivotal moment for cannabis in Japan, signaling a potential turning point for the country’s CBD market. Recent legal reforms have opened doors for further CBD establishment and development, with the sector gaining attention as a high-growth industry. The increasing utilization of CBD across various sectors, including health, beauty, beverages, and edibles, is expected to reshape societal perceptions of CBD and cannabis.” Euromonitor stated about its new report.

Back in December, the same month that Japan’s government lifted its ban on cannabis-derived medications, the nation’s Health Ministry banned products containing one or more specific synthetic cannabinoids. Six synthetic cannabinoids total were listed in the new ban.

A March 2023 analysis by Comprehensive Research Report found that the global CBD market is projected to reach $59.43 billion by 2030. The researchers estimated that the global CBD market was worth $18.43 billion in 2022.

Hamburg Germany

Clinging To Failed Prohibition Practices Is The Wrong Move For Hamburg

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Germany implemented the first components of its national adult-use cannabis legalization measure (CanG) on April 1, 2024. The historic policy change was widely celebrated inside and outside of Germany’s borders and ushered in a new era for European cannabis policy and industry.

As of the start of April, adults aged 18 and older can cultivate up to three plants in their private residence and possess up to 25 grams when away from their residence. It is also expected that in July Germany will start to permit noncommercial cannabis clubs to operate.

Unfortunately, not everyone was happy about Germany finally getting on the right side of history. Members of the CDU party are throwing what amounts to public tantrums as they continue to air grievances about Germany’s new national cannabis policies to seemingly anyone who will listen.

The latest example can be found via recent comments made by CDU leadership regarding Hamburg’s enforcement of cannabis fines. Per excerpts from original reporting by Legal Tribune Online:

The CDU in the citizenry is calling for a strict catalog of cannabis fines for Hamburg. The Hanseatic city should follow the example of Bavaria, where people aged 14 and over face fines of up to 1,000 euros for violations of the Cannabis Act (CanG) and twice as much in the event of a repeat offense, said parliamentary group leader Dennis Thering of the dpa .

Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) had announced a restrictive application of the CanG for Bavaria, causing astonishment among lawyers. This is what defense lawyer Konstantin Grubwinkler explained in an interview with zdf today, the amount of the planned fines for violations of the CanG are “disproportionate”, especially in comparison with other administrative offenses.

Konstantin Grubwinkler also explained in the Legal Tribune Online’s coverage that fines for speeding violations in Bavaria and Hamburg amount to about one-tenth of the proposed fine amount for possessing too much cannabis in Hamburg.

If history is any guide, enforcing cannabis prohibition policies on consumers, including fines, does not curtail cannabis consumption. Rather, all cannabis prohibition does is ruin lives and waste limited public resources in the process. Law enforcement officials in Hamburg should be focused on fighting real crime, and not clinging to failed cannabis prohibition practices.