World
Malaysia Weighs Cannabis Vaporizer Manufacturing for Export
LOS ANGELES— Malaysia’s Cabinet is set to decide whether to permit the manufacturing of cannabis vaporizer hardware for export, as Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed following a multi-agency review. The proposal centers on a Johor-based facility operated by Ispire Technology Inc., a Nasdaq-listed company, which currently holds a federal licence to manufacture ...
Ukraine Advances Medical Cannabis Access with Support from Soros-Affiliated NGOs
LOS ANGELES- Ukraine’s State Service for Medicines and Drug Control issued its first license for importing medical cannabis on June 2, 2025, following the enactment of a law in August 2024 that authorized the use of hemp-based medications for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes. The policy shift has been supported by domestic advocacy groups such ...
Czech Republic Advances Cannabis Decriminalization
LOS ANGELES— The Czech Republic's Chamber of Deputies has approved a significant amendment to the nation's criminal code, decriminalizing the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use. The measure permits adults to grow up to three cannabis plants and possess up to 100 grams at home or 25 grams in public. Possession beyond these ...
Australia’s Legal Cannabis Market Projects Significant Growth
LOS ANGELES- Australia's legal cannabis market is poised for substantial expansion, with projections estimating growth from USD 126.32 million in 2024 to USD 420.33 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.16% . This anticipated growth is underpinned by evolving regulatory frameworks and increasing consumer demand for low-dose cannabidiol (CBD) products. ...
London Mayor Advocates for Decriminalization of Cannabis Possession
LOS ANGELES- London Mayor Sadiq Khan has endorsed recommendations from the London Drugs Commission (LDC) to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of natural cannabis for personal use. The LDC, established by Khan in 2022 and chaired by former Justice Secretary Lord Charlie Falconer KC, conducted a comprehensive study involving over 200 experts and academics. ...
Thailand Implements Stricter Cannabis Regulations
LOS ANGELES- Thailand is set to enforce stricter controls on cannabis sales following a notable increase in smuggling attempts, particularly involving foreign tourists. The Ministry of Public Health announced that, within approximately 40 days, cannabis dispensaries will be required to sell products exclusively to individuals possessing medical prescriptions or licenses. Additionally, sales will be limited ...
Thailand Moves to Restrict Cannabis Use to Medical Purposes Within 40 Days
LOS ANGELES- Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, has announced plans to implement regulations within 40 days that will restrict cannabis use to medical purposes only. Under the forthcoming rules, both Thai nationals and foreigners will be required to present a medical certificate to legally purchase cannabis products. This initiative follows concerns over the proliferation ...
Analysis: Germany Legalized Cannabis. Now the Real Work Begins.
BERLIN-On April 1, 2024, Germany made history by legalizing adult-use cannabis. But legalization was only the first step. More than a year later, the rollout has exposed the complexities of implementing cannabis reform in a federal system—where state-level bureaucracy, financial barriers, and uneven infrastructure continue to shape the business environment. As we move into the ...
Tilray Medical Introduces Good Supply Cannabis Brand to German Market
LOS ANGELES- Tilray Medical, a division of Tilray Brands Inc has launched its Canadian cannabis brand, Good Supply, in Germany. This expansion aims to provide German medical cannabis patients with access to a range of whole flower products. Good Supply is recognized in Canada for its variety of cannabis strains. In Germany, the brand offers ...
German Medical Cannabis Market Sees Significant Growth
LOS ANGELES- Germany's medical cannabis industry is experiencing substantial growth, driven by recent regulatory reforms and increasing patient demand. Companies such as Cantourage are at the forefront of this expansion, capitalizing on the evolving legal landscape and market opportunities. Cantourage's Revenue Surge Berlin-based Cantourage reported a revenue of €51.4 million ($57.5 million) for 2024, marking ...
UK Reports 90% Reduction in Mail-Order Cannabis Imports from Thailand
LOS ANGELES- The United Kingdom has reported a 90% decrease in cannabis shipments arriving by mail from Thailand during the first quarter of 2025. This significant decline follows enhanced cooperation between UK and Thai authorities aimed at curbing illicit cannabis trafficking. The reduction is attributed to a bilateral agreement that introduced stricter pre-shipment inspections in ...
Dutch Cannabis Growers Support Expansion of State-Regulated Sales Experiment
LOS ANGELES- The Netherlands has initiated an expansion of its state-regulated cannabis sales experiment, involving approximately 80 coffeeshops across 10 municipalities, including cities such as Breda, Arnhem, and Maastricht. This initiative permits these establishments to source cannabis from 10 licensed producers, aiming to address the longstanding policy contradiction where the sale of small cannabis quantities ...
Brazil’s Cannabis Industry Advances Amid Legal and Research Developments
LOS ANGELES- Brazil is witnessing significant progress in its cannabis industry, marked by legal reforms and dedicated research initiatives. The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has authorized the importation, manufacturing, and sale of cannabis-based medicines, expanding patient access to treatments. However, domestic cultivation remains prohibited, necessitating reliance on imported products or extracts. In November 2024, ...
Australian MP Proposes Cannabis Decriminalization
LOS ANGELES- An Australian Member of Parliament has introduced a proposal to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of cannabis, a move that has sparked significant discussion regarding the country's drug policies and their economic and social implications. The Penington Institute, a public health research organization, has been vocal in advocating for a shift from ...
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Impact U.S. Cannabis Industry
LOS ANGELES- The U.S. cannabis industry is experiencing significant effects due to increased tariffs on Chinese imports, particularly in the vaporizer sector. As of February 4, 2025, the United States imposed an additional 10% tariff on a broad range of Chinese products, including cannabis vaporizer components. This new tariff supplements the existing 25% levy established ...
France Advances Medical Cannabis Legalization Framework
LOS ANGELES- France has officially submitted draft regulations to the European Commission, outlining the framework for the production and authorization of medical cannabis. The submission includes: A decree establishing the framework for cannabis-based medicines, integrating them into existing provisions related to pharmacovigilance, manufacturing, and distribution. A ministerial order detailing the specifications of cannabis-based medicines and ...
Netherlands Initiates Regulated Cannabis Sales Trial
LOS ANGELES- The Netherlands is advancing its regulated cannabis sales experiment, aiming to control the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis through a state-monitored supply chain. This initiative seeks to address issues arising from the current policy, where the sale of cannabis in licensed coffee shops is tolerated, but production and supply remain illegal, leading ...
Israel Faces Mental Health Crisis Post-October 7 Attacks: Evaluating Medical Cannabis for PTSD Treatment
LOS ANGELES- In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks, Israel confronts a significant mental health crisis, with an estimated 580,000 citizens exhibiting severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This surge has intensified discussions regarding the integration of medical cannabis as a therapeutic option for PTSD patients. Current Medical Cannabis Framework Israel's medical cannabis ...
South Africa’s Department of Health Enacts Ban on Cannabis and Hemp Food Products
LOS ANGELES- The South African Department of Health has implemented new regulations prohibiting the production, sale, and importation of foodstuffs containing components derived from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, including hemp, hemp seed oil, and hemp seed flour. This decision, published in a government gazette on March 7, 2025, falls under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and ...
Colombian President Renews Call for Cannabis Legalization
LOS ANGELES-Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called on Congress to legalize cannabis cultivation as part of an effort to reduce the violence associated with drug trafficking in the country. Petro argues that the prohibition of cannabis has contributed to rising criminal activity and that regulation could serve as a tool to combat cartel influence. Petro’s ...
Switzerland Advances Plan to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Under Government Regulation
LOS ANGELES- Switzerland is progressing toward the legalization of recreational cannabis through a framework emphasizing strict government oversight. On February 14, 2025, the National Council's Social Security and Public Health Committee (CSSS-N) approved a preliminary draft of federal legislation aimed at regulating non-medical cannabis use. The proposed legislation seeks to permit adults aged 18 and ...
Germany’s Evolving Cannabis Landscape in 2025
LOS ANGELES- In 2025, Germany's cannabis sector is experiencing significant developments following the enactment of the Cannabis Act (Cannabisgesetz) on April 1, 2024. This legislation permits adults aged 18 and over to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public, store up to 50 grams at home, and cultivate up to three plants for ...
Paraguay Considers Legalizing Recreational Cannabis
LOS ANGELES- Paraguay is evaluating the legalization of recreational cannabis, with the Senate scheduled to vote on a proposal in March 2025. The initiative aims to permit the sale of cannabis in regulated dispensaries, under the supervision of the National Directorate of Health Surveillance and Narcotics, as well as the National Directorate of Tax Revenue. ...
Poland’s Medical Cannabis Prescriptions Decline Amid Regulatory Changes
LOS ANGELES- Recent regulatory changes in Poland have led to a significant decrease in medical cannabis prescriptions. In August 2023, the Ministry of Health implemented a regulation requiring physicians to verify a patient's medication history and conduct examinations, either in-person or online, if more than three months have passed since the last assessment. This move ...
Japan Enacts Stricter Cannabis Laws with Severe Penalties
LOS ANGELES- Japan has recently implemented stringent measures against cannabis use, introducing penalties of up to seven years in prison for consumption. Previously, while possession and cultivation were illegal, personal use was not explicitly prohibited. This legal adjustment aims to address rising concerns about cannabis misuse, particularly among the youth. Concurrently, the revised laws permit ...
