World
Italy’s Proposed Ban on Hemp Flower Sales Raises Industry Concerns
LOS ANGELES- Italy's "cannabis light" sector, which has experienced significant growth since the legalization of hemp in 2016, faces potential disruption due to proposed legislation aimed at banning products derived from hemp flowers. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government contends that the existing law is overly permissive and seeks to eliminate the sale of hemp flower ...
Ireland’s Fianna Fáil Clarifies Stance on Drug Decriminalization: Focus on Cannabis, Excludes Hard Drugs
LOS ANGELES- Fianna Fáil has clarified its stance on drug decriminalization, specifying that its proposal to decriminalize possession for personal use applies exclusively to cannabis and excludes substances such as cocaine and heroin. This clarification follows the party's general election manifesto commitment to adopt a health-led approach to drug addiction, emphasizing treatment and education over ...
Germany’s Cannabis Social Clubs Begin Distribution Amid Expansion of Pilot Programs
LOS ANGELES- Germany's cannabis legalization efforts have reached a significant milestone with the first legal distribution of cannabis by a social club. The Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee, located in Lower Saxony, has commenced providing cannabis to its members, marking a pivotal moment in the country's regulated cannabis framework. This development follows the German government's approval ...
France: The Investment Landscape of the Medical Cannabis Sector
PARIS — Encouraged by the advances of Germany, the investment climate in France's medical cannabis industry is evolving on a promising trajectory, marked by a transition from a history of strict prohibition and stigma to a transparent, albeit stringent, regulatory framework aimed at promoting therapeutic use. As the country gears up for the legalization of ...
Cannabis Opportunities in Germany: Positive Outlook for Investment and Innovation
BERLIN — The investment climate in Germany's cannabis market is poised for significant expansion, driven by the global cannabis legalization movement, ongoing regulatory changes, and mounting community and market demand. As the country embraces a more liberal approach to both medical and recreational cannabis, it is becoming an increasingly appealing destination for investors and businesses ...
European Cannabis Update: Embracing the Growing Dutch Medical Cannabis Market
EUROPE — As a pioneer in the recognition and regulation of the medical use of cannabis, the Netherlands has emerged as a prominent hub for cannabis investment, driven by a combination of progressive policies, established infrastructure, and growing consumer demand for cannabis in both medical and recreational contexts. Current Situation Since the establishment of the ...
Exploring the Framework: Investing in the Polish Medical Cannabis Market
EUROPE — While global attitudes toward cannabis shift from skepticism to acceptance, Poland, as a member of the European family, stands as a beacon of centuried cultivation, traditions, resilience, innovation, and economic growth. With its strategic location, robust economy, and forward-thinking regulatory approach, the country is cultivating more than just cannabis – it is creating ...
Discovering Investment Opportunities in Italy’s Cannabis Market
EUROPE — The medical cannabis industry in Italy is undergoing a transition period, showing a significant transformation and investment potential, driven by an evolving regulatory framework and growing public acceptance. Since the legalization of medical cannabis in 2013, Italy has positioned itself as a key player in the European cannabis landscape, attracting both domestic and ...
Germany’s Medical Cannabis Market Set to Reach €420 Million in 2024
BERLIN- Germany's medical cannabis market is poised for substantial growth in 2024, with sales projected to surpass €420 million ($455 million), according to a report by Prohibition Partners. The country, which has led Europe in medical cannabis since legalizing it in 2017, continues to expand patient access, with over 200,000 registered users and public healthcare ...
Czech Senate Approves Regulation of Kratom and HHC Sales
LOS ANGELES- The Czech Senate has approved new legislation regulating the sale of kratom and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a move aimed at safeguarding public health, especially for minors. These changes follow a high-profile incident in January 2024 in Karlovy Vary, where primary school children were hospitalized after consuming HHC-infused sweets. The legislation introduces stricter controls on ...
Medical Cannabis in Germany: A Gateway for Investment and Innovation
The investment climate in Germany's medical cannabis industry is poised for significant expansion, driven by the global cannabis legalization movement, ongoing regulatory changes, and mounting community and market demand. As the country embraces a more liberal approach to cannabis, it is becoming an increasingly appealing destination for investors and businesses in the medical cannabis sector. ...
Wiesbaden Seeks to Join Cannabis Sales Pilot in Pharmacies
GERMANY- Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, Germany, has officially applied to participate in a pilot project for cannabis sales through pharmacies. The initiative aims to study the impact of a regulated cannabis market on reducing illegal trade and improving public health protections. Milena Löbcke, Wiesbaden’s health advisor, signed the declaration of intent to join the ...
Investment Environment and Outlook for Medical Cannabis in Ukraine
KYIV--The medical cannabis industry in Ukraine is on the cusp of transformation, fueled by recent legislative changes and a growing recognition of its potential benefits. As the country fights for its independence on the battlefields and navigates the complexities of establishing a regulatory framework, it still presents a compelling opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs looking ...
Pakistan Enters Global Hemp Market with Plans for 2025 Cultivation
LOS ANGELES- Pakistan is set to join the global hemp market by allowing commercial cultivation of hemp beginning in January 2025. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the country’s economy through increased foreign exchange earnings and the creation of new economic opportunities. The Pakistani government sees immense potential in the hemp industry, which has ...
Morocco Pardons 5,000 for Illegal Cannabis Cultivation in Push Toward Legal Market
LOS ANGELES- Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned nearly 5,000 individuals previously convicted or wanted for illegal cannabis cultivation, a move aimed at facilitating the transition to the legal cannabis market. The royal pardon is intended to incentivize farmers in Morocco’s traditional cannabis-growing regions to engage in licensed cultivation, which has been legal for medical ...
Critics Slam Thai Government’s Approach to Cannabis
LOS ANGELES- Critics have strongly opposed the Thai government's plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, arguing that it will harm businesses involved in cannabis-based products and undermine investor confidence in the country. On July 5, a health committee responsible for controlling illegal drugs voted by majority to reclassify cannabis and hemp as narcotics, effective ...
Thailand’s Cannabis Advocates Rally Against Proposed Recreational Use Ban
BANGKOK — Two years after cannabis was decriminalized in Thailand, nearly a hundred advocates marched to the prime minister’s office on Monday to protest a possible ban on general use. This comes after the health ministry's drug control committee approved a proposal on Friday to relist cannabis as a narcotic, limiting its use to medical ...
Thai Cannabis Advocates Protest Potential Ban
BANGKOK — Nearly a hundred cannabis advocates marched to the Thai prime minister's office on Monday to protest a potential ban on general cannabis use, two years after its decriminalization. The protest followed a decision by the health ministry's drug control committee on Friday to relist cannabis as a narcotic, limiting its use to medical ...
Germany’s Cannabis Law: Maximizing Yield with the Three-Plant Limit
BERLIN — Germany’s new cannabis law, effective April 1, 2024, permits adults to grow up to three plants and possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use. This regulation requires home cultivators to optimize their limited plant count to achieve the highest yield and quality. The Challenge of the Three-Plant Limit With a ...
Poland’s Medical Cannabis Sector Sees Rapid Growth Amid Decriminalization Debate
LOS ANGELES- The landscape of medical cannabis in Poland has experienced significant transformations in recent years. Surveys indicate strong public support for decriminalization, and the number of medical cannabis prescriptions has surged dramatically. However, challenges remain as policymakers debate further legalization. Public acceptance of cannabis decriminalization has been steadily increasing. Recent data from the Polish ...
Brazil’s Supreme Court Decriminalizes Cannabis Possession for Personal Use
LOS ANGELES- Brazil's Supreme Court has voted to decriminalize the possession of cannabis for personal use, marking a significant change in the country's drug policy. This decision, reached after deliberations that began in 2015, reflects a shift towards addressing inequities in Brazil's criminal justice system. While the sale of cannabis remains illegal, the ruling focuses ...
Slovenia Votes Overwhelmingly for Cannabis Reforms in Recent Elections
WORLD- In a significant shift, Slovenian voters have endorsed key cannabis reforms, including the cultivation of medical cannabis and limited personal use, reflecting evolving societal attitudes. One of the key questions put to voters was whether Slovenia should permit the cultivation and processing of cannabis specifically for medical purposes. Although medical cannabis is already legal, ...
Japan to Accept Public Comments on Cannabis Reform Bill
WORLD- The Japanese government announced on May 30 that it will begin accepting public comments on its cannabis reform bill, which includes potential measures to loosen restrictions on processing CBD in food products. This move follows a proposal from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) in February to establish a maximum residue ...
South Africa Legalizes Cannabis for Personal Use
LOS ANGELES- South Africa has become the first country in Africa to legalize cannabis for personal use. The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on May 28, just days before the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in Congress on May 29. The new legislation removes cannabis ...
Victoria to Launch World’s First Medical Cannabis Driving Trial
WORLD- Victoria, the first Australian state to legalize medical cannabis in 2016, is set to initiate a groundbreaking medical cannabis driving trial. As part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25, the Labor Government has allocated $4.9 million to this initiative. State Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne announced the collaboration ...
