World
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 ...
Medical Cannabis Set to Launch in Ukraine in Early 2025
KYIV- After Ukraine legalized cannabis for medical use earlier this year, a key lawmaker announced that the first cannabis-based medicines could be available as early as next month. Olga Stefanishyna, a member of Ukraine’s parliament and the Committee on Public Health, Medical Assistance, and Medical Insurance, stated during a press conference in Kyiv, “Everything is ...
Global Developments in Cannabis Legalization in 2023
LOS ANGELES- In 2023, several countries made significant strides in cannabis legalization, reflecting a global shift in drug policy. Germany's Legislative Progress Germany advanced toward legalizing cannabis for adult use, aiming to become the European Union's largest economy to do so. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach unveiled an updated legalization plan in April, with legislative texts ...
Germany’s Cannabis Legislation Faces Criticism
LOS ANGELES- Germany's recent legalization of cannabis has encountered significant criticism from various stakeholders, highlighting challenges in its implementation and effectiveness. Criticism from Berlin's Justice Senator Felor Badenberg, Berlin's Justice Senator, has expressed concerns that the new cannabis laws have hindered efforts to combat the black market and organized crime. She points out that police ...
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 ...
