World

BERLIN — The German federal parliament is set to weigh in on a pivotal cannabis reform bill, marking a potential tectonic shift in the nation's stance on the plant. Championed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, this proposed legislation could metamorphose Germany's drug policy, wherein recreational cannabis is currently proscribed. Central to this bill is the aspiration ...

LOS ANGELES- In a bold move reflecting the changing landscape of the worldwide narcotics struggle, Colombia has introduced a fresh drug policy, signaling a significant departure from traditional enforcement-centered methods. President Gustavo Petro accentuated the evolving global attitude towards drug enforcement, highlighting the notable shift in U.S. drug policies. In the official proclamation, Petro clarified ...

SEOUL — In a significant move to digitize its currency infrastructure, The Bank of Korea (BOK), in collaboration with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), is rolling out a pilot program to investigate the potential adoption of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). This initiative will scrutinize the viability of ...

AMSTERDAM — The Netherlands has designated December 15 as the inception date for its highly anticipated cannabis pilot program, set to commence in the cities of Breda and Tilburg. This experiment, previously slated to begin in 2020 but experiencing multiple postponements, will involve the legal cultivation and distribution of cannabis in select cities. The initial ...

COPENHAGEN- Reporting from MJBizDaily shows tat Denmark destroyed 100 tonnes of cannabis, the article went on to describe how Denmark has a cannabis industry, recent data released by the Danish Parliament’s Health Committee has brought to light a noticeable trend in Denmark’s burgeoning medical cannabis sector, revealing that a significant portion of legal cannabis produced ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a significant shift, Amsterdam, which has long been a hub for cannabis tourism, is recalibrating its stance on the industry amid rising concerns over crime and public disorder. This change is not only reshaping the city's approach but also potentially altering the global cannabis tourism landscape, paving the way for new destinations ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a proactive move to integrate psychedelic therapy into the European healthcare landscape, the European Psychedelic Access Research and European Alliance (PAREA) is advocating for the establishment of a multidisciplinary advisory body. This body, as envisioned, would comprise individuals with substantial experience in the field of psychedelics, offering invaluable insights to regulators and ...

ZURICH — In an innovative exploration of the cannabis market, Switzerland has launched a pilot program named “Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility.” The program, which began on August 22, will be a three-year study concluding in 2026, aiming to gauge the impacts and feasibility of regulated cannabis sales. The study, reported by Swissinfo, permits ...

BERLIN — Germany's cabinet gave the green light to a divisive bill on Wednesday that aims to legalize recreational cannabis use and cultivation, positioning Germany to have one of the most liberal cannabis statutes in Europe. This move could potentially drive a global trend towards similar legalizations. Pending parliamentary approval, the proposed law would authorize ...

LOS ANGELES— Organigram Holdings Inc., a recognized licensed producer of cannabis, announced today its strategic expansion into the UK market. The company has inked a supply agreement with 4C LABS, an emerging healthcare, tech, and pharmaceutical firm. This collaboration focuses on the virtual prescription, distribution, and clinical enhancement of cannabis-infused products for human health in ...

BERLIN-- Germany is currently embarking on a significant journey toward cannabis legalization, with ministers unveiling a national cannabis reform strategy. The plan involves legalizing personal freedoms like possession and cultivation, as well as noncommercial cannabis clubs. It's a multifaceted approach to legalization that could lead to regional pilot programs. A contentious issue in this reform, ...

BERLIN --Germany's federal cabinet is anticipated to approve the first part of the government's cannabis legalization plan next week, according to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. In an interview with Rheinische Post, Lauterbach stressed that the reform would be accompanied by a "major campaign" to educate the public about the risks associated with cannabis use. "I ...

BERLIN–In Germany's persistent pursuit of cannabis reform, an unexpected twist has emerged: the country's aspirations might find themselves at odds with European Union regulations, as highlighted by the German parliamentary research unit. Of particular concern is Germany's proposal for cannabis clubs, an initiative that could prove to be legally intricate within the confines of EU ...

BOGOTA-- Los legisladores colombianos han dado un nuevo paso hacia la legalización del cannabis en todo el país al reintroducir un proyecto de ley durante la próxima sesión legislativa. Este esfuerzo renovado llega apenas un mes después de que la versión anterior se estancara en el Senado, y sus defensores están decididos a impulsar la ...

BOGOTA-- Colombian lawmakers have taken another step toward nationwide cannabis legalization by reintroducing a bill during the upcoming legislative session. This renewed effort comes just a month after the previous version stalled in the Senate, and its supporters are determined to push the reform forward. The legislation was previously approved in both chambers last year ...

LOS ANGELES-- In a significant move, the Albanian parliament has taken steps to establish a legal and regulatory framework for the burgeoning medical and industrial cannabis sector. With resounding support, lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, with 69 votes in favor, 23 against, and three abstentions, signifying a clear mandate for the nascent industry. ...

LOS ANGELES-- Germany is making significant progress in shaping its adult-use cannabis policy, with key details emerging during a recent press conference. While some aspects still require further exploration, here is what we currently know about the initial phase of legalization: Legal age: The legal age for cannabis consumption will be set at 18 years ...

KYIV-- The Ukraine Parliament has taken a significant step towards the legalization of medical cannabis by granting initial approval to a proposed legislation. The bill, which still requires potential amendments and a second reading, must pass these stages before it reaches President Volodymyr Zelensky for final approval, as reported by the Kyiv Post. According to ...

LOS ANGELES-- Luxembourg, a European Union member nation, has taken a significant step in cannabis reform by legalizing the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use. According to a report by Forbes, Luxembourg became the second EU country, following Malta, to embrace such measures. The law allows adults to possess up to three grams ...

LIBERTA, Antigua — In a momentous stride toward religious freedom and cultural recognition, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has granted Rastafari adherents the authority to cultivate and utilize their sacred plant. This historic decision represents a significant milestone for Rastafari practitioners who have long endured incarceration and discrimination due to their sacramental use of ...

NICE, France-As European countries increasingly seek to legalize cannabis, companies from across the globe are eyeing opportunities in the budding market.  Calls to legalize cannabis are mounting across Europe, as a growing number of countries seek to replicate the progressive moves made by Canada and parts of the United States. From improving public health to ...

NICE, France-As European countries increasingly seek to legalize cannabis, companies from across the globe are eyeing opportunities in the budding market.  Calls to legalize cannabis are mounting across Europe, as a growing number of countries seek to replicate the progressive moves made by Canada and parts of the United States. From improving public health to ...

BERLIN-- The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) is gearing up for a timely and significant political discussion on cannabis policy reform in Germany. Building on the historic panel discussion held in 2021, where all major German political parties came together to discuss national cannabis reform, ICBC Berlin 2023 will once again serve as a platform ...

JOHANNESBURG–In the Kingdom of Eswatini, the prospect of legalizing cannabis has sparked a contentious debate, with legacy cannabis growers expressing their objections to the potential changes. As the country considers embracing a regulated cannabis industry, these long-standing cultivators argue that their illicit cannabis trade has been a vital source of income and sustenance for generations. ...

LOS ANGELES-- German officials have scaled back their plans for the legalization of cannabis after consulting with the European Union (EU), according to the Associated Press. Instead of a widespread retail industry, regulators now plan for a lower-profile legalization modelled primarily by nonprofits and cannabis consumers themselves, rather than private industry. The revised plan would ...