World

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 ...

June 4th, 2024|

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 ...

May 21st, 2024|

Thailand’s Prime Minister Proposes Recriminalization of Cannabis

LOS ANGELES - Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, announced on social media his intention to recriminalize cannabis, permitting its use solely for medicinal purposes. This move aligns with earlier suggestions from the country’s health minister and marks a significant shift from the existing laws that decriminalized the plant in 2022. The decriminalization made Thailand the ...

May 13th, 2024|

Expansion of Japan’s Cannabis Market

LOS ANGELES- The cannabis market in Japan has shown remarkable growth from $26.3 million in 2019 to $173.8 million in 2023. This growth, detailed in a report by Euromonitor International, reflects a burgeoning demand for products that enhance relaxation, improve sleep, and offer stress relief. The Japanese market's expansion was somewhat restrained initially due to ...

April 24th, 2024|

Surge in Canceled Cannabis Licenses and Rising Unpaid Excise Tax in Canada

NEW YORK- The Canadian cannabis industry is facing significant operational hurdles as evidenced by the sharp increase in business license cancellations. According to data from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), at least 123 federal cannabis business licenses were either canceled or pending cancellation in 2023, nearly triple the number from the previous year. This escalation ...

April 12th, 2024|

ANALYSIS: Ukraine’s Medical Cannabis Legalization: A Journey of Hope and Resilience

KYIV--In the heart of Ukraine, amidst the bustling streets of its vibrant cities and the tranquil beauty of its countryside, a new era is dawning—one marked by the legalization of medical cannabis. Having immersed myself in the fabric of Ukrainian life, I've witnessed firsthand the multifaceted impact of this legislative milestone on Ukraine's collective consciousness. ...

April 5th, 2024|

Germany Ushers in a New Era with Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

BERLIN- As the clock struck midnight in Germany, transitioning from March 31st to April 1st, the nation embraced a historic shift in its drug policy landscape. Germany’s new adult-use cannabis legalization law, known as the CanG law, officially came into effect, marking the country as the latest to join a growing list of nations reevaluating ...

April 1st, 2024|

Mexico’s President Asserts Sovereignty in Drug Cartel Policy

LOS ANGELES- In a firm rebuff to external pressures, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador declared last week that Mexico will not engage in combative actions against drug cartels at the behest of the United States. Emphasizing national sovereignty, López Obrador's stance highlights a broader strategy of non-aggression in dealing with the cartels, underscoring a ...

March 27th, 2024|

Germany Approves Historic Cannabis Legalization Measure

LOS ANGELES- In a landmark decision, lawmakers in Germany's Bundesrat have voted to approve the CanG measure, paving the way for the national legalization of adult-use cannabis. The Bundesrat's approval follows the previous endorsement by the Bundestag in February, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to cannabis regulation. Despite facing substantial opposition within ...

March 22nd, 2024|

Morocco’s Pioneering Cannabis Harvest Yields 294 Metric Tons Amid Legal Shift

LOS ANGELES- In a historic development for Morocco and its agricultural sector, the nation's first legal cannabis harvest has culminated in a substantial yield of 294 metric tons in 2023. This milestone follows the country's legislative reforms allowing the cultivation and export of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, a move overseen by the Moroccan ...

March 18th, 2024|
  • Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Archambault Institution

Thailand’s Shift: From Decriminalization to Recreational Cannabis Ban

LOS ANGELES- Thailand's journey with cannabis policy has taken a significant turn as the nation's health minister, Cholnan Srikaew, announced plans to reinstate a ban on recreational cannabis use by the end of the year. This move aims to curb non-medical usage while maintaining the legality of cannabis for medicinal purposes, marking a pivot from ...

March 3rd, 2024|

Ukraine Embraces Medical Cannabis: A New Frontier in Healthcare

NEW YORK- On February 15th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy inked his signature on a bill that legalized the medical use of cannabis, as revealed by a parliamentary database on Thursday. This pivotal move followed advocacy from lawmakers and medical experts, who highlighted the urgent need for cannabis-based medication, particularly for more than 6 million individuals, ...

February 28th, 2024|

Israel Probes Canadian Cannabis Imports

NEW YORK- In a significant development within the global cannabis sector, Israel has initiated an investigation into the importation of Canadian medical cannabis. This move comes against a backdrop of allegations suggesting that Canadian firms are engaging in "dumping" practices, where goods are sold in foreign markets at prices lower than those in the domestic ...

February 19th, 2024|

Ukraine Enacts Medical Cannabis Legislation Amidst Ongoing Conflict

KYIV— In a historic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially signed into law legislation that legalizes the use of medical cannabis, marking a significant policy shift in the country. This legislation comes as a response to the urgent health needs arising from the protracted conflict with Russia, targeting conditions prevalent among the affected populations, ...

February 18th, 2024|

Thailand’s Cannabis Industry Faces Major Shift with New Draft Law

In a significant move that could reshape the cannabis landscape in Thailand, the government is preparing to introduce a draft law aimed at curbing the sale of cannabis for adult use and refocusing the burgeoning industry towards medicinal purposes. This pivot comes after a period of rapid growth in the recreational cannabis sector, sparked by ...

February 12th, 2024|
  • Fast Buds - German cannabis legalisation

Germany Poised for Historic Cannabis Legalization: Implications and Challenges

BERLIN- Germany is on the cusp of a historic shift in its cannabis policy, with Health Minister Karl Lauterbach announcing plans for cannabis legalization this spring. This move places Germany alongside a growing list of countries in Europe and globally that are reforming their cannabis laws. Currently, cannabis possession and consumption are illegal in Germany, ...

January 31st, 2024|

Belgium’s Drug Policy Reform: A Deliberate Move Toward Decriminalization Inspired by Portugal’s Model

BRUSSELS- Belgium is currently considering significant reforms in its drug policy, a move inspired by Portugal’s successful decriminalization model. Ine Van Wymersch, Belgium’s National Drug Commissioner and a former prosecutor, is advocating for the decriminalization of the possession and use of illegal drugs. This approach marks a shift from punitive to curative strategies in dealing with ...

January 15th, 2024|
  • Cannabis Extraction Market, Licensed Medical Cannabis Distributor in Germany, Medical Cannabis Market

Czech Republic Unveils Compromise Cannabis Regulation Draft Amid Diverse Political Views

PRAGUE— The Czech government recently released its anticipated draft regulations for cannabis cultivation and consumption on January 10, marking a significant, albeit tentative, step in cannabis policy reform. This draft, described as a "compromise version" by the Czech Pirate Party, a liberal faction instrumental in its formulation, suggests ongoing negotiations for more comprehensive regulations. As ...

January 14th, 2024|

Thailand’s Backpedal on Cannabis: New Bill to Ban Recreational Use Amid Regulatory Challenges

WORLD- Thailand's journey with cannabis legalization has taken a sharp turn as the government proposes new regulations to curb what it perceives as unintended recreational use. A draft bill, introduced on January 9, aims to impose stringent restrictions and penalties on the recreational consumption and sale of cannabis, marking a significant shift in the country's ...

January 11th, 2024|

Germany’s Path to Cannabis Legalization: A Potential Boon for Global Markets and U.S. Investors

BERLIN — Germany's recent announcement to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults has set the stage for what is expected to be a multi-billion dollar market, sparking significant interest from investors, companies, and countries worldwide, including the United States. Investor Enthusiasm Peaks A survey conducted by Bloomwell Group, a leading European cannabis market player, revealed ...

January 8th, 2024|

Ghana Joins Growing List of African Nations Legalizing Cannabis for Medical and Industrial Use

WORLD- Ghana has recently taken a significant step in cannabis reform by legalizing its cultivation for medical and industrial purposes. This decision, made by the Parliament earlier this month, positions Ghana in line with a global trend that is reshaping cannabis laws and could potentially unlock vast economic and employment opportunities within the nation. The ...

December 27th, 2023|

Ukraine Moves to Legalize Medical Cannabis

KIEV- In a landmark decision, Ukrainian lawmakers have passed a bill to legalize medical cannabis, marking a significant step in providing relief for patients suffering from cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill, which is now awaiting the signature of President Volodymyr Zelensky, is seen as a major advancement in the country's healthcare policy. ...

December 25th, 2023|

Italian Cannabis Reform Campaign Nears Signature Milestone in Record Time

ROME — In an unprecedented surge of public support, a campaign for cannabis reform in Italy has achieved nearly half the required signatures in just one week to bring the issue before the Parliament. This development signals a growing momentum in Europe for cannabis legislation, following Germany's anticipated legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2024. The ...

December 20th, 2023|

Japan’s Revision of Cannabis Drug Law

WORLD- In a historic move, Japan has taken significant steps toward reshaping its stance on cannabis, reflecting a nuanced approach to the burgeoning global interest in cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals and industrial hemp. The latest amendment to Japan's Cannabis Control Law, passed by a majority vote in the House of Councillors, marks a departure from some of ...

December 13th, 2023|
  • Ayr Wellness, Cannabis Retail

KwaZulu-Natal Boosts Hemp To Revitalize Economy

WORLD- In a significant move for South Africa's burgeoning hemp sector, the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has awarded 664 licenses for the cultivation, storage, and transportation of industrial hemp, as reported by The South African. This decision, announced in October, marks a pivotal moment in the region's agricultural and economic landscape. KZN's Department of Agriculture ...

December 11th, 2023|
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