The Rwandan government will soon open a large medical cannabis production site of 134 hectares. The information, relayed by the Rwandan daily The New Times, comes from the Rwandan Development Board (RDB). This information marks the official launch of medical cannabis, a few months after having officially legalized it.

This site, whose locality remains unknown, will be a little smaller than the size of the Principality of Monaco. This large area proves the ambitions of the Rwandan government.

He hopes to take advantage of “green gold”. The head of the RDB provides 10 million dollars for a harvest of one hectare… much more than the 300,000 dollars per hectare brought in by flowers, another source of agricultural income.

These 134 hectares will soon be open… but no cultivation license has been granted yet. “The government will select companies with experience in the production of cannabis for medical use. At the moment, five companies are in advanced discussions”announces an RDB executive quoted by the NewTimes.

We do not know their identity. The newspaper specifies that those who applied for a license are both “consortia” only “local businesses”.

Cannabis for export to Europe and America

Companies hitting the jackpot will need to make big investments in security. The decree legalizing medical cannabis provides a system worthy of the American gold reserve of Fort Knox. It will take a ” double layer fence” a security officer ” 24/7″of the ” video surveillance “unot “intrusion detection system” and a control room.

Cannabis produced in Rwanda will only be exported elsewhere. The target countries? The United States and its 37 states have legalized medical cannabis, Canada, and Europe, with some countries having authorized its use such as Germany or the United Kingdom.

Rwanda also wants to compete with its neighbors in southern Africa, such as Lesotho, Botswana, Uganda or Zimbabwe. These countries want to be very active in the legal cultivation of cannabis. The populations have been growing the plant for hundreds of years, with exceptional old varieties.

The Kentucky House of Representatives in the United States has voted to legalize medical cannabis. The parliamentarians said “yes” by a large majority (59 votes for, 34 against), even if the House is largely controlled by the Republican right. This is a first step for this conservative state in the South, which has already tried several times to vote for access to cannabis for the sick.

If the law passes all the obstacles, it will be (very) strict. Patients suffering from certain diseases – epilepsy, cancer, chronic nausea, post-traumatic stress, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain – will be able to be prescribed cannabis. They must first receive a card to make their purchases. But they won’t be able to buy more than a month’s supply, and won’t be allowed to consume the cannabis by smoking it. Only flowers or extracts to be vaporized or ingested would be authorized. Also, self-cultivation is prohibited.

The Republican Senate must now vote

Next stop: the Senate. For a law to become reality, it must go through three stages. First, pass the House of Representatives (done), then the Senate, and finally, receive the signature of the Governor of the State. The latter, Andy Beshear, has already said he is in favor of the legalization of medical cannabis. Everything therefore rests in the hands of the 38 senators from Kentucky.

The Republicans outrageously dominate the lower house. Donald Trump’s party controls 30 seats, compared to only 8 for the Democrats. The debates will be spiced up, with a fraction of the Great Old Party for medical cannabis… and another completely opposite.

Damon Thayer, the Republican Senate Majority Leader, warns that it will be difficult: “I’m not a fan of medical cannabis, but I won’t stand in the middle of it if the law is to pass. Anyway, obviously, there will not be enough votes. » Others still hope: We will surely have enough votes to pass this law in the Senate.wants to believe Republican Jason Howell.

Kentucky remains one of the last US states without a medical cannabis program. 37 of the other 49 states have already said “yes”.

He has spent his career terrorizing opposing players. Former basketball player Ben Wallace, four-time defender of the year and Hall of Famer in the NBA, converts… to cannabis. He launched his own brand Undrafted. A direct reference to the fact that the former kingpin was never ‘drafted’, i.e. selected at the draft, the moment when NBA teams choose their future players among young nuggets. Normally, undrafted players struggle to make a career… but Ben Wallace has taken a nice revenge on his fate.

For Undrafted, Wallace partners with Rair, a small chain of five dispensaries. She is based… in Michigan, a state that legalized cannabis at the end of 2019. Again, this is a direct reference to her basketball career, since Big Ben spent his finest hours at the Pistons in Detroit, Michigan. In tribute to his career, the Pistons have also retired Wallace’s number 3.

At this time, we don’t have any details on the products launched between the former Piston and Rair. But this brand specializes in aeroponics, so that gives a pretty accurate clue. The launch will be official on April 1, tells us the website of the joint venture.

Many ex-NBA players converted to cannabis

“Cannabis has helped ease my pain and stress during my athletic career. It’s no secret that cannabis is a treatment of choice for athletes, and those who suffer from pain. So with this Undrafted brand, I will continue to put an end to the bad image associated with cannabis”promises the former pivot in a press release.

No more retraining as a television consultant at the end of his career. The new fashion among NBA players seems to be the launch of a cannabis brand. In addition to Ben Wallace, we can cite Paul Pierce, champion with the Boston Celtics in 2008; former SuperSonics player Shawn Kemp; or Al Harrington, associated with the legend Allen Iverson for the Viola brand.

At the same time, the NBA is greatly relaxing its rules related to the use of cannabis. While Wallace, Pierce or Iverson risked suspension matches and a fine for cannabis consumption, current NBA players are no longer subject to drug tests. Cannabis remains officially banned in the league, but there are no longer any controls.

This could be one of the biggest deals in the young history of the cannabusiness. The American Cresco should soon announce the takeover of its rival, Columbia Care, for two billion dollars. This is reported by the well-informed Reuters news agency, which relies on “three sources familiar with the matter”. For the time being, the management of the companies concerned have not reacted. “An agreement could be announced this Wednesday”says the Reuters journalist.

Cresco specializes in the production – through its brands Mindy’s, High Supply or Good News – and the distribution of cannabis, with its Sunnyside stores. These shops are mainly present in the eastern United States, from Illinois to Florida. Another strong point: he leaves ahead of schedule for New York, which will soon legalize recreational cannabis.

For its part, Columbia is also present in the eastern United States… but also very well established in large western markets. In California, he owns half a dozen stores in Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego. And in Colorado, he already owns about twenty stores. Which makes a major rival for Cresco… who therefore chose to swallow it.

“Not the biggest acquisition in history, but a very big one”

Currently, Cresco is worth $1.8 billion. Columbia is a bit smaller, with a market valuation of 1.2 billion. With a transaction estimated at 2 billion – almost its weight on the stock market – Cresco is therefore making a big effort. “It’s not the biggest acquisition in the history of cannabis, but it’s still a very big one”notes Antoine Quesnel, a French trader specializing in the values ​​of cannabis companies.

For the American cannabis giants, it’s time to regroup. The plant is still prohibited at the federal level, in the United States, which greatly complicates their activity. “To sell cannabis, you have to produce it and sell it in the same state, so it costs a blind, continues Quesnel. Si Cresco wanted to get into California, it would take them two years. There, they buy Columbia and are present tomorrow. »

And it is moreover exactly the same principle for another recent deal. Last spring, Trulieve bought out one of its competitors, Harvest. Reason given? ” VSit allows us to accelerate our entry into Arizona”in the words of the CEO of Trulieve.

It’s no joke: Starting April 1, New Mexico’s 118 dispensaries will be able to sell flowers, oils, and edibles to all residents over the age of 21. This will be the start of legal cannabis sales, almost a year after the vote on the so-called ‘HB2’ law. The local market is valued at $125 million the first year, then $400 million after five years, according to calculations by MJBizDaily.

In stores, consumers will be able to purchase up to two ounces (about 60 grams) of flowers, with a maximum THC content of 35%. It will also be possible to obtain 16 grams of extracts (wax, budder, resin, etc.) or 800mg ofedibles (cookies, infused chocolate, etc.).

As New Mexico already authorized medical cannabis, patients treated with the plant will have access to products with higher THC doses. As for self-cultivation, already authorized, residents will be able to grow up to six mature plants at home.

The potheads fill the coffers of this semi-desert state in the American Southwest in their own way. A 12% excise tax will apply on cannabis sales. Taxation is on average for other US states, between 9 and 37%.

Residents of neighboring Texas rub hands

Paradoxically, it’s not the 2 million New Mexicans who rub their hands the most… but rather their Texan neighbors. They are ten times more numerous – 20 million – and have almost no access to cannabis. Their medical program is very limited. And cannabis for adult use is illegal. It can cost you 6 months in jail and a $2,000 fine.

“According to our study, 40-42% of purchases will be made by residents of other states, particularly Texas”predicts Duke Rodriguez, the boss of the largest chain of dispensaries in New Mexico, quoted by the Santa Fe New Mexican.

The merchants of New Mexico will therefore not deprive themselves: they set up their stalls as close as possible to the border with Texas. Carlos Enriquez, the chief of police in Anthony, Texas, expects more and more arrests for possession of cannabis.

Faced with the bronca of cannabis traders, the State of California publishes new rules. They must relax the regulations, which are far too bureaucratic according to professionals in the sector. the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) – the California regulator – must now walk on a tightrope, so as not to completely lose the link with the industry.

First novelty, claimed for a long time: merchants will be able to sell cannabis “appellation of origin”, if they request it. These appellations will reward the quality of a terroir, as can be done with wine or cheese in France.

The DCC will also allow cannabis consumers to pick up their products directly on the sidewalk, using the in-store pick-up method implemented in many businesses during the covid-19 pandemic.

Finally, it will be easier to transport cannabis in your car, whether for the consumer, the merchant, or the delivery person. For example, Californians will be able to transport their cannabis home, provided it is in a “safe area” of the car, such as the glove box.

California’s cannabis system is a ‘national joke’

the Department of Cannabis Control wants to listen to the cannabis industry. “These proposals are the result of the feedback we received by mail, meetings or conversations”welcomes its director in a press release.

Lately the Governor of California and the DCC have been under heavy attack. The cannabis trade in the state is a “national joke”according to a petition from industrialists in the sector. “California’s cannabis system is a public policy lesson in what not to do. California’s world-renowned cannabis artisans are literally killing themselves. They’re trying to survive on a chessboard you’ve invited them to, but it’s rigged. »

California legalized cannabis in 2017. But since then, the legal market has struggled to compete with the much cheaper black market. To reverse the trend, a law should soon lower taxes on cannabis, which are particularly high in the state.

These doctors will not be going on vacation together this summer. The imminent arrival of medical cannabis in France continues to divide white coats. Latest episode: a scathing press release from the Academy of Medicine and the Academy of Pharmacy… and an equally scathing response from the doctor in charge of the experiment set up in the spring of 2021.

” I‘experimentation in Classes aiming at to justify the use therapeutic from cannabis derogates to requirements methodological, safe and ethical who governnt the evaluation of any drug candidate”, reproach academics, whose role is to enlighten the president and the government in their public health policy.

For several years, the Academy of Medicine has been fiercely opposed to medical cannabis. She even refuses the name “medical cannabis”, because she considers the plant ineffective.

Today, she tackles the methodology of the life-size trial around medical cannabis. This is done in the absence ” of a clinical trial hikebet ». That is to say with a group of patients receiving an active principle, the other a placebo. According to academics, this is the only way ” devalue d‘aand way satisfactory the balance benefits/risks of one candidate medication, in the interest of the patient”.

“They have the right to give their opinion, but it is not listened to”

A position that irritates Nicolas Authier, head of the experiment: “They have the right to give their opinion, it turns out that their opinion is not listened to, he tackles with Newsweed. The decrees around medical cannabis come out one after the other, the machine is launched despite their positions. I think they should be taken with distance and very little interest. »

The professor of psychiatry also tackles a “group of academics” who “offer press releases as much borrowed from science as from morality”.

Last grievance: according to Authier, academicians opposed to medical cannabis “have never had patients in front of them”. For him, they are essentially toxicologists or biologists. ” They cannot measure, due to their medical inexperience, what we are doing. It’s not a complaint, but they don’t start from their good position. It’s as if I were asked to talk about cardiology! “.

The experiment should last another two years. For the time being, 1,500 French patients are being treated with medical cannabis, i.e. half of the places available.

Swiss scientists warn of a “dismal statement”. According to their analyses, 85 out of 100 CBD products are non-compliant with the regulations. 73 of these goods are even now prohibited for consumption, since they do not respect the specifications. Most of the time, CBD products have achieved these results because of too high a concentration.

“These products are not safe for consumer safety. THC and CBD have been measured, and the toxicological thresholds beyond which a health risk can no longer be excluded are frequently exceeded. For these CBD products, it only takes one to two drops to exceed the thresholds recommended by all the health safety agencies”alarmed Patrick Edder, one of the authors of the study, in an interview for Swiss radio RTS.

He analyzed various extracts, such as CBD oil, but also gums, infusions and sweets. Most of these products are too concentrated in CBD. And even if the substance is not psychotropic, it is not without risk, according to the chemist: “There can be adverse effects on the liver, the digestive system, fertility, or problems with drowsiness so if you drive it can be a problem. »

The maximum THC level ever exceeded

Some products also had to be recalled because “use of unauthorized hemp extracts”. The association of cantonal chemists – responsible for the study – does not specify which ones, but one can think of prohibited cannabinoids, or extracts such as Delta-8-THC.

These products found their way to market (and to consumers) because companies “do not sufficiently or not at all assume the self-monitoring to which they are legally bound”denounce the scientists.

Don’t panic, though: the maximum THC level of 1% has never been exceeded. “These products are not narcotics. That doesn’t mean they’re risk-free.” nuance Patrick Edder.

Swiss CBD consumers can be reassured: the chemist has not discovered any dangerous substances. But they exist elsewhere. Scientists have found vitamin E acetate and/or heavy metals in other cannabidiol products, including vape pen.

They took up the words of reggae singer Peter Tosh… but want to stay far from clichés. About twenty specialists animated Legalize It, this weekend in Marseille. A single watchword: legalize cannabis, and goodbye. With several elected officials – including some from the town hall – this gathering wants to weigh in on the public debate, a few days before the presidential election.

Marseille, a city said to be dear to President Emmanuel Macron… but destabilized by cannabis trafficking. “There are far too many dead in our city, it’s unbearable”, immediately justifies Fanny Fontan. The documentary filmmaker co-organized the event with the founder of Kanavape Sébastien Béguerie, elected environmentalists and the pro-legalization association NORML France.

In 2021, 90 people died in Marseille in killings linked to drug trafficking, according to the Judicial Police. For the organizers of Legalize Itallowing the sale of cannabis could curb this violence. ” Justice and the police are overwhelmed by trafficking and we are faced with a hypocritical discourse which consists in remaining in repression. We must consider the alternative, the legalization »claims the elected ecologist at the town hall of Marseille, Fabien Perez.

But this is not a miracle solution, for sociologist Khadidja Sahraoui-Chapuis. “I think we have to remain measured on the impact in working-class neighborhoods, already because there are few outlets that only sell cannabis. […] Legalization should not be a matter of sores who want their cannabis easily. We have to work with the inhabitants of these neighborhoods. »

From “motor oil” in cannabis resin

Legalizing cannabis would also be a way of regulating these products, and imposing health standards on them. “Cannabis is often cut with henna, used oil. Consumers have been considered second-class citizens for years,” criticizes Farid Ghehiouèche of Cannabis Sans Frontières.

Finally, a distribution of cannabis would also make it possible to provide employment, in a city where almost one in five inhabitants is unemployed (in 2018), twice the national average. “If we reform the legal status of the cannabis trade, it won’t be a panacea, it won’t be a revolution tomorrow, but it could start something”hopes the economist Christian Ben Lakhdar.